ACE2 and respiratory failure: Different WAT-associated endocrine mechanisms have been proposed: (a) high plasma resistin levels are strong predictors of mortality in COVID-19 [32]; (b) high serum leptin levels are associated with increased expression of ACE2 and of leptin receptors in lungs [33]; (c) reduced plasma adiponectin levels associate with respiratory failure in COVID-19 patients (also upon adjustment for age, sex and BMI) indicating a role for adiponectin in the linking of obesity with COVID-19 [34].