COVID-19 and liver disease: mechanistic and clinical perspectives

COVID-19 and Liver Disease: An Evolving Landscape

The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in significant worldwide morbidity and mortality. In this review, we examine the intricate relationships between COVID-19 and liver diseases. While respiratory manifestations of COVID-19 are well known, its impact and consequences in patients with liver diseases remain an area of ongoing investigation. COVID-19 can induce liver injury through various mechanisms and is associated with higher mortality in individuals with preexisting chronic liver disease. Mortality increases with the severity of chronic liver disease and the level of care required. The outcomes in patients with autoimmune hepatitis remain unclear, whereas liver transplant recipients are more likely to experience symptomatic COVID-19 but have comparable outcomes to the general population. Despite suboptimal immunological response, COVID-19 vaccinations are safe and effective in liver disease, although cases of autoimmune hepatitis-like syndrome have been reported. In conclusion, COVID-19 has significant implications in liver diseases; early recognition and treatments are important for improving patient outcomes.

SARS-CoV-2 Vaccine Uptake among Patients with Chronic Liver Disease: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in Hebei Province, China

Chronic liver disease (CLD) patients have higher mortality and hospitalization rates after infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This study aimed to explore SARS-CoV-2 vaccine perceptions, side effects, factors associated with nonvaccination and attitudes toward fourth-dose vaccine among CLD patients. The differences between vaccinated and unvaccinated groups among 1491 CLD patients and the risk factors associated with nonvaccination status were analyzed. In total, 1239 CLD patients were immunized against SARS-CoV-2. CLD patients have a high level of trust in the government and clinicians and were likely to follow their recommendations for vaccination. Reasons reported for nonvaccination were mainly concerns about the vaccines affecting their ongoing treatments and the fear of adverse events. However, only 4.84% of patients reported mild side effects. Risk factors influencing nonvaccination included being older in age, having cirrhosis, receiving treatments, having no knowledge of SARS-CoV-2 vaccine considerations and not receiving doctors' positive advice on vaccination. Furthermore, 20.6% of completely vaccinated participants refused the fourth dose because they were concerned about side effects and believed that the complete vaccine was sufficiently protective. Our study proved that SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were safe for CLD patients. Our findings suggest that governments and health workers should provide more SARS-CoV-2 vaccination information and customize strategies to improve vaccination coverage and enhance vaccine protection among the CLD population.

Predictors and Outcomes of Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients with Liver Injury

Objective

To determine incidence, predictors, and impact of liver injury among hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of hospitalized COVID-19 patients at the University of the Philippines-Philippine General Hospital. Liver injury (LI) was defined as ALT elevation above institutional cut-off (>50 u/L) and was classified as mild (>1x to 3x ULN), moderate (>3x to 5x ULN), or severe (>5x ULN). Significant liver injury (SLI) was defined as moderate to severe LI. Univariate analysis of SLI predictors was performed. The impact of LI on clinical outcomes was determined and adjusted for known predictors -age, sex, and comorbidities.

Results

Of the 1,131 patients, 565 (50.04%) developed LI. SLI was associated with male sex, alcohol use, chronic liver disease, increasing COVID-19 severity, high bilirubin, AST, LDH, CRP, and low lymphocyte count and albumin. An increasing degree of LI correlated with ICU admission. Only severe LI was associated with the risk of invasive ventilation (OR: 3.54, p=0.01) and mortality (OR: 2.76, p=0.01). Severe LI, male sex, cardiovascular disease, and malignancy were associated with longer hospital stay among survivors.

Conclusion

The liver injury occurred commonly among COVID-19 patients and was associated with important clinicodemographic characteristics. Severe liver injury increases the risk of adverse outcomes among hospitalized patients.

Mortality from chronic liver disease: Recent trends and impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

Prepandemic time trends in mortality from chronic liver disease (CLD) differed according to specific cause of death (decreasing for liver cirrhosis, stable or increasing for liver cancer), etiology (increasing for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, generally decreasing for other etiologies), and world region (decreasing in areas with the highest burden of hepatitis B virus, increasing in Eastern Europe and other countries). The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic affected mortality of patients with CLD both directly, with a higher risk for severe illness and death depending on age, stage and etiology of the disease, and indirectly, through social isolation and loss of support, harmful drinking, and difficulties in access to care. Nevertheless, only sparse data are available on variations in CLD as a cause of death during the pandemic. In the USA, in 2020-2021 a growth in mortality was registered for all liver diseases, more marked for alcoholic liver disease, especially among young people aged 25-44 years and in selected ethnic groups. COVID-19 related deaths accounted only for a minor part of the excess. Further data from mortality registers of other countries are warranted, preferably adopting the so-called multiple cause-of-death approach, and extended to deaths attributed to viral hepatitis and liver cancer.

Influence of chronic liver diseases on the course and outcome of COVID-19

INTRODUCTION

Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) is a global health problem. The impact of chronic liver diseases on the course and outcome of COVID-19 is still the subject of research. The aim of this study was to show the characteristics of COVID-19 patients with chronic liver diseases, and to establish the risk factors for unfavourable outcome.

METHODS

A retrospective observational study was conducted at the Infectious Disease Clinic in Belgrade, Serbia, and included 80 patients with chronic liver diseases and COVID-19 within a time frame of two years (between 15 March 2020 and 15 March 2022). Characteristics of the affected persons, as well as the risk factors for a fatal outcome, were analyzed.

RESULTS

Of the 80 subjects in the study, 23.8% had chronic viral hepatitis, 12.5% autoimmune liver diseases and alcoholic liver disease respectively, 30% had non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, while 11.2% had chronic liver diseases of unknown aetiology. A total of 33.7% had cirrhosis, 6.3% hepatocellular carcinoma and 5% had liver transplants. A total of 92.5% of respondents had pneumonia (21.2% were critically ill). A deterioration of chronic liver disease was registered among 33.7% of patients, and decompensation in 3.8%; 76.3% patients recovered, while 23.7% had a lethal outcome. Risk factors for lethal outcome by univariate analysis were: alcoholic liver disease, cirrhosis, increased transaminases values prior to COVID-19, malignancy, severe pneumonia and dyspnea. In a multivariate analysis, the presence of liver cirrhosis (OR = 69.1, p = 0.001) and severe pneumonia (OR = 22.3, p = 0.006) remained independently predictive for lethal outcome.

CONCLUSION

These findings will help with the evaluation of COVID-19 patients who have chronic liver diseases and will improve their risk stratification.

Influence of time factor and albuminuria on characteristics of patients with type 2 diabetes Mellitus before, during and 1 year after COVID-19 recovery

BACKGROUND

The potential effects of time factor and albuminuria on the morbid alterations in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and COVID-19 are still unclear. We aimed to address the morbid alterations and the potential effects of time factor and albuminuria on the patients' characteristics before, during, and 1 year after COVID-19 recovery.

METHODS

83 patients with T2D were included, at Mansoura University Hospital, Egypt (July 2021-December 2021). Data of detailed history, physical examination, laboratory tests were recruited from files of the patients. Diagnosis and resolution of COVID-19 were established by Real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) test of SARS-CoV2. Complete blood count (CBC), renal and hepatic function tests, multiple measures of morning spot urine albumin to creatinine ratio (urine ACR), glycosylated hemoglobin (HBA1c), lipid profile, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), C-reactive protein (CRP), Ferritin, neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio (NLR), vitamin D3, intact parathyroid hormone (intact PTH), serum calcium were applied to all participants.

