Molecular mechanisms implicated in SARS-CoV-2 liver tropism

Abstract

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is caused by severe acuterespiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Hepatic involvement iscommon in SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals. It is currently accepted that thedirect and indirect hepatic effects of SARS-CoV-2 infection play a significant rolein COVID-19. In individuals with pre-existing infectious and non-infectious liverdisease, who are at a remarkably higher risk of developing severe COVID-19 anddeath, this pathology is most medically relevant. This review emphasizes thecurrent pathways regarded as contributing to the gastrointestinal and hepaticailments linked to COVID-19-infected patients due to an imbalanced interactionamong the liver, systemic inflammation, disrupted coagulation, and the lung.