COVID-19 and liver disease: mechanistic and clinical perspectives

The Elevated De Ritis Ratio on Admission Is Independently Associated with Mortality in COVID-19 Patients

Liver damage in COVID-19 patients was documented as increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels or an elevated AST/ALT ratio, known as the De Ritis ratio. However, the prognostic value of the elevated De Ritis ratio in COVID-19 patients is still unknown. The aim of our study was to evaluate the prognostic value of the De Ritis ratio compared to other abnormal laboratory parameters and its relation to mortality. We selected 322 COVID-19 patients in this retrospective study conducted between November 2020 and March 2021. The laboratory parameters were measured on admission and followed till patient discharge or death. Of the 322 COVID-19 patients, 57 (17.7%) had gastrointestinal symptoms on admission. The multivariate analysis showed that the De Ritis ratio was an independent risk factor for mortality, with an OR of 29.967 (95% CI 5.266-170.514). In ROC analysis, the AUC value of the the De Ritis ratio was 0.85 (95% CI 0.777-0.923, p < 0.05) with sensitivity and specificity of 80.6% and 75.2%, respectively. A De Ritis ratio ≥1.218 was significantly associated with patient mortality, disease severity, higher AST and IL-6 levels, and a lower ALT level. An elevated De Ritis ratio on admission is independently associated with mortality in COVID-19 patients, indicating liver injury and cytokine release syndrome.

Clinical predictors of recovery of COVID-19 associated-abnormal liver function test 2 months after hospital discharge

This study investigated whether acute liver injury (ALI) persisted and identified predictors of ALI recovery [as indicated by alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level] at hospital discharge and 2 months post-discharge for 7595 hospitalized COVID-19 patients from the Montefiore Health System (03/11/2020-06/03/2021). Mild liver injury (mLI) was defined as ALT = 1.5-5 ULN, and severe livery injury (sLI) was ALT ≥ 5 ULN. Logistic regression was used to identify predictors of ALI onset and recovery. There were 4571 (60.2%), 2306 (30.4%), 718 (9.5%) patients with no liver injury (nLI), mLI and sLI, respectively. Males showed higher incidence of sLI and mLI (p < 0.05). Mortality odds ratio was 4.15 [95% CI 3.41, 5.05, p < 0.001] for sLI and 1.69 [95% CI 1.47, 1.96, p < 0.001] for mLI compared to nLI. The top predictors (ALT, lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin, lymphocytes) accurately predicted sLI onset up to three days prior. Only 33.5% of mLI and 17.1% of sLI patients (survivors) recovered completely at hospital discharge. Most ALI patients (76.7-82.4%) recovered completely ~ 2 months post-discharge. The top predictors accurately predicted recovery post discharge with 83.2 ± 2.2% accuracy. In conclusion, most COVID-19 patients with ALI recovered completely ~ 2 months post discharge. Early identification of patients at-risk of persistent ALI could help to prevent long-term liver complications.

Effects of COVID-19 on the liver: The experience of a single center

BACKGROUND

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was perhaps the most severe global health crisis in living memory. Alongside respiratory symptoms, elevated liver enzymes, abnormal liver function, and even acute liver failure were reported in patients suffering from severe acute respiratory disease coronavirus 2 pneumonia. However, the precise triggers of these forms of liver damage and how they affect the course and outcomes of COVID-19 itself remain unclear.

AIM

To analyze the impact of liver enzyme abnormalities on the severity and outcomes of COVID-19 in hospitalized patients.

METHODS

In this study, 684 depersonalized medical records from patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the 2020-2021 period were analyzed. COVID-19 was diagnosed according to the guidelines of the National Institutes of Health (2021). Patients were assigned to two groups: those with elevated liver enzymes (Group 1: 603 patients), where at least one out of four liver enzymes were elevated (following the norm of hospital laboratory tests: alanine aminotransferase (ALT) ≥ 40, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) ≥ 40, gamma-glutamyl transferase ≥ 36, or alkaline phosphatase ≥ 150) at any point of hospitalization, from admission to discharge; and the control group (Group 2: 81 patients), with normal liver enzymes during hospitalization. COVID-19 severity was assessed according to the interim World Health Organization guidance (2022). Data on viral pneumonia complications, laboratory tests, and underlying diseases were also collected and analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 603 (88.2%) patients produced abnormal liver test results. ALT and AST levels were elevated by a factor of less than 3 in 54.9% and 74.8% of cases with increased enzyme levels, respectively. Patients in Group 1 had almost double the chance of bacterial viral pneumonia complications [odds ratio (OR) = 1.73, P = 0.0217], required oxygen supply more often, and displayed higher biochemical inflammation indices than those in Group 2. No differences in other COVID-19 complications or underlying diseases were observed between groups. Preexisting hepatitis of a different etiology was rarely documented (in only 3.5% of patients), and had no impact on the severity of COVID-19. Only 5 (0.73%) patients experienced acute liver failure, 4 of whom died. Overall, the majority of the deceased patients (17 out of 20) had elevated liver enzymes, and most were male. All deceased patients had at least one underlying disease or combination thereof, and the deceased suffered significantly more often from heart diseases, hypertension, and urinary tract infections than those who made recoveries. Alongside male gender (OR = 1.72, P = 0.0161) and older age (OR = 1.02, P = 0.0234), diabetes (OR = 3.22, P = 0.0016) and hyperlipidemia (OR = 2.67, P = 0.0238), but not obesity, were confirmed as independent factors associated with more a severe COVID-19 infection in our cohort.

CONCLUSION

In our study, the presence of liver impairment allows us to predict a more severe inflammation with a higher risk of bacterial complication and worse outcomes of COVID-19. Therefore, patients with severe disease forms should have their liver tests monitored regularly and their results should be considered when selecting treatment to avoid further liver damage or even insufficiency.

Observational study of factors associated with morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 in Lebanon, 2020-2021

BACKGROUND

The COVID-19 pandemic claimed millions of lives worldwide without clear signs of abating despite several mitigation efforts and vaccination campaigns. There have been tremendous interests in understanding the etiology of the disease particularly in what makes it severe and fatal in certain patients. Studies have shown that COVID-19 patients with kidney injury on admission were more likely to develop severe disease, and acute kidney disease was associated with high mortality in COVID-19 hospitalized patients.

METHODS

This study investigated 819 COVID-19 patients admitted between January 2020-April 2021 to the COVID-19 ward at a tertiary care center in Lebanon and evaluated their vital signs and biomarkers while probing for two main outcomes: intubation and fatality. Logistic and Cox regressions were performed to investigate the association between clinical and metabolic variables and disease outcomes, mainly intubation and mortality. Times were defined in terms of admission and discharge/fatality for COVID-19, with no other exclusions.

RESULTS

Regression analysis revealed that the following are independent risk factors for both intubation and fatality respectively: diabetes (p = 0.021 and p = 0.04), being overweight (p = 0.021 and p = 0.072), chronic kidney disease (p = 0.045 and p = 0.001), and gender (p = 0.016 and p = 0.114). Further, shortness of breath (p<0.001), age (p<0.001) and being overweight (p = 0.014) associated with intubation, while fatality with shortness of breath (p<0.001) in our group of patients. Elevated level of serum creatinine was the highest factor associated with fatality (p = 0.002), while both white blood count (p<0.001) and serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase levels (p<0.001) emerged as independent risk factors for intubation.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively our data show that high creatinine levels were significantly associated with fatality in our COVID-19 study patients, underscoring the importance of kidney function as a main modulator of SARS-CoV-2 morbidity and favor a careful and proactive management of patients with elevated creatinine levels on admission.

A prediction model for COVID-19 liver dysfunction in patients with normal hepatic biochemical parameters

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients with liver dysfunction (LD) have a higher chance of developing severe and critical disease. The routine hepatic biochemical parameters ALT, AST, GGT, and TBIL have limitations in reflecting COVID-19-related LD. In this study, we performed proteomic analysis on 397 serum samples from 98 COVID-19 patients to identify new biomarkers for LD. We then established 19 simple machine learning models using proteomic measurements and clinical variables to predict LD in a development cohort of 74 COVID-19 patients with normal hepatic biochemical parameters. The model based on the biomarker ANGL3 and sex (AS) exhibited the best discrimination (time-dependent AUCs: 0.60-0.80), calibration, and net benefit in the development cohort, and the accuracy of this model was 69.0-73.8% in an independent cohort. The AS model exhibits great potential in supporting optimization of therapeutic strategies for COVID-19 patients with a high risk of LD. This model is publicly available at https://xixihospital-liufang.shinyapps.io/DynNomapp/.