RESULTS

Our participants had a mean age of 45 years, 60.2% male, 56.6% were hospitalized, and 25.3% were admitted to ICU for severe COVID-19. Albuminuria was prevalent in 71.1% before, 98.8% during, and 92.8% after COVID-19 recovery. Patients with albuminuria showed older age, longer duration of T2D, more frequent severe COVID-19 and hospitalization (p = 0.03, p < 0.001, p = 0.023& p = 0.025) respectively. Body mass index (BMI), mean arterial blood pressure, ESR, CRP, ferritin, NLR, HBA1c, triglycerides to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL-C) ratio, vitamin D3, serum calcium, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), hepatic aminotransferases, and urine ACR showed significant alterations throughout the study (p < 0.001 for all). Although the interaction between time and albuminuria showed non-significant effect on all studied parameters, we noticed relevant main effects of time factor on Body mass index (BMI), HBA1c, glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), TG/HDL ratio, NLR, vitamin D3, (p < 0.001 for all). Moreover, albuminuria showed main effects on BMI, serum creatinine, and intact PTH (p = 0.019, 0.005 & <0.001), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The characteristics of patients with T2D significantly altered throughout the study. Time factor and albuminuria exerted relevant main effects on the patients' characteristics without significant effect of their interaction.

COVID-19 in Pediatric Intensive Care Units in Poland, PAPITCO-19 Study (Polish Analysis of PICU Trends during COVID-19)

BACKGROUND

Children suffering from COVID-19 constitute about 10% of the entire population infected with the virus. In most of them, we observe asymptomatic or mild courses; however, about 1% of affected children require a stay in a paediatric intensive care unit (PICU) due to the course of the disease becoming severely life-threatening. The risk of respiratory failure, as with adults, is associated with the coexistence of concomitant diseases. The aim of our study was to analyse patients admitted to PICUs due to the severe course of their SARS-CoV-2 infection. We studied epidemiological and laboratory parameters, as well as the endpoint (survival or death).

METHODS

A retrospective multi-centre study, the analysis covered all children with a confirmed diagnosis of SARS-CoV-2 virus infection who were admitted to PICUs in the period from November 2020 to August 2021. We studied epidemiological and laboratory parameters, as well as the endpoint (survival or death).

RESULTS

The study analysed 45 patients (0.075% of all children hospitalised in Poland due to COVID-19 at that time). Mortality calculated in the entire study group was 40% (n = 18). Statistically significant differences between the compared groups (survived and died) concerned the parameters of the respiratory system. Lung Injury Score and the Paediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment were used. A significant correlation between disease severity and the patient's prognosis was shown by the liver function parameter AST (p = 0.028). During the analysis of patients requiring mechanical ventilation and assuming survival as the primary outcome, a significantly higher oxygen index on the first day of hospitalisation, lower pSOFA scores and lower AST levels (p: 0.007; 0.043; 0.020; 0.005; 0.039, respectively) were found.

CONCLUSIONS

As with adults, children with comorbidities are most frequently at risk of severe SARS-CoV-2 infection. Increasing symptoms of respiratory failure, the need for mechanical ventilation and persistently high values of aspartate aminotransferase are indicators of poor prognosis.

Integrative multi-omics approach for identifying molecular signatures and pathways and deriving and validating molecular scores for COVID-19 severity and status

BACKGROUND

There is still more to learn about the pathobiology of COVID-19. A multi-omic approach offers a holistic view to better understand the mechanisms of COVID-19. We used state-of-the-art statistical learning methods to integrate genomics, metabolomics, proteomics, and lipidomics data obtained from 123 patients experiencing COVID-19 or COVID-19-like symptoms for the purpose of identifying molecular signatures and corresponding pathways associated with the disease.

RESULTS

We constructed and validated molecular scores and evaluated their utility beyond clinical factors known to impact disease status and severity. We identified inflammation- and immune response-related pathways, and other pathways, providing insights into possible consequences of the disease.

CONCLUSIONS

The molecular scores we derived were strongly associated with disease status and severity and can be used to identify individuals at a higher risk for developing severe disease. These findings have the potential to provide further, and needed, insights into why certain individuals develop worse outcomes.

Review of Vaccination Recommendations in Guidelines for Non-Communicable Diseases with Highest Global Disease Burden among Adults 75 Years Old and Above

This scientific review paper explores international and country-specific healthcare guidelines for non-communicable diseases with the highest burden among individuals aged 75 years and above. The study aims to identify the best vaccination practices and standardize healthcare practices to improve vaccination adherence in this vulnerable population. Given that older people are more prone to infectious illnesses and have higher rates of morbidity and mortality, vaccinations are essential for disease prevention. Despite the proven efficacy of vaccinations, adherence has plateaued in recent years, partly due to a lack of accessibility, public education, and variability in disease-specific guidelines. This paper highlights the need for a more robust and standardized international vaccination model to improve quality of life and reduce disability-adjusted life years among the elderly. The findings of this study call for further research to review the guidelines as more implementations are put in place, including non-English guidelines.

Hyperglycemia Associated With Raynaud Phenomenon and Liver Dysfunction After COVID-19 Vaccination in Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus

Background/Objective

The association of COVID-19 vaccinations and the changes in glycemic control remains debatable. We report a case of a patient with type 1 diabetes mellitus (DM) with previously well-controlled glucose on a hybrid closed-loop insulin pump who developed significant glucose variation, new onset Raynaud phenomenon, and liver dysfunction after the vaccination.

Case Report

A 33-year-old man with type 1 DM since the age of 5 years was on an insulin pump for 17 years. He had a reasonable controlled glucose level with a hemoglobin A1c level of 6.8% (51 mmol/mol). Three days after he received the COVID-19 vaccination, his glucose level started to fluctuate in the range of 46 to 378 mg/dL with 3.5 times higher total daily insulin requirement. The patient developed white-pale cold hands, weight gain, fatigue, and liver dysfunction. Computed tomography of the abdomen revealed mild hepatomegaly, and laboratory workup was negative for hepatitis. One month later, his glucose level became better controlled, and his liver function improved. Continuous glucose monitoring revealed that his glucose profile returned to baseline after 6 weeks.

Discussion

COVID-19 vaccination resulted in significant glucose variation and fluctuations in this patient. It could be explained by the vaccine-induced immune response causing an increase in insulin resistance, such as in adipose tissue and muscle cells. Immune stimulation could have also caused the abnormal liver function and explain his new onset Raynaud phenomenon.

Conclusion

We described, for the first time, the long-term continuous glucose monitoring glucose profile with a hybrid closed-loop system in type 1 DM after COVID-19 vaccination. Clinicians need to keep alert to glycemic excursion and side effects after immunization in type 1 DM.

In vitro high-content tissue models to address precision medicine challenges

The field of precision medicine allows for tailor-made treatments specific to a patient and thereby improve the efficiency and accuracy of disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment and at the same time would reduce the cost, redundant treatment, and side effects of current treatments. Here, the combination of organ-on-a-chip and bioprinting into engineering high-content in vitro tissue models is envisioned to address some precision medicine challenges. This strategy could be employed to tackle the current coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), which has made a significant impact and paradigm shift in our society. Nevertheless, despite that vaccines against COVID-19 have been successfully developed and vaccination programs are already being deployed worldwide, it will likely require some time before it is available to everyone. Furthermore, there are still some uncertainties and lack of a full understanding of the virus as demonstrated in the high number new mutations arising worldwide and reinfections of already vaccinated individuals. To this end, efficient diagnostic tools and treatments are still urgently needed. In this context, the convergence of bioprinting and organ-on-a-chip technologies, either used alone or in combination, could possibly function as a prominent tool in addressing the current pandemic. This could enable facile advances of important tools, diagnostics, and better physiologically representative in vitro models specific to individuals allowing for faster and more accurate screening of therapeutics evaluating their efficacy and toxicity. This review will cover such technological advances and highlight what is needed for the field to mature for tackling the various needs for current and future pandemics as well as their relevancy towards precision medicine.

