Research progress of liver injury induced by COVID-19

Abstract

The December 2019 outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, has developed into a global problem over the past two years. With the developments in research on COVID-19, it has been found that the disease affects not only the lungs but also the heart, liver, and other important organs. Some medical experts believe that the virus, through ACE2 injury of the liver, bile duct, epithelial cells cause GGT elevation, bile acid accumulation, and consequently liver injury. It has also been suggested that liver damage is caused by a storm of inflammatory cytokines released in large quantities. In addition, some of the drugs used to treat COVID-19, as well as ischemia and hypoxia caused by stress syndrome during the course of the disease, can also cause liver damage. Studies have found that COVID-19 patients who also have chronic liver disease, fatty liver, or obesity are more likely to suffer from liver damage and potentially develop critical illnesses. This article reviews the research progress regarding COVID-19-related liver injury and provides reference for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19-related liver injury.