Evaluation of Drug-Induced Liver Injury in Hospitalized Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection

Elevated liver enzymes are frequently reported in SARS-CoV-2-infected patients. Several mechanisms of liver injury have been proposed, but no clear conclusions were drawn. We aimed to evaluate hepatocellular and cholestatic injury in relation to the administration of potentially hepatotoxic drugs included in the current COVID-19 therapeutic guidelines in a retrospective cohort of 396 hospitalized COVID-19 patients. The main findings of our study are: (1) Significant increase in aminotransferases level was observed during hospitalization, suggesting drug-related hepatotoxicity. (2) Tocilizumab was correlated with hepatocellular injury, including ALT values greater than five times the upper limit of normal. (3) Anakinra was correlated with ALT values greater than three times the upper limit of normal. (4) Younger patients receiving tocilizumab or anakinra had a higher risk of hepatocellular injury. (5) The combination of favipiravir with tocilizumab was associated with AST values greater than three times the upper limit of normal and with an increase in direct bilirubin. (6) The administration of at least three potentially hepatotoxic drugs was correlated with hepatocellular injury, including ALT values greater than five times the upper limit of normal, and with the increase in indirect bilirubin. (7) Remdesivir and favipiravir by themselves did not correlate with hepatocellular or cholestatic injury in our study cohort.

Association between immunosuppressants and poor antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in patients with autoimmune liver diseases

The antibody and B cell responses after inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccination have not been well documented in patients with autoimmune liver disease (AILD). Therefore, we conducted a prospective observational study that included AILD patients and healthy participants as controls between July 1, 2021, and September 30, 2021, at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. All adverse events (AEs) after the COVID-19 vaccination were recorded and graded. Immunoglobulin (Ig)-G antibodies against the receptor-binding domain (RBD) of the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein (anti-RBD-IgG) and neutralizicadng antibodies (NAbs) were tested following full-course vaccination (BBIBP-CorV or CoronaVac). In addition, SARS-CoV-2-specific B cells were detected by flow cytometry. In total, 76 AILD patients and 136 healthy controls (HCs) were included. All AEs were mild and self-limiting, and the incidences were similar between the AILD and HCs. The seropositivity rates of anti-RBD-IgG and NAbs in AILD were 97.4% (100% in HCs, p = 0.13) and 63.2% (84.6% in HCs, p < 0.001), respectively. The titers of anti-RBD-IgG and NAbs were significantly lower in AILD patients than those in HCs. After adjusting for confounders, immunosuppressive therapy was an independent risk factor for low-level anti-RBD-IgG (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 4.7; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.5-15.2; p = 0.01) and a reduced probability of NAbs seropositivity (aOR, 3.0; 95% CI, 1.0-8.9; p = 0.04) in AILD patients. However, regardless of immunosuppressants, the SARS-CoV-2-specific memory B cells responses were comparable between the AILD and HC groups. Our results suggest that inactivated SARS-CoV-2 vaccines (BBIBP-CorV and CoronaVac) are safe, but their immunogenicity is compromised in patients with AILD. Moreover, immunosuppressants are significantly associated with poor antibody responses to the SARS-CoV-2 vaccines. These results could inform physicians and policymakers about decisions on screening the populations at higher risk of poor antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 vaccines and providing additional vaccinations in patients with AILD.

Impact of COVID-19 on the liver and on the care of patients with chronic liver disease, hepatobiliary cancer, and liver transplantation: An updated EASL position paper

The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a serious challenge to the hepatology community, particularly healthcare professionals and patients. While the rapid development of safe and effective vaccines and treatments has improved the clinical landscape, the emergence of the omicron variant has presented new challenges. Thus, it is timely that the European Association for the Study of the Liver provides a summary of the latest data on the impact of COVID-19 on the liver and issues guidance on the care of patients with chronic liver disease, hepatobiliary cancer, and previous liver transplantation, as the world continues to deal with the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Co-infection associated with SARS-CoV-2 and their management

SARS-CoV-2 was discovered in Wuhan, China and quickly spread throughout the world. This deadly virus moved from person to person, resulting in severe pneumonia, fever, chills and hypoxia. Patients are still experiencing problems after recovering from COVID-19. This review covers COVID-19 and associated issues following recovery from COVID-19, as well as multiorgan damage risk factors and treatment techniques. Several unusual illnesses, including mucormycosis, white fungus infection, happy hypoxia and other systemic abnormalities, have been reported in recovered individuals. In children, multisystem inflammatory syndrome with COVID-19 (MIS-C) is identified. The reasons for this might include uncontrollable steroid usage, reduced immunity, uncontrollable diabetes mellitus and inadequate care following COVID-19 recovery.

Trends in Etiology-based Mortality From Chronic Liver Disease Before and During COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States

BACKGROUND & AIMS

During the global coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, patients with pre-existing chronic liver disease may represent a vulnerable population. We studied the etiology-based temporal trends in mortality of chronic liver disease and the underlying cause of death in the United States before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.

METHODS

Population-based analyses were performed on United States national mortality records (2017-2020). Temporal trends in quarterly age-standardized mortality were obtained by joinpoint analysis with estimates of quarterly percentage change (QPC).

RESULTS

Quarterly age-standardized all-cause mortality due to alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) initially increased at a quarterly rate of 1.1% before the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by a sharp increase during the COVID-19 pandemic at a quarterly rate of 11.2%. Likewise, steady increase in mortality of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease before the COVID-19 pandemic (QPC, 1.9%) accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic (QPC, 6.6%). Although ALD-related mortality increased steeply compared with viral hepatitis-related mortality during the COVID-19 pandemic, the proportion of mortality due to COVID-19 among individuals with ALD was the lowest at 2.5%; more than 50% lower than viral hepatitis. The significant decline in all-cause mortality due to viral hepatitis before the COVID-19 pandemic plateaued during the COVID-19 pandemic due to increase in COVID-19-related mortality in individuals with viral hepatitis. Mortality due to cirrhosis increased markedly during the COVID-19 pandemic, mainly attributable to ALD.

CONCLUSION

All-cause mortality for ALD and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease rapidly accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic compared with the pre-COVID-19 era. There has been a significant decline in viral hepatitis; however, a significant increase in COVID-related death in this population.

Scars of COVID-19: A bibliometric analysis of post-COVID-19 fibrosis

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) becomes a worldwide public health threat. Increasing evidence proves that COVID-19-induced acute injuries could be reversed by a couple of therapies. After that, post-COVID-19 fibrosis (PCF), a sequela of "Long COVID," earns rapidly emerging concerns. PCF is associated with deteriorative lung function and worse quality of life. But the process of PCF remains speculative. Therefore, we aim to conduct a bibliometric analysis to explore the overall structure, hotspots, and trend topics of PCF.

Materials and methods

A comprehensive search was performed in the Web of Science core database to collect literature on PCF. Search syntax included COVID-19 relevant terms: "COVID 19," "COVID-19 Virus Disease," "COVID-19 Virus Infection," "Coronavirus Disease-19," "2019 Novel Coronavirus Disease," "2019 Novel Coronavirus Infection," "SARS Coronavirus 2 Infection," "COVID-19 Pandemic," "Coronavirus," "2019-nCoV," and "SARS-CoV-2"; and fibrosis relevant terms: "Fibrosis," "Fibroses," and "Cirrhosis." Articles in English were included. Totally 1,088 publications were enrolled. Searching results were subsequentially exported and collected for the bibliometric analysis. National, organizational, and individual level data were analyzed and visualized through biblioshiny package in the R, VOSviewer software, the CiteSpace software, and the Graphical Clustering Toolkit (gCLUTO) software, respectively.

Results

The intrinsic structure and development in the field of PCF were investigated in the present bibliometric analysis. The topmost keywords were "COVID-19" (occurrences, 636) surrounded by "SARS-CoV-2" (occurrences, 242), "coronavirus" (occurrences, 123), "fibrosis" (occurrences, 120), and "pneumonia" (occurrences, 94). The epidemiology, physiopathology, diagnosis, and therapy of PCF were extensively studied. After this, based on dynamic analysis of keywords, hot topics sharply changed from "Wuhan," "inflammation," and "cytokine storm" to "quality of life" and "infection" through burst detection; from "acute respiratory syndrome," "cystic-fibrosis" and "fibrosis" to "infection," "COVID-19," "quality-of-life" through thematic evolution; from "enzyme" to "post COVID." Similarly, co-cited references analysis showed that topics of references with most citations shift from "pulmonary pathology" (cluster 0) to "COVID-19 vaccination" (cluster 6). Additionally, the overview of contributors, impact, and collaboration was revealed. Summarily, the USA stood out as the most prolific, influential, and collaborative country. The Udice French Research University, Imperial College London, Harvard University, and the University of Washington represented the largest volume of publications, citations, H-index, and co-authorships, respectively. Dana Albon was the most productive and cited author with the strongest co-authorship link strength. Journal of Cystic Fibrosis topped the list of prolific and influential journals.

