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Published on: September 10, 2021
Clinical Features and Pathogenic Mechanisms of Gastrointestinal Injury in COVID-19
Keiichi Mitsuyama1,2, Kozo Tsuruta1,2, Hidetoshi Takedatsu1,2
1Inflammatory Bowel Disease Center, Kurume University Hospital, 67 Asahimachi, Kurume, Fukuoka 830-0011, Japan.
Abstract:
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the cause of the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) outbreak. Along with the respiratory tract, the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is one of the main extra-pulmonary targets of SARS-CoV-2 with respect to symptom occurrence and is a potential route for virus transmission, most likely due to the presence of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2. Therefore, understanding the mechanisms of GI injury is crucial for a harmonized therapeutic strategy against COVID-19. This review summarizes the current evidence for the clinical features of and possible pathogenic mechanisms leading to GI injury in COVID-19.
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