Molecular mechanisms implicated in SARS-CoV-2 liver tropism

World J Gastroenterol. 2022 Dec 28;28(48):6875-6887. doi: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i48.6875.

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Hepatic involvement is common in SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals. It is currently accepted that the direct and indirect hepatic effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection play a significant role in COVID-19. In individuals with pre-existing infectious and non-infectious liver disease, who are at a remarkably higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 and death, this pathology is most medically relevant. This review emphasizes the current pathways regarded as contributing to the gastrointestinal and hepatic ailments linked to COVID-19-infected patients due to an imbalanced interaction among the liver, systemic inflammation, disrupted coagulation, and the lung.

Keywords: Coronavirus disease 2019; Hyperin-flammation; Non-infectious liver disease; SARS-CoV-2; Viral hepatitis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / pathology
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / pathology
  • Liver / pathology
  • SARS-CoV-2*
  • Tropism