Hypocalcemia on Admission Is a Predictor of Disease Progression in COVID-19 Patients with Cirrhosis: A Multicenter Study in Hungary

Hypocalcemia is a common condition in liver cirrhosis and is associated with the severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection. However, there is a lack of data demonstrating the prognostic value of hypocalcemia in COVID-19 patients with cirrhosis. This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of hypocalcemia for COVID-19 severity, mortality and its associations with abnormal liver function parameters. We selected 451 COVID-19 patients in this retrospective study and compared the laboratory findings of 52 COVID-19 patients with cirrhosis to those of 399 COVID-19 patients without cirrhosis. Laboratory tests measuring albumin-corrected total serum calcium were performed on admission, and the levels were monitored during hospitalization. The total serum calcium levels were significantly lower in cirrhosis cases (2.16 mmol/L) compared to those without cirrhosis (2.32 mmol/L). Multivariate analysis showed that hypocalcemia in COVID-19 patients with cirrhosis was a significant predictor of in-hospital mortality, with an OR of 4.871 (p < 0.05; 95% CI 1.566-15.146). ROC analysis showed the AUC value of total serum calcium was 0.818 (95% CI 0.683-0.953, p < 0.05), with a sensitivity of 88.3% and a specificity of 75%. The total serum calcium levels showed a significant negative correlation with the Child-Turcette-Pugh score (r = -0.400, p < 0.05). Hypocalcemia on admission was a significant prognostic factor of disease progression in COVID-19 patients with cirrhosis.

COVID-19 and Clostridioides difficile Coinfection Outcomes among Hospitalized Patients in the United States: An Insight from National Inpatient Database

The incidence of Clostridioides difficile infection (CDI) has been increasing compared to pre-COVID-19 pandemic levels. The COVID-19 infection and CDI relationship can be affected by gut dysbiosis and poor antibiotic stewardship. As the COVID-19 pandemic transitions into an endemic stage, it has become increasingly important to further characterize how concurrent infection with both conditions can impact patient outcomes. We performed a retrospective cohort study utilizing the 2020 NIS Healthcare Cost Utilization Project (HCUP) database with a total of 1,659,040 patients, with 10,710 (0.6%) of those patients with concurrent CDI. We found that patients with concurrent COVID-19 and CDI had worse outcomes compared to patients without CDI including higher in-hospital mortality (23% vs. 13.4%, aOR: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.12-1.5, p = 0.01), rates of in-hospital complications such as ileus (2.7% vs. 0.8%, p < 0.001), septic shock (21.0% vs. 7.2%, aOR: 2.3, 95% CI: 2.1-2.6, p < 0.001), length of stay (15.1 days vs. 8 days, p < 0.001) and overall cost of hospitalization (USD 196,012 vs. USD 91,162, p < 0.001). Patients with concurrent COVID-19 and CDI had increased morbidity and mortality, and added significant preventable burden on the healthcare system. Optimizing hand hygiene and antibiotic stewardship during in-hospital admissions can help to reduce worse outcomes in this population, and more efforts should be directly made to reduce CDI in hospitalized patients with COVID-19 infection.

Trends in aetiology-based hospitalisation for cirrhosis before and during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Patients with pre-existing cirrhosis and exposure to coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19) may portend a poor prognosis. We evaluated the temporal trends in aetiology-based hospitalisations and potential predictors of in-hospital mortality in hospitalisation with cirrhosis before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Based on the US National Inpatient Sample 2019-2020, we determined quarterly trends in aetiology-based hospitalisations with cirrhosis and decompensated cirrhosis and identified predictors of in-hospital mortality in hospitalisation with cirrhosis.

RESULTS

We analysed 316,418 hospitalisations, representing 1,582,090 hospitalisations with cirrhosis. Hospitalisations for cirrhosis increased at a relatively higher rate during the COVID-19 era. Hospitalisation rates for alcohol-related liver disease (ALD)-related cirrhosis increased significantly (quarterly percentage change [QPC]: 3.6%, 95% CI: 2.2%-5.1%), with a notably higher rate during the COVID-19 era. In contrast, hospitalisation rates for hepatitis C virus (HCV)-related cirrhosis decreased steadily with a trend of -1.4% of QPC (95% CI: -2.5% to -0.1%). Quarterly trends in the proportion of ALD- (QPC: 1.7%, 95% CI: 0.9%-2.6%) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-related (QPC: 0.7%, 95% CI: 0.1%-1.2%) hospitalisations with cirrhosis increased significantly but declined steadily for viral hepatitis. The COVID-19 era and COVID-19 infection were independent predictors of in-hospital mortality during hospitalisation with cirrhosis and decompensated cirrhosis. Compared with HCV-related cirrhosis, ALD-related cirrhosis was associated with a 40% higher risk of in-hospital mortality.

CONCLUSION

In-hospital mortality in cirrhosis was higher in the COVID-19 era than in the pre-COVID-19 era. ALD is the leading aetiology-specific cause of in-hospital mortality in cirrhosis with an independent detrimental impact of the COVID-19 infection.

Mechanisms of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 induced liver damage and alteration of some liver biomarkers: A review

The most serious problem for people suffering from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection is liver damage. The liver is a frequently affected organ due to the metabolizing and detoxifying functions of several endogenous and exogenous molecules. In COVID-19-affected individuals, even moderate loss of hepatic function could dramatically affect the therapeutic efficacy of antiviral drugs metabolized in the liver. The clear mechanism of hepatocellular damage from SARS-CoV-2 infection is not fully understood. The main objective of this review is to identify potential mechanisms of SARS-2 induced liver damage, treatment outcomes in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients, and future direction. Electronic databases including Web of Science, Google Scholar, MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane library were used to systematically search without limitation of publication date and status. Observational, retrospective cohort, prospective case-control, cohort studies, cross-sectional studies, or clinical trials were included. Liver damage in coronavirus patients is characterized by histopathological changes and abnormal elevation of some liver function tests. These abnormalities include elevation of Alanine aminotransferase, Aspartate aminotransferase, Gamma-glutamyl transferase, Alkaline phosphatase, and Serum bilirubin levels. Histopathological changes of the liver might consist of complete or partial thrombosis of the portal and sinusoidal vessels, portal tract fibrosis, and focally markedly enlarged and fibrotic hepatocytes. Understanding the fundamental molecular and immunological processes of COVID-19-related liver injury is essential for the selection of appropriate drugs and the logical development of successful treatment.

Hepatic Manifestations of Systemic Diseases

In addition to being the primary target of infections such as viral hepatitis, the liver may also be affected by systemic disease. These include bacterial, mycotic, and viral infections, as well as autoimmune and infiltrative diseases. These conditions generally manifest as abnormal liver biochemistries, often with a cholestatic profile, and may present with additional signs/symptoms such as jaundice and fever. A high index of suspicion and familiarity with potential causal entities is necessary to guide appropriate testing, diagnosis, and treatment.