Conclusion

Outcomes gained from this study assisted professionals in better realizing PCF and would guide future practices. Epidemiology, pathogenesis, and therapeutics were study hotspots in the early phase of PCF research. As the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic and progress in this field, recent attention shifted to the quality of life of patients and post-COVID comorbidities. Nevertheless, COVID-19 relevant infection and vaccination were speculated to be research trends with current and future interest. International cooperation as well as in-depth laboratory experiments were encouraged to promote further explorations in the field of PCF.

Identification of Suitable Drug Combinations for Treating COVID-19 Using a Novel Machine Learning Approach: The RAIN Method

Simple Summary

This study follows an improved approach to systematic reviews, called the Systematic Review and Artificial Intelligence Network Meta-Analysis (RAIN), registered within PROSPERO (CRD42021256797), in which, the PRISMA criterion is still considered. Drugs used in the treatment of COVID-19 were searched in the databases of ScienceDirect, Web of Science (WoS), ProQuest, Embase, Medline (PubMed), and Scopus. In addition, using artificial intelligence and the measurement of the p-value between human genes affected by COVID-19 and drugs that have been suggested by clinical experts, and reported within the identified research papers, suitable drug combinations are proposed for the treatment of COVID-19. During the systematic review process, 39 studies were selected. Our analysis shows that most of the reported drugs, such as azithromycin and hydroxyl-chloroquine on their own, do not have much of an effect on the recovery of COVID-19 patients. Based on the result of the new artificial intelligence, on the other hand, at a significance level of less than 0.05, the combination of the two drugs therapeutic corticosteroid + camostat with a significance level of 0.02, remdesivir + azithromycin with a significance level of 0.03, and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist protein + camostat with a significance level 0.02 are considered far more effective for the treatment of COVID-19 and are therefore recommended.

Abstract

COVID-19 affects several human genes, each with its own p-value. The combination of drugs associated with these genes with small p-values may lead to an estimation of the combined p-value between COVID-19 and some drug combinations, thereby increasing the effectiveness of these combinations in defeating the disease. Based on human genes, we introduced a new machine learning method that offers an effective drug combination with low combined p-values between them and COVID-19. This study follows an improved approach to systematic reviews, called the Systematic Review and Artificial Intelligence Network Meta-Analysis (RAIN), registered within PROSPERO (CRD42021256797), in which, the PRISMA criterion is still considered. Drugs used in the treatment of COVID-19 were searched in the databases of ScienceDirect, Web of Science (WoS), ProQuest, Embase, Medline (PubMed), and Scopus. In addition, using artificial intelligence and the measurement of the p-value between human genes affected by COVID-19 and drugs that have been suggested by clinical experts, and reported within the identified research papers, suitable drug combinations are proposed for the treatment of COVID-19. During the systematic review process, 39 studies were selected. Our analysis shows that most of the reported drugs, such as azithromycin and hydroxyl-chloroquine on their own, do not have much of an effect on the recovery of COVID-19 patients. Based on the result of the new artificial intelligence, on the other hand, at a significance level of less than 0.05, the combination of the two drugs therapeutic corticosteroid + camostat with a significance level of 0.02, remdesivir + azithromycin with a significance level of 0.03, and interleukin 1 receptor antagonist protein + camostat with a significance level 0.02 are considered far more effective for the treatment of COVID-19 and are therefore recommended. Additionally, at a significance level of less than 0.01, the combination of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist protein + camostat + azithromycin + tocilizumab + oseltamivir with a significance level of 0.006, and the combination of interleukin 1 receptor antagonist protein + camostat + chloroquine + favipiravir + tocilizumab7 with corticosteroid + camostat + oseltamivir + remdesivir + tocilizumab at a significant level of 0.009 are effective in the treatment of patients with COVID-19 and are also recommended. The results of this study provide sets of effective drug combinations for the treatment of patients with COVID-19. In addition, the new artificial intelligence used in the RAIN method could provide a forward-looking approach to clinical trial studies, which could also be used effectively in the treatment of diseases such as cancer.

Diet-Induced Obesity and NASH Impair Disease Recovery in SARS-CoV-2-Infected Golden Hamsters

Obese patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) are prone to severe forms of COVID-19. There is an urgent need for new treatments that lower the severity of COVID-19 in this vulnerable population. To better replicate the human context, we set up a diet-induced model of obesity associated with dyslipidemia and NASH in the golden hamster (known to be a relevant preclinical model of COVID-19). A 20-week, free-choice diet induces obesity, dyslipidemia, and NASH (liver inflammation and fibrosis) in golden hamsters. Obese NASH hamsters have higher blood and pulmonary levels of inflammatory cytokines. In the early stages of a SARS-CoV-2 infection, the lung viral load and inflammation levels were similar in lean hamsters and obese NASH hamsters. However, obese NASH hamsters showed worse recovery (i.e., less resolution of lung inflammation 10 days post-infection (dpi) and lower body weight recovery on dpi 25). Obese NASH hamsters also exhibited higher levels of pulmonary fibrosis on dpi 25. Unlike lean animals, obese NASH hamsters infected with SARS-CoV-2 presented long-lasting dyslipidemia and systemic inflammation. Relative to lean controls, obese NASH hamsters had lower serum levels of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 activity and higher serum levels of angiotensin II—a component known to favor inflammation and fibrosis. Even though the SARS-CoV-2 infection resulted in early weight loss and incomplete body weight recovery, obese NASH hamsters showed sustained liver steatosis, inflammation, hepatocyte ballooning, and marked liver fibrosis on dpi 25. We conclude that diet-induced obesity and NASH impair disease recovery in SARS-CoV-2-infected hamsters. This model might be of value for characterizing the pathophysiologic mechanisms of COVID-19 and evaluating the efficacy of treatments for the severe forms of COVID-19 observed in obese patients with NASH.

Characteristics of COVID-19 Infection in a Hospitalized Autoimmune Hepatitis Patient

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become a major public health worldwide. Hepatic dysfunction has been seen in patients with COVID-19 and could be related to a viral cytopathic effect, an exacerbated immune reaction, or drug-induced liver damage. Currently, routine modification of immunosuppressive therapy in patients with autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) before and after SARS-CoV-2 infection remains an important topic to be discussed. However, there is little evidence about this thematic to support any recommendation. Here, we described a case report in which the use of an immunosuppressive drug by a patient with diagnosed AIH might have influenced the COVID-19 clinical course with altered laboratory hematological and biochemical parameters during infection.

SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication kinetics in different human cell types: The role of autophagy, cellular metabolism and ACE2 expression

Aims

This study evaluated SARS-CoV-2 replication in human cell lines derived from various tissues and investigated molecular mechanisms related to viral infection susceptibility and replication.

Main methods

SARS-CoV-2 replication in BEAS-2B and A549 (respiratory tract), HEK-293 T (kidney), HuH7 (liver), SH-SY5Y (brain), MCF7 (breast), Huvec (endothelial) and Caco-2 (intestine) was evaluated by RT-qPCR. Concomitantly, expression levels of ACE2 (Angiotensin Converting Enzyme) and TMPRSS2 were assessed through RT-qPCR and western blot. Proteins related to autophagy and mitochondrial metabolism were monitored in uninfected cells to characterize the cellular metabolism of each cell line. The effect of ACE2 overexpression on viral replication in pulmonary cells was also investigated.

Key findings

Our data show that HuH7, Caco-2 and MCF7 presented a higher viral load compared to the other cell lines. The increased susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection seems to be associated not only with the differential levels of proteins intrinsically related to energetic metabolism, such as ATP synthase, citrate synthase, COX and NDUFS2 but also with the considerably higher TMPRSS2 mRNA expression. The two least susceptible cell types, BEAS-2B and A549, showed drastically increased SARS-CoV-2 replication capacity when ACE2 was overexpressed. These modified cell lines are relevant for studying SARS-CoV-2 replication in vitro.

Significance

Our data not only reinforce that TMPRSS2 expression and cellular energy metabolism are important molecular mechanisms for SARS-CoV-2 infection and replication, but also indicate that HuH7, MCF7 and Caco-2 are suitable models for mechanistic studies of COVID-19. Moreover, pulmonary cells overexpressing ACE2 can be used to understand mechanisms associated with SARS-CoV-2 replication.

SARS-CoV-2 Antibodies in Children with Chronic Disease from a Pediatric Gastroenterology Outpatient Clinic

PURPOSE

At the beginning of the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) epidemic, physicians paid close attention to children with chronic diseases to prevent transmission or a severe course of infection. We aimed to measure the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) antibody levels in children with chronic gastrointestinal and liver diseases to analyze the risk factors for infection and its interaction with their primary disease.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study analyzed SARS-CoV-2 antibody levels in patients with gastrointestinal and liver diseases (n=141) and in healthy children (n=48) between January and February 2021.

