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Effect of SARS-CoV-2 infection on the liver

Adekunle Sanyaolu1, Aleksandra Marinkovic2, Abu Fahad Abbasi3

  • 1Department of Public Health, Federal Ministry of Health, Abuja, Nigeria, Abuja 0000, FCT, Nigeria. sanyakunle@hotmail.com.

World Journal of Virology
|April 10, 2023
PubMed

Insights

The study investigates how severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) impacts liver health and identifies risk factors for liver complications in COVID-19 patients. Understanding these effects aids in developing better treatments and patient care strategies.

Area of Science:

  • Hepatology
  • Virology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by SARS-CoV-2, has raised concerns about its systemic effects, including liver involvement.
  • Increased prevalence of hepatitis and other liver diseases observed during the pandemic necessitates understanding SARS-CoV-2's role.
  • The liver's crucial role in drug metabolism for COVID-19 treatments and comorbidities highlights the importance of studying its response to the virus.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the specific mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 affects liver function.
  • To identify key factors that increase the risk of liver damage in individuals with COVID-19.
  • To provide an updated review of the current literature on COVID-19's impact on the liver.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
  • Data was systematically collected from three major scientific databases.
  • Relevant information was synthesized to provide a current overview.

Main Results:

  • The review consolidates current knowledge on SARS-CoV-2's effects on the liver.
  • Identifies risk factors contributing to liver injury in COVID-19 patients.
  • Highlights the liver's involvement in drug metabolism relevant to COVID-19 treatment.

Conclusions:

  • Enhanced understanding of SARS-CoV-2's hepatotoxicity is crucial for clinical management.
  • Further research can lead to improved therapeutic strategies and patient outcomes.
  • Educating healthcare providers and the public can mitigate the long-term health consequences of the pandemic.
Keywords:
COVID-19CoronavirusHepatic complicationsLiverSARS-CoV-2

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