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Implications of metabolic dysfunction associated fatty liver disease in COVID-19

Raja Chakraborty1, Deepak Sharma2, Devesh U Kapoor3

  • 1Institute of Pharmacy, Assam Don Bosco University, Guwahati 782402, Assam, India.

World Journal of Clinical Cases
|March 17, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Metabolic associated fatty liver disorder (MAFLD) increases COVID-19 risks. Patients with MAFLD and COVID-19 face worse outcomes due to metabolic dysfunction and liver injury.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Metabolic Disorders

Background:

  • Metabolic associated fatty liver disorder (MAFLD) affects one-third of the global population, often coexisting with conditions like type 2 diabetes and obesity.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted increased susceptibility and severity in individuals with comorbidities.
  • MAFLD patients, characterized by obesity and metabolic derangements, are at higher risk for severe COVID-19 outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the implications of metabolic dysfunction in MAFLD patients with COVID-19.
  • To analyze the combined impact of these two global pandemics on patient health.
  • To explore the mechanisms linking MAFLD and COVID-19 severity.

Main Methods:

  • Systematic review of existing literature.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data on MAFLD and COVID-19 prevalence.
  • Examination of clinical studies on COVID-19 outcomes in MAFLD patients.

Main Results:

  • MAFLD patients are 4-6 times more prone to infections and severe COVID-19.
  • COVID-19 can induce liver injury, evidenced by elevated liver enzymes (AST, ALT).
  • Pre-existing MAFLD significantly increases the risk of morbidity and ICU admission in COVID-19 patients.

Conclusions:

  • MAFLD exacerbates COVID-19, leading to poorer clinical outcomes.
  • Mechanisms include direct hepatic injury, heightened inflammation, mitochondrial dysfunction, and immune compromise.
  • Understanding this interaction is crucial for managing patients during overlapping pandemics.

Keywords:
COVID-19Cytokine stormHepatic damageMetabolic associated fatty liver disorderMetabolic dysfunction

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