RESULTS

During the pandemic, 10 patients (7%) and 1 child (2%) had confirmed COVID-19 infection (p=0.2). The SARS-CoV-2 antibody test was positive in 36 patients (25.5%) and 11 children (22.9%) (p=0.7). SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity was found in 20.4%, 26.6%, 33.3%, and 33.3% of patients with chronic liver diseases, chronic gastrointestinal tract diseases, cystic fibrosis, and liver transplantation recipients, respectively (p>0.05, patients vs. healthy children). Risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity were COVID-19-related symptoms (47.2% vs. 14.2%, p=0.00004) and close contact with SARS-CoV-2 polymerase chain reaction-positive patients (69.4% vs. 9%, p<0.00001). The use, number, and type of immunosuppressants and primary diagnosis were not associated with SARS-CoV-2 antibody positivity. The frequency of disease activation/flare was not significant in patients with (8.3%) or without (14.2%) antibody positivity (p=0.35).

CONCLUSION

SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in children with chronic gastrointestinal and liver diseases are similar to that in healthy children. Close follow-up is important to understand the long-term effects of past COVID-19 infection in these children.

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding in coronavirus disease 2019 patients

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Upper gastrointestinal bleeding (UGIB) has significant morbidity and UGIB cases have been described in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients. Management of this condition can be challenging considering both the possible severe COVID-19-related pneumonia as well as the risk of the virus spreading from patients to health operators. The aim of this paper is to review the most recent studies available in the literature in order to evaluate the actual incidence of UGIB, its clinical and endoscopic manifestations and its optimal management.

RECENT FINDINGS

UGIB has an incidence between 0.5% and 1.9% among COVID-19 patients, and it typically presents with melena or hematemesis. Peptic ulcers are the most common endoscopic findings. High Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), dialysis, acute kidney injury and advanced oncological disease increase the risk for UGIB. Although anticoagulants are commonly used in COVID-19 patients they are not associated with an increased incidence of UGIB. Conservative management is a common approach that results in similar outcomes compared to upper GI endoscopic treatment. Apparently, UGIB in COVID-19 seems not have a detrimental effect and only one study showed an increased mortality in those who developed UGIB during hospitalization.

SUMMARY

Incidence of UGIB in COVID-19 patients is similar to that of the general population. Despite the widespread use of anticoagulants in these patients, they are not associated with an increased risk of UGIB. Conservative management could be an effective option, especially for patients that are at risk of intubation.

Discovery of genistein derivatives as potential SARS-CoV-2 main protease inhibitors by virtual screening, molecular dynamics simulations and ADMET analysis

Background: Due to the constant mutation of virus and the lack of specific therapeutic drugs, the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) still poses a huge threat to the health of people, especially those with underlying diseases. Therefore, drug discovery against the SARS-CoV-2 remains of great significance.

Methods: With the main protease of virus as the inhibitor target, 9,614 genistein derivatives were virtually screened by LeDock and AutoDock Vina, and the top 20 compounds with highest normalized scores were obtained. Molecular dynamics simulations were carried out for studying interactions between these 20 compounds and the target protein. The drug-like properties, activity, and ADMET of these compounds were also evaluated by DruLiTo software or online server.

Results: Twenty compounds, including compound 11, were screened by normalized molecular docking, which could bind to the target through multiple non-bonding interactions. Molecular dynamics simulation results showed that compounds 2, 4, 5, 11, 13, 14, 17, and 18 had the best binding force with the target protein of SARS-CoV-2, and the absolute values of binding free energies all exceeded 50 kJ/mol. The drug-likeness properties indicated that a variety of compounds including compound 11 were worthy of further study. The results of bioactivity score prediction found that compounds 11 and 12 had high inhibitory activities against protease, which indicated that these two compounds had the potential to be further developed as COVID-19 inhibitors. Finally, compound 11 showed excellent predictive ADMET properties including high absorption and low toxicity.

Conclusion: These in silico work results show that the preferred compound 11 (ZINC000111282222), which exhibited strong binding to SARS-CoV-2 main protease, acceptable drug-like properties, protease inhibitory activity and ADMET properties, has great promise for further research as a potential therapeutic agent against COVID-19.

The spike of SARS-CoV-2 promotes metabolic rewiring in hepatocytes

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes a multi-organ damage that includes hepatic dysfunction, which has been observed in over 50% of COVID-19 patients. Liver injury in COVID-19 could be attributed to the cytopathic effects, exacerbated immune responses or treatment-associated drug toxicity. Herein we demonstrate that hepatocytes are susceptible to infection in different models: primary hepatocytes derived from humanized angiotensin-converting enzyme-2 mice (hACE2) and primary human hepatocytes. Pseudotyped viral particles expressing the full-length spike of SARS-CoV-2 and recombinant receptor binding domain (RBD) bind to ACE2 expressed by hepatocytes, promoting metabolic reprogramming towards glycolysis but also impaired mitochondrial activity. Human and hACE2 primary hepatocytes, where steatosis and inflammation were induced by methionine and choline deprivation, are more vulnerable to infection. Inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system increases the susceptibility of primary hepatocytes to infection with pseudotyped viral particles. Metformin, a common therapeutic option for hyperglycemia in type 2 diabetes patients known to partially attenuate fatty liver, reduces the infection of human and hACE2 hepatocytes. In summary, we provide evidence that hepatocytes are amenable to infection with SARS-CoV-2 pseudovirus, and we propose that metformin could be a therapeutic option to attenuate infection by SARS-CoV-2 in patients with fatty liver.

Secondary sclerosing cholangitis after COVID-19 pneumonia: a report of two cases and review of the literature

Secondary sclerosing cholangitis in critically ill patients (SC-CIP) is a rare disease characterized by chronic cholestasis. The underlying pathophysiology of SC-CIP is not fully understood, and prognosis in severe cases remains poor with liver transplantation remaining the only curative treatment option. There is a growing amount of literature describing patients with chronic cholangiopathy after COVID-19 infection. The vast majority of the patients described in these reports were male and had a poor outcome. While the exact percentage of patients with COVID-19-related SC-CIP cannot be estimated accurately due to a lack of larger studies, an increase in patients with long-term complications of chronic cholestatic liver disease after severe COVID19-pneumonia can be expected in the upcoming years. Treatment options remain limited and further research is needed to improve the dismal prognosis of SC-CIP. Here, we present the cases of two patients who developed SC-CIP after prolonged intensive care unit stay due to severe COVID-19 pneumonia. Both patients required invasive ventilation for 31 and 141 days, respectively, as well as extra-corporal membrane oxygenation for 23 and 87 days. The patients suffered from jaundice and severe pruritus, and typical features of SC-CIP were present by MRCP and ERC. Repeated removal of biliary casts resulted in some alleviation of their clinical symptoms, but cholestasis parameters remain elevated. Furthermore, an increased liver stiffness was indicative of advanced fibrosis in both patients. In addition to these two case reports, we provide a concise review of the literature of SC-CIP after COVID-19 infection and discuss risk factors, treatment options and prognosis.

Hepatitis of unknown etiology in children: What we know and what we can do?

Recently, acute hepatitis of unknown etiology in children has gained great concern since March 2022. The disease was first reported by Public Health Scotland. Cases increased rapidly and are now reported in 33 countries worldwide. All cases are predominantly aged under 5 years old. Most patients presented with jaundice, and remarkably, some cases progress to acute liver failure. Until now, the etiology is not fully elucidated, and the investigations are ongoing. Adenovirus infection seems to be an important factor. Several hypotheses on the etiology have been proposed. This review aims to summarize current research progress and put forward some suggestions.

A novel pulmonary fibrosis murine model with immune-related liver injury

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), characterized by aggravated alveolar destruction and fibrotic matrix deposition, tendentiously experiences the stage called acute exacerbation IPF (AE-IPF) and progresses to multiple organ damage, especially liver injury. Recent studies have found a variety of immune microenvironment disorders associated with elevated IPF risk and secondary organ injury, whereas current animal models induced with bleomycin (BLM) could not completely reflect the pathological manifestations of AE-IPF patients in clinic, and the exact underlying mechanisms are not yet fully explored. In the current study, we established an AE-IPF model by tracheal administration of a single dose of BLM and then repeated administrations of lipopolysaccharide in mice. This mouse model successfully recapitulated the clinical features of AE-IPF, including excessive intrapulmonary inflammation and fibrosis and extrapulmonary manifestations, as indicated by significant upregulation of Il6, Tnfa, Il1b, Tgfb, fibronectin, and Col1a1 in both lungs and liver and elevated serum aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase levels. These effects might be attributed to the regulation of Th17 cells. By sharing this novel murine model, we expect to provide an appropriate experimental platform to investigate the pathogenesis of AE-IPF coupled with liver injury and contribute to the discovery and development of targeted interventions.