SARS-CoV-2 induced liver injury: Incidence, risk factors, impact on COVID-19 severity and prognosis in different population groups

Liver is unlikely the key organ driving mortality in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) however, liver function tests (LFTs) abnormalities are widely observed mostly in moderate and severe cases. According to this review, the overall prevalence of abnormal LFTs in COVID-19 patients ranges from 2.5% to 96.8% worldwide. The geographical variability in the prevalence of underlying diseases is the determinant for the observed discrepancies between East and West. Multifactorial mechanisms are implicated in COVID-19-induced liver injury. Among them, hypercytokinemia with "bystander hepatitis", cytokine storm syndrome with subsequent oxidative stress and endotheliopathy, hypercoagulable state and immuno-thromboinflammation are the most determinant mechanisms leading to tissue injury. Liver hypoxia may also contribute under specific conditions, while direct hepatocyte injury is an emerging mechanism. Except for initially observed severe acute respiratory distress syndrome corona virus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) tropism for cholangiocytes, more recent cumulative data show SARS-CoV-2 virions within hepatocytes and sinusoidal endothelial cells using electron microscopy (EM). The best evidence for hepatocellular invasion by the virus is the identification of replicating SARS-CoV-2 RNA, S protein RNA and viral nucleocapsid protein within hepatocytes using in-situ hybridization and immunostaining with observed intrahepatic presence of SARS-CoV-2 by EM and by in-situ hybridization. New data mostly derived from imaging findings indicate possible long-term sequelae for the liver months after recovery, suggesting a post-COVID-19 persistent live injury.

The Intersection of COVID-19 and Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: An Overview of the Current Evidence

The global population is currently experiencing the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, which has caused the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. With our profound comprehension of COVID-19, encompassing the involvement sequence of the respiratory tract, gastrointestinal system, and cardiovascular apparatus, the multiorgan symptoms of this infectious disease have been discerned. Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), formerly known as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a pervasive public health concern intricately linked with metabolic dysregulation and estimated to afflict one-fourth of the global adult population. The burgeoning focus on the association between COVID-19 and MAFLD is justified by the potential role of the latter as a risk factor for both SARS-CoV-2 infection and the subsequent emergence of severe COVID-19 symptoms. Investigations have suggested that changes in both innate and adaptive immune responses among MAFLD patients may play a role in determining the severity of COVID-19. The remarkable similarities observed in the cytokine pathways implicated in both diseases imply the existence of shared mechanisms governing the chronic inflammatory responses characterizing these conditions. The effect of MAFLD on the severity of COVID-19 illness remains uncertain, as indicated by conflicting results in cohort investigations.

Insight into the liver dysfunction in COVID-19 patients: Molecular mechanisms and possible therapeutic strategies

As of June 2022, more than 530 million people worldwide have become ill with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Although COVID-19 is most commonly associated with respiratory distress (severe acute respiratory syndrome), meta-analysis have indicated that liver dysfunction also occurs in patients with severe symptoms. Current studies revealed distinctive patterning in the receptors on the hepatic cells that helps in viral invasion through the expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme receptors. It has also been reported that in some patients with COVID-19, therapeutic strategies, including repurposed drugs (mitifovir, lopinavir/ritonavir, tocilizumab, etc.) triggered liver injury and cholestatic toxicity. Several proven indicators support cytokine storm-induced hepatic damage. Because there are 1.5 billion patients with chronic liver disease worldwide, it becomes imperative to critically evaluate the molecular mechanisms concerning hepatotropism of COVID-19 and identify new potential therapeutics. This review also designated a comprehensive outlook of comorbidities and the impact of lifestyle and genetics in managing patients with COVID-19.

Liver manifestations in COVID-19 patients: A review article

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) initially presented as a disease that affected the lungs. Then, studies revealed that it intricately affected disparate organs in the human body, with the liver being one of the most affected organs. This review aimed to assess the association between COVID-19 and liver function, shedding light on its clinical implication. However, its exact pathophysiology remains unclear, involving many factors, such as active viral replication in the liver cells, direct cytotoxic effects of the virus on the liver or adverse reactions to viral antigens. Liver symptoms are mild-to-moderate transaminase elevation. In some patients, with underlying liver disease, more serious outcomes are observed. Thus, liver function should be meticulously considered in patients with COVID-19.

TNFα aggravates detrimental effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection in the liver

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This virus does not only lead to pulmonary infection but can also infect other organs such as the gut, the kidney, or the liver. Recent studies confirmed that severe cases of COVID-19 are often associated with liver damage and liver failure, as well as the systemic upregulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNFα). However, the impact these immune mediators in the liver have on patient survival during SARS-CoV-2 infection is currently unknown. Here, by performing a post-mortem analysis of 45 patients that died from a SARS-CoV-2 infection, we find that an increased expression of TNFA in the liver is associated with elevated mortality. Using publicly available single-cell sequencing datasets, we determined that Kupffer cells and monocytes are the main sources of this TNFα production. Further analysis revealed that TNFα signaling led to the upregulation of pro-inflammatory genes that are associated with an unfavorable outcome. Moreover, high levels of TNFA in the liver were associated with lower levels of interferon alpha and interferon beta. Thus, TNFα signaling in the infected SARS-CoV-2 liver correlates with reduced interferon levels and overall survival time.

Clinical Profile and Risk Factors for Severe COVID-19 in Hospitalized Patients from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil: Comparison between the First and Second Pandemic Waves

Since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic, Brazil has become one of the countries most affected by this disease. A year into the pandemic, a second wave of COVID-19 emerged, with a rapid spread of a new SARS-CoV-2 lineage of concern. Several vaccines have been granted emergency-use authorization, leading to a decrease in mortality and severe cases in many countries. However, the emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants raises the alert for potential new waves of transmission and an increase in pathogenicity. We compared the demographic and clinical data of critically ill patients infected with COVID-19 hospitalized in Rio de Janeiro during the first and second waves between July 2020 and October 2021. In total, 106 participants were included in this study; among them, 88% had at least one comorbidity, and 37% developed severe disease. Disease severity was associated with older age, pre-existing neurological comorbidities, higher viral load, and dyspnea. Laboratory biomarkers related to white blood cells, coagulation, cellular injury, inflammation, renal, and liver injuries were significantly associated with severe COVID-19. During the second wave of the pandemic, the necessity of invasive respiratory support was higher, and more individuals with COVID-19 developed acute hepatitis, suggesting that the progression of the second wave resulted in an increase in severe cases. These results can contribute to understanding the behavior of the COVID-19 pandemic in Brazil and may be helpful in predicting disease severity, which is a pivotal for guiding clinical care, improving patient outcomes, and defining public policies.

Liver Function in Patients with Long-Term Coronavirus Disease 2019 of up to 20 Months: A Cross-Sectional Study

The long-term laboratory aspects of the effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on liver function are still not well understood. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the hepatic clinical laboratory profile of patients with up to 20 months of long-term COVID-19. A total of 243 patients of both sexes aged 18 years or older admitted during the acute phase of COVID-19 were included in this study. Liver function analysis was performed. Changes were identified in the mean levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and ferritin. A ferritin level of >300 U/L was observed in the group that presented more changes in liver function markers (ALT, AST, and GGT). Age ≥ 60 years, male sex, AST level > 25 U/L, and GGT level ≥ 50 or 32 U/L were associated with an ALT level > 29 U/L. A correlation was found between ALT and AST, LDH, GGT, and ferritin. Our findings suggest that ALT and AST levels may be elevated in patients with long-term COVID-19, especially in those hospitalised during the acute phase. In addition, an ALT level > 29 U/L was associated with changes in the levels of other markers of liver injury, such as LDH, GGT, and ferritin.

