ACE2 and endothelial dysfunction: In addition, the SARS-CoV-2 virus decreases the level of ACE2, which leads to increased AngII, which, in turn, activates the AngII type 1 receptor, leading to the production of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-8 through the NF-κB signaling pathway, causing acute endothelial dysfunction and immune-mediated injury (25).