SARS-CoV-2 Infection: Host Response, Immunity, and Therapeutic Targets

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection has resulted in a global pandemic with severe socioeconomic effects. Immunopathogenesis of COVID-19 leads to acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and organ failure. Binding of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein to human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (hACE2) on bronchiolar and alveolar epithelial cells triggers host inflammatory pathways that lead to pathophysiological changes. Proinflammatory cytokines and type I interferon (IFN) signaling in alveolar epithelial cells counter barrier disruption, modulate host innate immune response to induce chemotaxis, and initiate the resolution of inflammation. Here, we discuss experimental models to study SARS-CoV-2 infection, molecular pathways involved in SARS-CoV-2-induced inflammation, and viral hijacking of anti-inflammatory pathways, such as delayed type-I IFN response. Mechanisms of alveolar adaptation to hypoxia, adenosinergic signaling, and regulatory microRNAs are discussed as potential therapeutic targets for COVID-19.

Interaction of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease with advanced fibrosis in the death and intubation of patients hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019

Patients with pre-existing liver diseases are considered to have an increased risk of morbidity and mortality from any type of infection, including viruses. The aim of this work was to explore the implications of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) definitions in coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and to study the interaction between advanced fibrosis (AF) and each of these diseases in the death and intubation of patients hospitalized with COVID-19. We performed a retrospective study with 359 patients hospitalized with confirmed COVID-19 infection in a tertiary referral hospital who were admitted between April and June 2020. A multivariate Cox model was performed regarding the interaction of AF with MAFLD and NAFLD in the mortality and intubation of patients with COVID-19. The death rate was statistically significantly higher in the MAFLD group compared to the control group (55% vs. 38.3%, p = 0.02). No significant difference was seen in the death rate between the NAFLD and control group. The MAFLD (44.09% vs. 20%, p = 0.001) and NAFLD (40.51% vs. 20%, p = 0.01) groups had statistically significantly higher intubation rates than the control group. A statistically significant interaction between NAFLD and AF was associated with an increase in mortality (p = 0.01), while a statistically significant interaction between MAFLD and AF was associated with an increased risk of mortality (p = 0.006) and intubation (p = 0.049). In the case of patients hospitalized with COVID-19, our results indicate that the death rate was higher in the MAFLD group but not the NAFLD group compared to that in the control group. The intubation rates were higher in the NAFLD and MAFLD groups compared to rates in the control group, suggesting that both could be associated with COVID-19 severity. In addition, we found interactions between AF with MAFLD and NAFLD.

Epidemiology of liver failure in Asia-Pacific region

The global burden of deaths caused by liver failure is substantial. The Asia-Pacific region is home to more than half of the global population and accounted for 62.6% of global deaths because of liver diseases in 2015. The aetiology of liver failure varies in different countries at different times. Viruses (Hepatitis A, B and E), drugs (herbs and anti-tuberculous drugs), toxins (alcohol use) and autoimmune flares are mainly responsible of majority of liver failure in individuals with normal liver (acute liver failure; ALF); else these may precipitate liver failure in those with chronic liver disease (acute-on-chronic liver failure; ACLF). Concomitant increases in alcohol misuse and metabolic syndrome in recent years are concerning. Ongoing efforts to address liver failure-related morbidity and mortality require accurate contemporary estimates of epidemiology and outcomes. In light of the ever-changing nature of liver disease epidemiology, accurate estimates for the burden of liver failure across the countries are vital for setting clinical, research and policy priorities. In this review, we aimed to describe the current as well as changing epidemiological trends of common liver failure syndromes, ALF and ACLF in the Asia-Pacific region.

COVID-19 Pandemic: Insights into Interactions between SARS-CoV-2 Infection and MAFLD

COVID-19, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), has become an ongoing global health pandemic. Since 2019, the pandemic continues to cast a long shadow on all aspects of our lives, bringing huge health and economic burdens to all societies. With our in-depth understanding of COVID-19, from the initial respiratory tract to the later gastrointestinal tract and cardiovascular systems, the multiorgan involvement of this infectious disease has been discovered. Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), formerly named nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a major health issue closely related to metabolic dysfunctions, affecting a quarter of the world's adult population. The association of COVID-19 with MAFLD has received increasing attention, as MAFLD is a potential risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19 symptoms. In this review, we provide an update on the interactions between COVID-19 and MAFLD and its underlying mechanisms.

Ferritin, blood urea nitrogen, and high chest CT score determines ICU admission in COVID-19 positive UAE patients: A single center retrospective study

Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic by WHO in March 2020. Since then, additional novel coronavirus variants have emerged challenging the current healthcare system worldwide. There is an increased need for hospital care, especially intensive care unit (ICU), for the patients severely affected by the disease. Most of the studies analyzed COVID-19 infected patients in the hospitals and established the positive correlation between clinical parameters such as high levels of D-dimer, C-reactive protein, and ferritin to the severity of infection. However, little is known about the course of the ICU admission. The retrospective study carried out at University Hospital Sharjah, UAE presented here reports an integrated analysis of the biochemical and radiological factors among the newly admitted COVID-19 patients to decide on their ICU admission. The descriptive statistical analysis revealed that patients with clinical presentations such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) (p<0.0001) at the time of admission needed intensive care. The ROC plot indicated that radiological factors including high chest CT scores (>CO-RADS 4) in combination with biochemical parameters such as higher levels of blood urea nitrogen (>6.7 mg/dL;66% sensitivity and 75.8% specificity) and ferritin (>290 μg/mL, 71.4% sensitivity and 77.8% specificity) may predict ICU admission with 94.2% accuracy among COVID-19 patients. Collectively, these findings would benefit the hospitals to predict the ICU admission amongst COVID-19 infected patients.

Metabolite, protein, and tissue dysfunction associated with COVID-19 disease severity

Proteins are direct products of the genome and metabolites are functional products of interactions between the host and other factors such as environment, disease state, clinical information, etc. Omics data, including proteins and metabolites, are useful in characterizing biological processes underlying COVID-19 along with patient data and clinical information, yet few methods are available to effectively analyze such diverse and unstructured data. Using an integrated approach that combines proteomics and metabolomics data, we investigated the changes in metabolites and proteins in relation to patient characteristics (e.g., age, gender, and health outcome) and clinical information (e.g., metabolic panel and complete blood count test results). We found significant enrichment of biological indicators of lung, liver, and gastrointestinal dysfunction associated with disease severity using publicly available metabolite and protein profiles. Our analyses specifically identified enriched proteins that play a critical role in responses to injury or infection within these anatomical sites, but may contribute to excessive systemic inflammation within the context of COVID-19. Furthermore, we have used this information in conjunction with machine learning algorithms to predict the health status of patients presenting symptoms of COVID-19. This work provides a roadmap for understanding the biochemical pathways and molecular mechanisms that drive disease severity, progression, and treatment of COVID-19.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic on Vascular Liver Diseases

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Vascular liver diseases (VLDs) are represented mainly by portosinusoidal vascular disease (PSVD), noncirrhotic splanchnic vein thrombosis (SVT), and Budd Chiari syndrome (BCS). It is unknown whether patients with VLDs constitute a high-risk population for complications and greater coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-related mortality from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Our objective was to assess the prevalence and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection among patients with VLDs, as well as to assess its impact on hepatic decompensation and survival.

METHODS

This is an observational international study analyzing the prevalence and severity of SARS-CoV-2 infection in VLDs between March 2020 and March 2021, compared with the general population (GP). Patients from Spain (5 centers; n = 493) and France (1 center; n = 475) were included.

RESULTS

Nine hundred sixty-eight patients were included: 274 with PSVD, 539 with SVT, and 155 with BCS. Among them, 138 (14%) were infected with SARS-CoV-2: 53 with PSVD, 77 with SVT, and 8 with BCS. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infection in patients with PSVD (19%) and SVT (14%) was significantly higher than in the GP (6.5%; P < .05), whereas it was very similar in patients with BCS (5%). In terms of infection severity, patients with VLDs also presented a higher need of hospital admission (14% vs 7.3%; P < .01), intensive care unit admission (2% vs 0.7%; P < .01), and mortality (4% vs 1.5%; P < .05) than the GP. Previous history of ascites (50% vs 8%; P < .05) and post-COVID-19 hepatic decompensation (50% vs 4%; P < .05) were associated with COVID-19 mortality.

CONCLUSIONS

Patients with PSVD and SVT could be at higher risk of infection by SARS-CoV-2 and at higher risk of severe COVID-19 disease.

