World J Virol. Jan 25, 2023; 12(1): 22-29 Published online Jan 25, 2023. doi: 10.5501/wjv.v12.i1.22
Association between COVID-19 and chronic liver disease: Mechanism, diagnosis, damage, and treatment
Ruo-Bing Qi, Zheng-Hao Wu
Ruo-Bing Qi, Zheng-Hao Wu, Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
Ruo-Bing Qi, Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China
Author contributions: Qi RB and Wu ZH conceived the study and wrote the manuscript.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report having no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
Corresponding author: Zheng-Hao Wu, MD, Doctor, Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, No. 13 Hanghang Road, Qiaokou District, Wuhan 430000, Hubei Province, China. wu_zhenghao@126.com
Received: September 8, 2022 Peer-review started: September 8, 2022 First decision: September 19, 2022 Revised: October 3, 2022 Accepted: November 21, 2022 Article in press: November 21, 2022 Published online: January 25, 2023 Processing time: 131 Days and 12.6 Hours
Core Tip
Core Tip: In this review, we discussed the hepatotropic nature of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and described the distribution of receptors for SARS-CoV-2 in the vascular endothelium and cholangiocytes of the liver. We proposed mechanisms for possible viral entry that mediate liver injury, such as liver fibrosis. Due to SARS-CoV-2-induced liver damage, many coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients develop liver dysfunction. We discussed the longer disease duration and higher mortality following SARS-CoV-2 infection in chronic liver disease patients. Correspondingly, relevant risk factors and possible mechanisms were proposed. Finally, we discussed the potential hepatotoxicity of COVID-19-related vaccines and drugs.