Global burden of Liver Disease: 2023 Update

Liver disease accounts for 2 million deaths and is responsible for 4% of all deaths (1 out of every 25 deaths worldwide); approximately 2/3 of all liver related deaths occur in men. Deaths are largely attributable to complications of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, with acute hepatitis accounting for a smaller proportion of deaths. The most common causes of cirrhosis worldwide are related to viral hepatitis, alcohol, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Hepatotropic viruses are the etiological factor in most cases of acute hepatitis, but drug-induced liver injury increasingly accounts for a significant proportion of cases. This iteration of the global burden of liver disease is an update of the 2019 version and focuses mainly on areas where significant new information is available like alcohol-associated liver disease, NAFLD, viral hepatitis, and HCC. We also devote a separate section to the burden of liver disease in Africa, an area of the world typically neglected in such documents.

The impact of COVID-19 on liver injury in various age

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease was first detected in December 2019 in Wuhan, China. This disease is currently one of the most important global health problems. The novel coronavirus COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, that has caused a deadly pandemic that is spreading rapidly around the world. It is not only a respiratory system virus that causes severe lung disease, but also a systemic disease agent that can affect all systems. People with COVID-19 disease usually have respiratory signs, however, the liver disorder is not an uncommon presentation. In addition, many studies around the world have revealed that the liver is injured to various degrees in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 disease. This review mainly focuses on the impact of COVID-19 on Liver Injury at various ages.

Hypercholesterolemia After COVID-19: Time to Include Lipoprotein X Among the Differential Diagnoses

Background

Lipoprotein X (LpX) is an abnormal lipoprotein composed of phospholipids, free cholesterol, and albumin. Its overaccumulation is an infrequent cause of hyperlipidemia, which oftentimes presents in patients with cholestatic liver disease. The aim is to present the first 2 cases of patients with post-COVID cholangiopathy and LpX overaccumulation.

Case Report

We present 2 female patients (ie, a 34-year-old [patient 1] and a 56-year-old [patient 2]), who had complicated courses of COVID-19, requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation (>4 weeks). One month after discharge, patient 1 presented with abdominal pain. Patient 2 had gangrenous cholecystitis and later developed recurrent elevation of alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin. Both patients were diagnosed with cholestatic liver disease. During outpatient follow-up both patients were found to have elevated plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in routine lipid panels (723 mg/dL and 1389 mg/dL, respectively). Both patients underwent various treatments for elevated LDL-C before referral to endocrinology. Patients were diagnosed with LpX overaccumulation from post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy. In both patients, LDL-C fluctuations seen in routine lipid panels (affected by LpX levels) were tightly correlated with changes in alkaline phosphate and bilirubin.

Discussion

Our patients represent the first report of LpX overaccumulation in patients with post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy. Whether LpX accumulation is only the result of liver dysfunction, or COVID-19 infection plays a direct role in elevated LpX levels is still unknown.

Conclusion

In patients with complicated courses of COVID-19, LpX overaccumulation should be considered when a routine lipid panel shows significant LDL-C elevations. Awareness among health care providers regarding LpX is important to avoid unnecessary workup and treatment.

Liver and Biliary Tract Disease in Patients with Coronavirus disease-2019 Infection

Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) had become a global pandemic since March 2020. Although, the most common presentation is of pulmonary involvement, hepatic abnormalities can be encountered in up to 50% of infected individuals, which may be associated with disease severity, and the mechanism of liver injury is thought to be multifactorial. Guidelines for management in patients with chronic liver disease during COVID-19 era are being regularly updated. Patients with chronic liver disease and cirrhosis, including liver transplant candidates and liver transplant recipients are strongly recommended to receive SARS-CoV-2 vaccination because it can reduce rate of COVID-19 infection, COVID-19-related hospitalization, and mortality.

Folgen nach SARS-CoV-2-Infektion einschließlich Post-COVID-Syndrom

Eine Infektion mit dem „severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus type 2“ (SARS-CoV-2) kann vielfältige gastroenterologische Symptome hervorrufen. Ein relevanter Anteil an Patient:innen klagt über Symptome einer Gastroenteritis; die Zahl der Betroffenen hat mit der Verbreitung der Omikron-Varianten zugenommen. Ebenso finden sich bei Infizierten Zeichen einer Leberbeteiligung, die sich durch erhöhte Leberfermente bis hin zu einer akuten Dekompensation ausdrückt. Bei Patient:innen mit vorbestehenden Lebererkrankungen kann sich diese in der akuten Phase der Infektion verschlechtern und z. B. in ein akut-auf-chronisches Leberversagen übergehen. Hiervon abzugrenzen sind langfristige Folgen der SARS-CoV-2-Infektion. Diese können sich entweder als direkte infektions- oder therapieassoziierte Folgen, wie der Entwicklung einer sekundär-sklerosierenden Cholangitis nach Intensivtherapie, äußern oder als Symptome im Rahmen eines Post-coronavirus-disease(COVID)-Syndroms. Dessen Pathophysiologie ist weiterhin ungeklärt; hier wird ein Einfluss des intestinalen Mikrobioms diskutiert. In dieser Übersichtsarbeit werden die akuten Symptome und chronischen Folgen einer SARS-CoV-2-Infektion, mit denen man im Alltag zunehmend konfrontiert wird, dargestellt.

Liver injury in COVID-19 patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: an update

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has revolutionized the priorities of the medical society worldwide. Although most patients infected with SARS-CoV-2 exhibit respiratory symptoms, other organs may also be involved, including the liver, often resulting in liver injury. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world, and its prevalence is expected to increase together with the epidemics of type 2 diabetes and obesity. Data about liver injury during COVID-19 are numerous, while overviews of this infection in patients with NAFLD, both in terms of respiratory and liver, are emerging. In this review, we summarise the current research focusing on COVID-19 in NAFLD patients and discuss the association between liver injury in COVID-19 subjects and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.

Efficacy, Safety and Immunogenicity of Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Vaccines in Patients with Cirrhosis: A Narrative Review

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causing coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), has led to a pandemic with more than 6.5 million deaths worldwide. Patients with liver cirrhosis (PWLC) are regarded as prone to severe COVID-19. Vaccination against SARS-CoV-2 has been proven to be the most effective measure against COVID-19 and a variety of different vaccines have been approved for use; namely mRNA and vector-based, inactivated, whole virion, and protein subunit vaccines. Unfortunately, only a small number of PWLC were included in phase I-III vaccine trials, raising concerns regarding their efficacy and safety in this population. The authors, in this review, present available data regarding safety and efficacy of anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccination in PWLC and discuss post-vaccination antibody responses. Overall, all vaccines seem to be extremely safe, with only a few and insignificant adverse events, and efficient, leading to lower rates of hospitalization and COVID-19-related mortality. T- and B-cell responses, on the other hand, remain an enigma, especially in patients with decompensated disease, since these patients show lower titers of anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in some studies, with a more rapid waning. However, this finding is not consistent, and its clinical impact is still undetermined.

Uptake of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 spike protein mediated by angiotensin converting enzyme 2 and ganglioside in human cerebrovascular cells

Introduction

There is clinical evidence of neurological manifestations in coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). However, it is unclear whether differences in severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)/spike protein (SP) uptake by cells of the cerebrovasculature contribute to significant viral uptake to cause these symptoms.

Methods

Since the initial step in viral invasion is binding/uptake, we used fluorescently labeled wild type and mutant SARS-CoV-2/SP to study this process. Three cerebrovascular cell types were used (endothelial cells, pericytes, and vascular smooth muscle cells), in vitro.

Results

There was differential SARS-CoV-2/SP uptake by these cell types. Endothelial cells had the least uptake, which may limit SARS-CoV-2 uptake into brain from blood. Uptake was time and concentration dependent, and mediated by angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptor (ACE2), and ganglioside (mono-sialotetrahexasylganglioside, GM1) that is predominantly expressed in the central nervous system and the cerebrovasculature. SARS-CoV-2/SPs with mutation sites, N501Y, E484K, and D614G, as seen in variants of interest, were also differentially taken up by these cell types. There was greater uptake compared to that of the wild type SARS-CoV-2/SP, but neutralization with anti-ACE2 or anti-GM1 antibodies was less effective.

Conclusion

The data suggested that in addition to ACE2, gangliosides are also an important entry point of SARS-CoV-2/SP into these cells. Since SARS-CoV-2/SP binding/uptake is the initial step in the viral penetration into cells, a longer exposure and higher titer are required for significant uptake into the normal brain. Gangliosides, including GM1, could be an additional potential SARS-CoV-2 and therapeutic target at the cerebrovasculature.

Nucleoside Analogs That Inhibit SARS-CoV-2 Replication by Blocking Interaction of Virus Polymerase with RNA

The SARS-CoV-2 betacoronavirus pandemic has claimed more than 6.5 million lives and, despite the development and use of COVID-19 vaccines, remains a major global public health problem. The development of specific drugs for the treatment of this disease remains a very urgent task. In the context of a repurposing strategy, we previously screened a library of nucleoside analogs showing different types of biological activity against the SARS-CoV-2 virus. The screening revealed compounds capable of inhibiting the reproduction of SARS-CoV-2 with EC₅₀ values in the range of 20-50 µM. Here we present the design and synthesis of various analogs of the leader compounds, the evaluation of their cytotoxicity and antiviral activity against SARS-CoV-2 in cell cultures, as well as experimental data on RNA-dependent RNA polymerase inhibition. Several compounds have been shown to prevent the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA polymerase and the RNA substrate, likely inhibiting virus replication. Three of the synthesized compounds have also been shown to inhibit influenza virus. The structures of these compounds can be used for further optimization in order to develop an antiviral drug.

The impact of COVID-19 disease on the natural course of cirrhosis: Before and after starting vaccination

Background

Cirrhosis has been reported as an important risk factor for death in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on the natural course of cirrhosis before and after starting vaccination.

Methods

The cirrhosis patients in our cohort (n: 140; median age:56; 71 female) were included in this study. The median MELD (Model For End-stage Liver Disease) score was 11 (6-25) and CCI (Charlson Comorbidity Index) score was 4 (1-11). In total, 85 had CTP (Child-Turcotte-Pugh)-A, 44 had CTP-B and 11 had CTP-C cirrhosis. The course of COVID-19 in this patient group was evaluated before and after COVID-19 vaccination.

Results

Between March 2020 and January 2021, 36 of the 140 cirrhosis patients had developed COVID-19. Cirrhosis (+)/COVID-19 (+) and Cirrhosis (+)/COVID-19 (-) groups did not differ in terms of age, CCI and MELD-Na scores, or gender. There were six deaths in the Cirrhosis (+)/COVID-19 (+) group and five in the Cirrhosis (+)/COVID-19 (-) group [6/36 (16.6%) vs. 5/104 (4.8%); p: 0.03]. Patients who died were older, had higher CCI and MELD-Na scores, and lower albumin levels. Having had COVID-19 [6.45 (1.43-29.4); p: 0.015], higher MELD-Na score [1.35 (1.18-1.60); p: 0.001] and higher CCI score [1.65 (1.14-2.39); p: 0.008] were found to be independent predictors of mortality. After effective vaccination started in Turkey, only 11 of the remaining 129 patients developed COVID-19, and only one patient died, who was unvaccinated.

Discussion

In our cirrhotic cohort, COVID-19 disease was associated with 16% mortality in the pre-vaccination period. COVID-19 vaccination prevents serious illness and death due to COVID-19 in cirrhotic patients.

COVID-19 as a Trigger of Acute-on-Chronic Hepatitis B Presenting With Undetectable INR Due to Hypercoagulability in a 16-Year-Old Girl

In patients with SarS-CoV2 and chronic Hepatitis B (HBV) co-infection liver injury is associated with a worse prognosis. We report a case of acute chronic liver failure (ACLF) with encephalopathy due to HBV reactivation during COVID-19 with undetectable INR. Thromboelastography showed a profile consistent with a prothrombotic state so INR was not a reliable marker of liver function until plasma infusion. After plasma infusion, indeed, an imbalance of hepatic function was shown by an underlying INR prolongation that was consistent with an ACLF.

Evaluation of an Abnormal Liver Panel After Liver Transplantation

Abnormal liver tests are common after liver transplantation. The differential diagnosis depends on the clinical context, particularly the time course, pattern and degree of elevation, and donor and recipient factors. The perioperative period has distinct causes compared with months and years after transplant, including ischemia-reperfusion injury, vascular thrombosis, and primary graft nonfunction. Etiologies seen beyond the perioperative period include biliary complications, rejection, infection, recurrent disease, and non-transplant-specific causes. The evaluation begins with a liver ultrasound with Doppler as well as appropriate laboratory testing and culminates in a liver biopsy if the imaging and laboratory testing is unrevealing.

Antibody Response and Safety of ChAdOx1-nCOV (Covishield) in Patients with Cirrhosis: A Cross-Sectional, Observational Study

INTRODUCTION

Patients with cirrhosis have a higher risk of severe COVID-19 and mortality and are high-priority patients for vaccination. However, cirrhotics were excluded from the phase 2/3 vaccine trials. Hence, we aimed to assess the antibody response and safety of Covishield (ChAdOx1nCoV-19) among patients with cirrhosis.

METHODS

Patients who attended the tele-hepatology services at our institute from March 2020 to June 2021 and diagnosed with cirrhosis as per their medical records were telephonically interviewed in July 2021 using a pre-specified questionnaire. Patients who had completed 2 doses of ChAdOx1-nCOV (with the 2^nd dose administered at least 2 weeks back) and without history of documented COVID-19 infection (pre- or post-vaccination) were tested for antibodies against the spike protein. Seropositive patients were divided into high, moderate, and low antibody responses based on the signal/cut-off.

RESULTS

We interviewed 784 patients with cirrhosis. At least 1 dose of ChAdOx1-nCOV was received by 231 patients among whom 134 (58%) had received 2 doses. Documented COVID-19 was reported in 3.9% patients who received at least 1 dose of ChAdOx1-nCOV including breakthrough infections in 3.7% patients vaccinated with 2 doses. Local and systemic adverse events were reported by 42% and 22.1% patients. None developed anaphylaxis, acute decompensation, acute-on-chronic liver failure, or other serious adverse events requiring hospitalization. Seroconversion was documented in 81 (92%) out of 88 patients. No difference was observed in level of antibody response between patients with compensated and decompensated cirrhosis (p = 0.12).

CONCLUSION

Our preliminary data suggest that ChAdOx1-nCOV is safe with high seroconversion rates in patients with cirrhosis.

Analysis of the humoral and cellular response after the third COVID-19 vaccination in patients with autoimmune hepatitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

To explore the humoral and T-cell response to the third COVID-19 vaccination in autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).

METHODS

Anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody titers were prospectively determined in 81 AIH patients and 53 healthy age- and sex-matched controls >7 days (median 35) after the first COVID-19 booster vaccination. The spike-specific T-cell response was assessed using an activation-induced marker assay (AIM) in a subset of patients.

RESULTS

Median antibody levels were significantly lower in AIH compared to controls (10 908 vs. 25 000 AU/ml, p < .001), especially in AIH patients treated with MMF (N = 14, 4542 AU/ml, p = .004) or steroids (N = 27, 7326 AU/ml, p = .020). Also, 48% of AIH patients had antibody titers below the 10% percentile of the healthy controls (9194 AU/ml, p < .001). AIH patients had a high risk of failing to develop a spike-specific T-cell response (15/34 (44%) vs. 2/16 (12%), p = .05) and showed overall lower frequencies of spike-specific CD4 + T cells (median: 0.074% vs 0.283; p = .01) after the booster vaccination compared to healthy individuals. In 34/81 patients, antibody titers before and after booster vaccination were available. In this subgroup, all patients but especially those without detectable/low antibodies titers (<100 AU/ml) after the second vaccination (N = 11/34) showed a strong, 148-fold increase.

CONCLUSION

A third COVID-19 vaccination efficiently boosts antibody levels and T-cell responses in AIH patients and even seroconversion in patients with the absent immune response after two vaccinations, but to a lower level compared to controls. Therefore, we suggest routinely assessing antibody levels in AIH patients and offering additional booster vaccinations to those with suboptimal responses.

Expression and functions of transient receptor potential channels in liver diseases

Liver diseases constitute a major healthcare burden globally, including acute hepatic injury resulted from acetaminophen overdose, ischemia-reperfusion or hepatotropic viral infection and chronic hepatitis, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Attainable treatment strategies for most liver diseases remain inadequate, highlighting the importance of substantial pathogenesis. The transient receptor potential (TRP) channels represent a versatile signalling mechanism regulating fundamental physiological processes in the liver. It is not surprising that liver diseases become a newly explored field to enrich our knowledge of TRP channels. Here, we discuss recent findings revealing TRP functions across the fundamental pathological course from early hepatocellular injury caused by various insults, to inflammation, subsequent fibrosis and hepatoma. We also explore expression levels of TRPs in liver tissues of ALD, NAFLD and HCC patients from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) or The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and survival analysis estimated by Kaplan-Meier Plotter. At last, we address the therapeutical potential and challenges by pharmacologically targeting TRPs to treat liver diseases. The aim is to provide a better understanding of the implications of TRP channels in liver diseases, contributing to the discovery of novel therapeutic targets and efficient drugs.

COVID-19 and the liver: Are footprints still there?

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) hit the entire world as a global pandemic and soon became the most important concern for all patients with chronic diseases. An early trend in higher mortality in patients with acute respiratory distress attracted all researchers to closely monitor patients for the involvement of other systems. It soon became apparent that patients with chronic liver diseases are at increased risk of mortality given their cirrhosis-associated immune dysfunction. Additionally, liver function abnormalities were noted in patients with severe COVID-19. Profound cytokine storm, direct viral infection, drugs and reactivation of viral infections were causes of deranged liver functions. Here, we discuss the relation between COVID-19 and chronic liver disease, specifically cirrhosis, hepatitis B, hepatitis C, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), as well as the liver manifestations of COVID-19. The metabolic syndrome, obesity, diabetes mellitus and NAFLD were found to worsen outcome in different studies reported worldwide. Decompensated cirrhosis should be considered a risk factor for death and severe COVID-19. Recently, COVID-19 related cholangiopathy has also been reported with changes of secondary sclerosing cholangitis. The long-term persistence of viral antigens in gut epithelia raises concern regarding the future risk of autoimmune liver diseases.

Association between COVID-19 and chronic liver disease: Mechanism, diagnosis, damage, and treatment

As the outbreak evolves, our understanding of the consequences of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection and the resulting coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the liver has grown. In this review, we discussed the hepatotropic nature of SARS-CoV-2 and described the distribution of receptors for SARS-CoV-2 (e.g., angiotensin-converting enzyme 2) in the vascular endothelium and cholangiocytes of the liver. Also, we proposed mechanisms for possible viral entry that mediate liver injury, such as liver fibrosis. Due to SARS-CoV-2-induced liver damage, many COVID-19 patients develop liver dysfunction, mainly characterized by moderately elevated serum aminotransferase levels. Patients with chronic liver disease (CLD), such as cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and viral hepatitis, are also sensitive to SARS-CoV-2 infection. We discussed the longer disease duration and higher mortality following SARS-CoV-2 infection in CLD patients. Correspondingly, relevant risk factors and possible mechanisms were proposed, including cirrhosis-related immune dysfunction and liver deco-mpensation. Finally, we discussed the potential hepatotoxicity of COVID-19-related vaccines and drugs, which influence the treatment of CLD patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. In addition, we suggested that COVID-19 vaccines in terms of immunogenicity, duration of protection, and long-term safety for CLD patients need to be further researched. The diagnosis and treatment for liver injury caused by COVID-19 were also analyzed in this review.

COVID-19 and hepatic injury: cellular and molecular mechanisms in diverse liver cells

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) represents a global health and economic challenge. Hepatic injuries have been approved to be associated with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) infection. The viral tropism pattern of SARS-CoV-2 can induce hepatic injuries either by itself or by worsening the conditions of patients with hepatic diseases. Besides, other factors have been reported to play a crucial role in the pathological forms of hepatic injuries induced by SARS-CoV-2, including cytokine storm, hypoxia, endothelial cells, and even some treatments for COVID-19. On the other hand, several groups of people could be at risk of hepatic COVID-19 complications, such as pregnant women and neonates. The present review outlines and discusses the interplay between SARS-CoV-2 infection and hepatic injury, hepatic illness comorbidity, and risk factors. Besides, it is focused on the vaccination process and the role of developed vaccines in preventing hepatic injuries due to SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Clinical implications of COVID-19 in patients with metabolic-associated fatty liver disease

People across the world are affected by the "coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)", brought on by the "SARS-CoV type-2 coronavirus". Due to its high incidence in individuals with diabetes, metabolic syndrome, and metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), COVID-19 has gained much attention. The metabolic syndrome's hepatic manifestation, MAFLD, carries a significant risk of type-2-diabetes. The link between the above two conditions has also drawn increasing consideration since MAFLD is intricately linked to the obesity epidemic. Independent of the metabolic syndrome, MAFLD may impact the severity of the viral infections, including COVID-19 or may even be a risk factor. An important question is whether the present COVID-19 pandemic has been fueled by the obesity and MAFLD epidemics. Many liver markers are seen elevated in COVID-19. MAFLD patients with associated comorbid conditions like obesity, cardiovascular disease, renal disease, malignancy, hypertension, and old age are prone to develop severe disease. There is an urgent need for more studies to determine the link between the two conditions and whether it might account for racial differences in the mortality and morbidity rates linked to COVID-19. The role of innate and adaptive immunity alterations in MAFLD patients may influence the severity of COVID-19. This review investigates the implications of COVID-19 on liver injury and disease severity and vice-versa. We also addressed the severity of COVID-19 in patients with prior MAFLD and its potential implications and therapeutic administration in the clinical setting.