Remdesivir use and risks of acute kidney injury and acute liver injury among patients hospitalised with COVID-19: a self-controlled case series study

BACKGROUND AND AIM

To investigate and quantify the risks of AKI and ALI associated with remdesivir use, given the underlying diseases of SARS-CoV-2 infection.

METHODS

This self-controlled case series (SCCS) study was conducted using electronic hospital records between 23 January 2020 and 31 January 2021 as retrieved from the Hong Kong Hospital Authority which manages all laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases in Hong Kong. Outcomes of AKI and ALI were defined using the KDIGO Guideline and Asia Pacific Association of Study of Liver consensus guidelines. Incidence rate ratios (IRR) for AKI and ALI following the administration of remdesivir (exposure) in comparison to a non-exposure period were estimated using the conditional Poisson regression models.

RESULTS

Of 860 COVID-19 patients administered remdesivir during hospitalisation, 334 (38.8%) and 137 (15.9%) had incident ALI and AKI, respectively. Compared with the baseline period, both ALI and AKI risks were increased significantly during the pre-exposure period (ALI: IRR = 6.169, 95% CI = 4.549-8.365; AKI: IRR = 7.074, 95% CI = 3.763-13.298) and remained elevated during remdesivir treatment. Compared to the pre-exposure period, risks of ALI and AKI were not significantly higher in the first 2 days of remdesivir initiation (ALI: IRR = 1.261, 95% CI = 0.915-1.737; AKI: IRR = 1.261, 95% CI = 0.889-1.789) and between days 2 and 5 of remdesivir treatment (ALI: IRR = 1.087, 95% CI = 0.793-1.489; AKI: IRR = 1.152, 95% CI = 0.821-1.616).

CONCLUSION

The increased risks of AKI and ALI associated with intravenous remdesivir treatment for COVID-19 may be due to the underlying SARS-CoV-2 infection. The risks of AKI and ALI were elevated in the pre-exposure period, yet no such increased risks were observed following remdesivir initiation when compared to the pre-exposure period.

COVID-19, rejection, and cutaneous mucormycosis in a long-term liver transplant recipient - the vicious cycle of immunosuppression and opportunistic infections

Opportunistic infections, including fungal infections, are dreaded complications of liver transplantation, particularly early after transplant. We describe the case of a patient that presented 6 years after liver transplant with a Lichtheimia corymbifera-infected leg ulcer, following previous COVID-19 infection and moderate rejection requiring steroid pulses. The patient required long-term antifungal therapy, repeated surgical debridement and eventually wound coverage with meshed split-thickness skin graft. Our case illustrates the challenges in the treatment of cutaneous mucormycosis and highlights the difficulties in achieving an accurate balance between the risk of opportunistic infections and rejection in this population.

Regional heterogeneity of in-hospital mortality of COVID-19 in Brazil

Background

The ongoing Coronavirus disease of 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has hit Brazil hard in period of different dominant variants. Different COIVD-19 variants have swept through the region, resulting that the total number of cases in Brazil is the third highest in the world. This study is aimed at investigating the regional heterogeneity of in-hospital mortality of COVID-19 in Brazil and the effects of vaccination and social inequality.

Methods

We fitted a multivariate mixed-effects Cox model to a national database of inpatient data in Brazil who were admitted for COVID-19 from February 27, 2020 to March 15, 2022. The in-hospital mortality risks of vaccinated and unvaccinated patients were compared, with adjustment for age, state, ethnicity, education and comorbidities. And the effects of variables to in-hospital mortality were also compared. Stratified analysis was conducted across different age groups and vaccine types.

Results

By fitting the multivariate mixed-effects Cox model, we concluded that age was the most important risk factor for death. With regards to educational level, illiterate patients (hazard ratio: 1.63, 95% CI: 1.56–1.70) had a higher risk than those with a university or college degree. Some common comorbidities were more dangerous for hospitalized patients, such as liver disease (HR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.34–1.59) and immunosuppression (HR:1.32, 95% CI: 1.26–1.40). In addition, the states involving Sergipe (HR: 1.75, 95% CI: 1.46–2.11), Roraima (HR: 1.65, 95% CI: 1.43–1.92), Maranhão (HR: 1.57, 95% CI: 1.38–1.79), Acre (HR: 1.44, 95% CI: 1.12–1.86), and Rondônia (HR: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.10–1.44) in the north and the northeast region tended to have higher hazard ratios than other area. In terms of vaccine protection, vaccination did not significantly reduce mortality among hospitalized patients. Sinovac and AstraZeneca offered different protection in different regions, and no vaccine provided high protection in all regions.

Conclusion

The study revealed the regional heterogeneity of in-hospital mortality of Covid-19 in Brazil and the effects of vaccination and social inequality. We found that ethnic concentrations were consistent with higher proportion of death cases relative to population size. White Brazilians had more frequent international travel opportunities. As race revealed the intersection of social connections, we speculated that uneven interactions with residential communities partially contribute to the spread of the epidemic. Additionally, the vaccine showed different protection in different regions. In the northern and northeastern regions, AstraZeneca was much more protective than Sinovac, while Sinovac was more protective for hospitalized patients with varying numbers of comorbidities in the Central-west, Southeast and South regions.

Infección por SARS-CoV-2 y su impacto en la enfermedad hepática

Introducción

En el contexto de la infección por SARS-CoV-2 no es infrecuente encontrar alteraciones hepáticas, tanto en pacientes con enfermedad hepática crónica previa como sin ella.

Contenido

En esta revisión, se examina el conocimiento actual sobre la relación entre la COVID-19 y el daño hepático, frecuentemente observado en el seno de esta enfermedad.

Resumen

Si bien no está completamente dilucidada la patogénesis del daño hepático, parece ser consecuencia de la combinación de varios factores, entre los que se encuentran el daño directo del virus, el derivado de la hiperactivación del sistema inmune, el isquémico y el farmacológico. El valor pronóstico de estas alteraciones también está bajo intensa investigación. La potencial repercusión de las mismas aboga por la necesidad de adecuar el manejo y el tratamiento de los pacientes, particularmente en el contexto de pacientes con enfermedad hepática crónica o trasplantados hepáticos.

Perspectiva

Se desconocen actualmente muchos aspectos relativos a la afectación hepática durante la COVID-19, particularmente en las formas graves de la enfermedad. El desarrollo de nuevos estudios referidos a las implicaciones clínicas de la COVID-19 en el hígado, tanto en estado sano como enfermo, podrían ayudar a ajustar las recomendaciones de tratamiento y vacunación según el perfil del paciente.

SARS-CoV-2 infection and liver involvement

The COVID-19 pandemic is the largest public health challenge in living memory. Patients with underlying liver disease have been disproportionately affected, experiencing high morbidity and mortality. In addition, elevated liver enzymes appear to be a risk factor for disease progression, even in the absence of underlying liver disease. Nevertheless, the mechanism of liver injury in SARS-CoV-2 infection remains largely unknown. This review aims to provide an overview of the mechanisms by which SARS-CoV-2 induces liver injury, and the impact of COVID-19 on cirrhosis, alcohol-related liver disease, autoimmune liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis B and C virus infection, liver-transplant recipients and patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. Finally, emerging data on vaccination in liver diseases is discussed, to help inform public health policy.

Liver dysfunction during COVID-19 pandemic: Contributing role of associated factors in disease progression and severity

In December 2019, a new strain of coronavirus was discovered in China, and the World Health Organization declared it a pandemic in March 2020. The majority of people with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) exhibit no or only mild symptoms such as fever, cough, anosmia, and headache. Meanwhile, approximately 15% develop a severe lung infection over the course of 10 d, resulting in respiratory failure, which can lead to multi-organ failure, coagulopathy, and death. Since the beginning of the pandemic, it appears that there has been consideration that pre-existing chronic liver disease may predispose to deprived consequences in conjunction with COVID-19. Furthermore, extensive liver damage has been linked to immune dysfunction and coagulopathy, which leads to a more severe COVID-19 outcome. Besides that, people with COVID-19 frequently have abnormal liver function, with more significant elevations in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase in patients with severe COVID-19 compared to those with mild/moderate disease. This review focuses on the pathogenesis of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection in the liver, as well as the use of liver chemistry as a prognostic tool during COVID-19. We also evaluate the findings for viral infection of hepatocytes, and look into the potential mechanisms behind SARS-CoV-2-related liver damage.

