1. Potential effects of SARS-CoV-2 on the gastrointestinal tract and liver.
- Author
-
Lei, Han-Yu, Ding, Ying-He, Nie, Kai, Dong, Yin-Miao, Xu, Jia-Hao, Yang, Meng-Ling, Liu, Meng-Qi, Wei, Le, Nasser, MI, Xu, Lin-Yong, Zhu, Ping, and Zhao, Ming-Yi
- Subjects
- *
SARS-CoV-2 , *GASTROINTESTINAL system , *ANGIOTENSIN converting enzyme , *COVID-19 , *CYTOKINE release syndrome , *LIVER - Abstract
COVID-19 is a pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Early reported symptoms include fever, cough, and respiratory symptoms. There were few reports of digestive symptoms. However, with COVID-19 spreading worldwide, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain have gained increasing attention. Research has found that angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the SARS-CoV-2 receptor, is strongly expressed in the gastrointestinal tract and liver. Whether theoretically or clinically, many studies have suggested a close connection between COVID-19 and the digestive system. In this review, we summarize the digestive symptoms reported in existing research, discuss the impact of SARS-CoV-2 on the gastrointestinal tract and liver, and determine the possible mechanisms and aetiology, such as cytokine storm. In-depth exploration of the relationship between COVID-19 and the digestive system is urgently needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF