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Innate and Adaptive Immunity Alterations in Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease and Its Implication in COVID-19
Patricia Lamadrid1, Marta Alonso-Peña2, David San Segundo1,3
1Transplant and Autoimmunity Group, Research Institute Marques de Valdecilla (IDIVAL), Santander, Spain.
Insights
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) patients face higher risks from COVID-19. This review explores the shared immune system pathways in MAFLD and severe COVID-19, seeking new treatments.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbates health issues globally, particularly in individuals with metabolic syndrome.
- Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is increasingly prevalent and associated with severe COVID-19 outcomes.
- Patients with MAFLD, obesity, type II diabetes mellitus, and cardiac issues face heightened risks of severe COVID-19 and mortality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of the immune system in MAFLD development and progression.
- To discuss the implications of MAFLD on severe COVID-19 in affected patients.
- To identify common pathologies and potential therapeutic targets for both conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on immunological mechanisms in MAFLD.
- Analysis of studies investigating COVID-19 severity in patients with metabolic disorders.
- Synthesis of findings to elucidate shared pathways between MAFLD and COVID-19.
Main Results:
- Exacerbated innate immune responses are critical in severe MAFLD and COVID-19.
- MAFLD patients exhibit increased susceptibility to severe COVID-19.
- Common immunological factors contribute to the pathology of both diseases.
Conclusions:
- Understanding the shared immune pathology between MAFLD and COVID-19 is crucial.
- This knowledge may lead to novel therapeutic strategies and prognostic biomarkers.
- Further research is needed to target common pathways for effective treatment.
Abstract:
The coronavirus infectious disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has hit the world, affecting health, medical care, economies and our society as a whole. Furthermore, COVID-19 pandemic joins the increasing prevalence of metabolic syndrome in western countries. Patients suffering from obesity, type II diabetes mellitus, cardiac involvement and metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) have enhanced risk of suffering severe COVID-19 and mortality. Importantly, up to 25% of the population in western countries is susceptible of suffering from both MAFLD and COVID-19, while none approved treatment is currently available for any of them. Moreover, it is well known that exacerbated innate immune responses are key in the development of the most severe stages of MAFLD and COVID-19. In this review, we focus on the role of the immune system in the establishment and progression of MAFLD and discuss its potential implication in the development of severe COVID-19 in MAFLD patients. As a result, we hope to clarify their common pathology, but also uncover new potential therapeutic targets and prognostic biomarkers for further research.
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