Coronavirus Disease 2019 Vaccinations in Patients With Chronic Liver Disease and Liver Transplant Recipients: An Update

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a current global pandemic associated with an increased mortality, particularly in patients with comorbidities. Patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) and liver transplant (LT) recipients are at higher risk of morbidity and mortality after severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection. Many liver societies have recommended that these patients should receive COVID-19 vaccinations, although there are limited studies assessing risks and benefits in this population. In addition, two doses of mRNA vaccines may not provide sufficient immune response, and booster dose(s) may be necessary, especially in LT recipients. Notably, variants of concern have recently emerged, and it remains unclear whether currently available vaccines provide adequate and durable protective immunity against these novel variants. This review focuses on the role of COVID-19 vaccinations in CLD and LT recipients.

Liver damage in the context of SARS-CoV-2. Covid-19 treatment and its effects on the liver

Since COVID-19 was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization, the scientific community has tried to protect the population from the infection and its effects through multiple lines of evidence. Patients at high risk of developing severe disease were advised to protect themselves and practice effective physical distancing. Phenotypes specific to this infection need to be reviewed to understand COVID-19 and its clinical manifestations. When the pandemic began, the scientific community was concerned with the unfavorable outcome of cases with pre-existing liver disease. There have been speculations about risk factors for severe diseases such as liver disease, age, gender, and association with obesity or diabetes.

Impact of SARS-CoV-2 infection on liver disease

INTRODUCTION

Abnormal liver biochemistry is not a rare finding in the context of SARS-CoV-2 infection, regardless of patients having pre-existing chronic disease or not.

CONTENT

This review examines the current body of knowledge on the relationship between COVID-19 and liver injury, which is frequently found in this setting.

SUMMARY

Although the pathogenesis of liver injury is not fully understood, it has been suggested to be the result of a combination of multiple factors. These include direct injury caused by the virus, immune system hyperactivation, ischemic and drug-induced injury. The prognostic valor of these alterations is also the subject of intense research. Due to their potential impact, these alterations require proper management and treatment, especially in patients with chronic liver disease or liver transplant recipients.

OUTLOOK

Some aspects associated with liver injury during COVID-19, especially in severe presentations, are not well understood. Studies assessing the clinical impact of COVID-19 on the healthy or diseased liver may help adjust treatment and immunization guidelines to the profile of the patient.

Safety and immunogenicity of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines in Chinese patients with cirrhosis: a prospective multicenter study

BACKGROUND

Data on safety and immunogenicity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination in patients with compensated (C-cirrhosis) and decompensated cirrhosis (D-cirrhosis) are limited.

METHODS

In this prospective multicenter study, adult participants with C-cirrhosis and D-cirrhosis were enrolled and received two doses of inactivated whole-virion COVID-19 vaccines. Adverse events were recorded within 14 days after any dose of vaccination, and serum samples of enrolled patients were collected and tested for SARS-CoV-2 neutralizing antibodies at least 14 days after the second dose. Risk factors for negative neutralizing antibody were analyzed.

RESULTS

In total, 553 patients were enrolled from 15 centers in China, including 388 and 165 patients with C-cirrhosis and D-cirrhosis. The vaccines were well tolerated, most adverse reactions were mild and transient, and injection site pain (23/388 [5.9%] vs 9/165 [5.5%]) and fatigue (5/388 [1.3%] vs 3/165 [1.8%]) were the most frequently local and systemic adverse events in both the C-cirrhosis and D-cirrhosis groups. Overall, 4.4% (16/363) and 0.3% (1/363) of patients were reported Grades 2 and 3 alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations (defined as ALT > 2 upper limit of normal [ULN] but ≤ 5 ULN, and ALT > 5 ULN, respectively). The positive rates of COVID-19 neutralizing antibodies were 71.6% (278/388) and 66.1% (109/165) in C-cirrhosis and D-cirrhosis groups. Notably, Child-Pugh score of B and C levels was an independent risk factor of negative neutralizing antibody.

CONCLUSIONS

Inactivated COVID-19 vaccinations are safe with acceptable immunogenicity in cirrhotic patients, and Child-Pugh score of B and C levels is associated with hyporesponsive to COVID-19 vaccination.

Gut Microbiota, NAFLD and COVID-19: A Possible Interaction

COVID-19, which is caused by SARS-CoV-2, is a major public health concern around the world. The beta coronavirus family includes SARS-CoV2, which enters cells via the ACE2 receptor. Patients in Wuhan, China, who suffered from the first sickness had no symptoms concerning the digestive system. Only 2.6% developed diarrhea, and only 2% had chronic liver illness. As the situation becomes more complicated, more people are reporting gastric issues. The disorder is characterized by diarrhea, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, abdominal discomfort and gastrointestinal bleeding, with diarrhea being the most common symptom. Several theories have been proposed for the genesis of gastrointestinal issues. Virus-induced cytopathic effects via ACE2, immune-mediated inflammatory cytokine storm, gut–lung axis function and drug-related damage are among them, not only in cases of COVID-19, but also in gastrointestinal illnesses.

The short-term outcomes of patients with chronic liver disease hospitalized with COVID-19

Background and aims

Patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) might have aggravated course upon acquisition of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). We aimed to analyse the outcomes of patients with CLD who were hospitalized due to COVID‐19.

Methods

Medical records of 4014 patients hospitalized due to COVID‐19 in a regional referral hospital over a 12‐month period were analysed. Patients with CLD were identified based on discharge diagnoses according to ICD‐10 classification. Patients were followed for 30 days from admission, and their outcomes (intensive care unit (ICU) admission, mechanical ventilation (MV) or death) were analysed.

Results

Of the 4014 patients, 110 (2.7%) had CLD and 49 (1.2%) had cirrhosis. Median age of CLD patients was 67.5 years, 79 (71.8%) were males, 224 (23.5%) obese, 56 (50.9%) reported alcohol abuse, 24 (21.8%) had non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease, 11 (10%) viral hepatitis and 98 (89.1%) had pneumonia. Median length of hospitalization was 12 days, 32 (29.1%) patients required ICU admission and 23 (20.9%) MV, while 43 (39.1%) died. In univariate analysis, patients with cirrhosis (45% vs 73%, HR=2.95; P<0.001), but not those with non‐cirrhotic CLD (74% vs 73%, P>0.05), experienced worse 30‐days survival when compared to age, sex and COVID‐19 duration matched cohorts. In a logistic regression analysis conducted on the overall and matched cohorts, liver cirrhosis, but not CLD, predicted inferior survival independently of age, comorbidities and severity of COVID‐19, with a fourfold higher adjusted risk of 30‐day mortality.

Conclusion

Cirrhosis is independently associated with higher 30‐day mortality of hospitalized patients with COVID‐19.

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Pediatric Acute Liver Failure Due to Type 2 Autoimmune Hepatitis Associated With SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Report

Although elevated liver enzymes are common in hospitalized children with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection, pediatric acute liver failure is an uncommon manifestation of COVID-19 disease. We describe the case of a 3-year-old previously healthy female who developed acute liver failure secondary to type 2 autoimmune hepatitis preceded by mild infection with SARS-CoV-2. Testing for viral hepatitis was negative, and the patient did not meet diagnostic criteria for multisystem inflammatory disease in children (MIS-C). A liver biopsy showed acute submassive hepatocyte necrosis with brisk CD3+ T lymphocyte infiltration and no evidence of fibrosis or chronic liver disease. Treatment with high-dose methylprednisolone resulted in rapid normalization of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), international normalized ratio (INR), and ammonia levels, and liver transplantation was avoided. This case highlights a possible association between SARS-CoV-2 infection and subsequent development of autoimmune liver disease presenting with acute liver failure.

Predictors of biliary intervention in patients hospitalized for COVID-19

BACKGROUND

Gastrointestinal complications of coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) include abnormal liver function and acalculous cholecystitis. Cholecystostomy performed during the COVID-19 pandemic reflected a shift toward non-surgical treatment of cholecystitis and increased number of critically ill patients suffering from acalculous cholecystitis.

PURPOSE

(1) To determine demographic, clinical, laboratory, and ultrasound features associated with cholecystostomy placement during hospitalization for COVID-19. (2) To develop multivariable logistic regression modeling for likelihood of biliary intervention.

METHODS

This retrospective review received institutional review board approval. Informed consent was waived. Between March 2020 and June 2020, patients with confirmed SARS-CoV2 infection admitted to New York-Presbyterian Hospital (NYP)/Weill Cornell Medical Center, NYP/Lower Manhattan Hospital, and NYP/Queens were evaluated for inclusion in this study. Inclusion criteria were (1) patient age ≥ 18, (2) confirmed COVID-19 infection by polymerase chain reaction testing of a nasopharyngeal swab, and (3) abdominal ultrasound performed during hospitalization. Exclusion criteria were (1) history of cholecystectomy and (2) biliary intervention performed prior to abdominal ultrasound. Patients were stratified into two groups based on whether they received cholecystostomy during hospitalization. Differences in demographics, medical history, clinical status, medications, laboratory values, and ultrasound findings between the two groups were evaluated using Chi-square test or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables and t test or Wilcoxon-rank sum test for continuous variables. Multivariable logistic regression was used to model likelihood of biliary intervention.