SARS-CoV-2 Establishes a Productive Infection in Hepatoma and Glioblastoma Multiforme Cell Lines

Severe acute respiratory syndrome associated coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emerged at the end of 2019 and rapidly caused a pandemic that led to the death of >6 million people due to hypercoagulation and cytokine storm. In addition, SARS-CoV-2 triggers a wide array of pathologies, including liver dysfunction and neurological disorders. It remains unclear if these events are due to direct infection of the respective tissues or result from systemic inflammation. Here, we explored the possible infection of hepatic and CNS cell lines by SARS-CoV-2. We show that even moderate expression levels of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) are sufficient for productive infection. SARS-CoV-2 infects hepatoma Huh7.5 and HepG2 cells but not non-transformed liver progenitor or hepatocyte/cholangiocyte-like HepaRG cells. However, exposure to the virus causes partial dedifferentiation of HepaRG cells. SARS-CoV-2 can also establish efficient replication in some low-passage, high-grade glioblastoma cell lines. In contrast, embryonal primary astrocytes or neuroblastoma cells did not support replication of the virus. Glioblastoma cell permissiveness is associated with defects in interferon production. Overall, these results suggest that liver dysfunction during COVID-19 is not due to infection of these tissues by SARS-CoV-2. Furthermore, tumors may potentially serve as reservoirs for the virus during infection.

COVID-19 in liver transplant patients: Impact and considerations

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has significantly impacted liver tran splantation worldwide, leading to major effects on the transplant process, including the pretransplant, perioperative, and post-transplant periods. It is believed that patients with chronic liver disease, especially those with cirrhosis, have a higher risk of complications from coronavirus disease 2019 infection compared to the general population. However, evaluation of coronavirus disease 2019 effects on liver transplant patients has not uniformly demonstrated worse outcomes. Nonetheless, the pandemic created significant challenges and restrictions on transplant policies and organ allocation.

Negative impact of the pandemic on hospital admissions, morbidity and early mortality for acute cirrhosis decompensation

INTRODUCTION

The global pandemic has diverted resources away from management of chronic diseases, including cirrhosis. While there is increasing knowledge on COVID-19 infection in liver cirrhosis, little is described on the impact of the pandemic on decompensated cirrhosis admissions and outcomes, which was the aim of this study.

METHODS

A single-centre, retrospective study, evaluated decompensated cirrhosis admissions to a tertiary London hepatology and transplantation centre, from October 2018 to February 2021. Patients were included if they had an admission with cirrhosis decompensation defined as new-onset jaundice or ascites, infection, encephalopathy, portal hypertensive bleeding or renal dysfunction.

RESULTS

The average number of admissions stayed constant between the pre-COVID-19 (October 2018-February 2020) and COVID-19 periods (March 2020-February 2021). Patients transferred in from secondary centres had consistently higher severity scores during the COVID-19 period (UK Model for End-Stage Liver Disease 58 vs 54; p=0.007, Model for End-Stage Liver Disease-Sodium 22 vs 18; p=0.006, EF-CLIF Acute Decompensation (AD) score 55.0 vs 51.0; p=0.055). Of those admitted to the intensive care without acute-on-chronic liver failure, there was a significant increase in AD scores during the COVID-19 period (58 vs 48, p=0.009). In addition, there was a trend towards increased hospital readmission rates during the COVID-19 period (29.5% vs 21.5%, p=0.067). When censored at 30 days, early mortality postdischarge was significantly higher during the COVID-19 period (p<0.001) with a median time to death of 35 days compared with 62 days pre-COVID-19.

DISCUSSION

This study provides a unique perspective on the impact that the global pandemic had on decompensated cirrhosis admissions. The findings of increased early mortality and readmissions, and higher AD scores on ICU admission, highlight the need to maintain resourcing for high-level hepatology care and follow-up, in spite of other disease pressures.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection and Liver Disease: A Review of Pathogenesis and Outcomes

The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been immense, and it continues to have lasting repercussions. While the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus primarily infects the respiratory system, other organ systems are affected, including the liver. Scientific knowledge on the role of SARS-CoV-2 infection and liver injury has evolved rapidly, with recent data suggesting specific hepatotropism of SARS-CoV-2. Moreover, additional concerns have been raised in regard to long-term liver damage, related to emerging cases of post-COVID-19 cholangiopathy and chronic cholestasis. Great effort has also been focused on studying how specific subpopulations with chronic medical conditions might be disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. One such population includes individuals with chronic liver disease (CLD) and cirrhosis, with an expanding body of research indicating these patients being particularly susceptible to adverse outcomes. In this review, we provide an updated summary on the current pathogenesis and mechanism of liver injury in the setting of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the association between health outcomes and SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with CLD, and the unique consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic on the routine care of patients with CLD.

Liver injury in COVID-19: Clinical features, potential mechanisms, risk factors and clinical treatments

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has been a serious threat to global health for nearly 3 years. In addition to pulmonary complications, liver injury is not uncommon in patients with novel COVID-19. Although the prevalence of liver injury varies widely among COVID-19 patients, its incidence is significantly increased in severe cases. Hence, there is an urgent need to understand liver injury caused by COVID-19. Clinical features of liver injury include detectable liver function abnormalities and liver imaging changes. Liver function tests, computed tomography scans, and ultrasound can help evaluate liver injury. Risk factors for liver injury in patients with COVID-19 include male sex, preexisting liver disease including liver transplantation and chronic liver disease, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. To date, the mechanism of COVID-19-related liver injury is not fully understood. Its pathophysiological basis can generally be explained by systemic inflammatory response, hypoxic damage, ischemia-reperfusion injury, and drug side effects. In this review, we systematically summarize the existing literature on liver injury caused by COVID-19, including clinical features, underlying mechanisms, and potential risk factors. Finally, we discuss clinical management and provide recommendations for the care of patients with liver injury.

Liver pathology in COVID-19 related death and leading role of autopsy in the pandemic

BACKGROUND

Information on liver involvement in patients with coronavirus disease 2019 is currently fragmented.

AIM

To highlight the pathological changes found during the autopsy of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 positive patients.

METHODS

A systematic literature search on PubMed was carried out until June 21, 2022.

RESULTS

A literature review reveals that pre-existing liver disease and elevation of liver enzyme in these patients are not common; liver enzyme elevations tend to be seen in those in critical conditions. Despite the poor expression of viral receptors in the liver, it seems that the virus is able to infect this organ and therefore cause liver damage. Unfortunately, to date, the search for the virus inside the liver is not frequent (16% of the cases) and only a small number show the presence of the virus. In most of the autopsy cases, macroscopic assessment is lacking, while microscopic evaluation of livers has revealed the frequent presence of congestion (42.7%) and steatosis (41.6%). Less frequent is the finding of hepatic inflammation or necrosis (19%) and portal inflammation (18%). The presence of microthrombi, frequently found in the lungs, is infrequent in the liver, with only 12% of cases presenting thrombotic formations within the vascular tree.

CONCLUSION

To date, the greatest problem in interpreting these modifications remains the association of the damage with the direct action of the virus, rather than with the inflammation or alterations induced by hypoxia and hypovolemia in patients undergoing oxygen therapy and decompensated patients.