RESULTS

Nine patients underwent cholecystostomy placement and formed the "Intervention Group." 203 patients formed the "No Intervention Group." Liver size and diuretics use during hospitalization were the only variables which were significantly different between the two groups, with p-values of 0.02 and 0.046, respectively. After controlling for diuretics use, the odds of receiving cholecystostomy increased by 30% with every centimeter increase in liver size (p = 0.03). ICU admission approached significance (p = 0.16), as did mechanical ventilation (p = 0.09), septic shock (p = 0.08), serum alkaline phosphatase level (p = 0.16), and portal vein patency (0.14).

CONCLUSION

Patients requiring biliary intervention during hospital admission for COVID-19 were likely to harbor liver injury in the form of liver enlargement and require diuretics use.

COVID-19 and liver disease: where are we now?

Patients with end-stage liver disease and COVID-19 are at a higher risk of hospitalization, ventilation and death than those without chronic liver disease. Whether the aetiology of liver disease also affects the natural history of COVID-19 in cirrhosis is debated. Effective and universal vaccination is paramount to combat SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Liver Dysfunction in COVID-19: From Onset to Recovery

With the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide, extrapulmonary lesions, including liver dysfunction, have attracted growing attention. The mechanisms underlying liver dysfunction in COVID-19 remain unclear. The reported prevalence of liver dysfunction varies widely across studies. In addition, its impact on clinical outcomes and its recovery after discharge are still controversial. In this review, pathological and laboratory findings were analyzed to reveal the potential mechanisms of COVID-19-induced liver injury from onset to recovery. Four patterns of liver damage were summarized according to the pathological findings, including hypoxemia and shock changes, vascular thrombosis and vascular damage, bile duct damage, and other histological changes. With a strict definition, the prevalence of liver dysfunction was not as high as reported. Meanwhile, liver dysfunction improved during the process of recovery. Nevertheless, the definite liver dysfunction was significantly associated with severe clinical course, which should not be ignored.

Prediction Model of Adverse Effects on Liver Functions of COVID-19 ICU Patients

SARS-CoV-2 is a recently discovered virus that poses an urgent threat to global health. The disease caused by this virus is termed COVID-19. Death tolls in different countries remain to rise, leading to continuous social distancing and lockdowns. Patients of different ages are susceptible to severe disease, in particular those who have been admitted to an ICU. Machine learning (ML) predictive models based on medical data patterns are an emerging topic in areas such as the prediction of liver diseases. Prediction models that combine several variables or features to estimate the risk of people being infected or experiencing a poor outcome from infection could assist medical staff in the treatment of patients, especially those that develop organ failure such as that of the liver. In this paper, we propose a model called the detecting model for liver damage (DMLD) that predicts the risk of liver damage in COVID-19 ICU patients. The DMLD model applies machine learning algorithms in order to assess the risk of liver failure based on patient data. To assess the DMLD model, collected data were preprocessed and used as input for several classifiers. SVM, decision tree (DT), Naïve Bayes (NB), KNN, and ANN classifiers were tested for performance. SVM and DT performed the best in terms of predicting illness severity based on laboratory testing.

COVID-19 mortality in cirrhosis is determined by cirrhosis-associated comorbidities and extrahepatic organ failure: Results from the multinational LEOSS registry

Background and Objective

International registries have reported high mortality rates in patients with liver disease and COVID‐19. However, the extent to which comorbidities contribute to excess COVID‐19 mortality in cirrhosis is controversial.

Methods

We used the multinational Lean European Open Survey on SARS‐CoV‐2‐infected patients (LEOSS) to identify patients with cirrhosis documented between March 2020 and March 2021, when the wild‐type and alpha variant were predominant. We compared symptoms, disease progression and mortality after propensity score matching (PSM) for age, sex, obesity, smoking status, and concomitant diseases. Mortality was also compared with that of patients with spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP) without SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, a common bacterial infection and well‐described precipitator of acute‐on‐chronic liver failure.

Results

Among 7096 patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection eligible for analysis, 70 (0.99%) had cirrhosis, and all were hospitalized. Risk factors for severe COVID‐19, such as diabetes, renal disease, and cardiovascular disease were more frequent in patients with cirrhosis. Case fatality rate in patients with cirrhosis was 31.4% with the highest odds of death in patients older than 65 years (43.6% mortality; odds ratio [OR] 4.02; p = 0.018), Child‐Pugh class C (57.1%; OR 4.00; p = 0.026), and failure of two or more organs (81.8%; OR 19.93; p = 0.001). After PSM for demographics and comorbidity, the COVID‐19 case fatality of patients with cirrhosis did not significantly differ from that of matched patients without cirrhosis (28.8% vs. 26.1%; p = 0.644) and was similar to the 28‐day mortality in a comparison group of patients with cirrhosis and SBP (33.3% vs. 31.5%; p = 1.000).

Conclusions

In immunologically naïve patients with cirrhosis, mortality from wild‐type SARS‐CoV‐2 and the alpha variant is high and is largely determined by cirrhosis‐associated comorbidities and extrahepatic organ failure.

Liver Injury in COVID-19 Patients with Drugs as Causatives: A Systematic Review of 996 DILI Cases Published 2020/2021 Based on RUCAM as Causality Assessment Method

Patients with coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) commonly show abnormalities of liver tests (LTs) of undetermined cause. Considering drugs as tentative culprits, the current systematic review searched for published COVID-19 cases with suspected drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and established diagnosis using the diagnostic algorithm of RUCAM (Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method). Data worldwide on DILI cases assessed by RUCAM in COVID-19 patients were sparse. A total of 6/200 reports with initially suspected 996 DILI cases in COVID-19 patients and using all RUCAM-based DILI cases allowed for a clear description of clinical features of RUCAM-based DILI cases among COVID-19 patients: (1) The updated RUCAM published in 2016 was equally often used as the original RUCAM of 1993, with both identifying DILI and other liver diseases as confounders; (2) RUCAM also worked well in patients treated with up to 18 drugs and provided for most DILI cases a probable or highly probable causality level for drugs; (3) DILI was preferentially caused by antiviral drugs given empirically due to their known therapeutic efficacy in other virus infections; (4) hepatocellular injury was more often reported than cholestatic or mixed injury; (5) maximum LT values were found for alanine aminotransferase (ALT) 1.541 U/L and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) 1.076 U/L; (6) the ALT/AST ratio was variable and ranged from 0.4 to 1.4; (7) the mean or median age of the COVID-19 patients with DILI ranged from 54.3 to 56 years; (8) the ratio of males to females was 1.8-3.4:1; (9) outcome was favorable for most patients, likely due to careful selection of the drugs and quick cessation of drug treatment with emerging DILI, but it was fatal in 19 patients; (10) countries reporting RUCAM-based DILI cases in COVID-19 patients included China, India, Japan, Montenegro, and Spain; (11) robust estimation of the percentage contribution of RUCAM-based DILI for the increased LTs in COVID-19 patients is outside of the current scope. In conclusion, RUCAM-based DILI with its clinical characteristics in COVID-19 patients and its classification as a confounding variable is now well defined, requiring a new correct description of COVID-19 features by removing DILI characteristics as confounders.

Physiologically-Based Pharmacokinetic Modeling Approaches for Patients with SARS-CoV-2 Infection: A Case Study with Imatinib

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection, which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), manifests as mild respiratory symptoms to severe respiratory failure and is associated with inflammation and other physiological changes. Of note, substantial increases in plasma concentrations of α₁‐acid‐glycoprotein and interleukin‐6 have been observed among patients admitted to the hospital with advanced SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. A physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) approach is a useful tool to evaluate and predict disease‐related changes on drug pharmacokinetics. A PBPK model of imatinib has previously been developed and verified in healthy people and patients with cancer. In this study, the PBPK model of imatinib was successfully extrapolated to patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection by accounting for disease‐related changes in plasma α₁‐acid‐glycoprotein concentrations and the potential drug interaction between imatinib and dexamethasone. The model demonstrated a good predictive performance in describing total and unbound imatinib concentrations in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. PBPK simulations highlight that an equivalent dose of imatinib may lead to substantially higher total drug concentrations in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection compared to that in patients with cancer, while the unbound concentrations remain comparable between the 2 patient populations. This supports the notion that unbound trough concentration is a better exposure metric for dose adjustment of imatinib in patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, compared to the corresponding total drug concentration. Potential strategies for refinement and generalization of the PBPK modeling approach in the patient population with SARS‐CoV‐2 are also provided in this article, which could be used to guide study design and inform dose adjustment in the future.