Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and COVID-19:An epidemic that begets pandemic

摘要

Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)has become a global pandemic,affecting all the individuals across the planet.COVID-19 has gained significant attention due to its high prevalence among individuals with diabetes,nonalcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD),and metabolic syndrome.NAFLD is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome and can be associated with a high risk of developing type 2 diabetes.The association of COVID-19 and NAFLD has also gained more attention because NAFLD is highly associated with the epidemic of obesity.NAFLD is a potential risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection and severe COVID-19,independent of metabolic syndrome.Importantly,it is not yet clear whether the epidemics of obesity and NAFLD have perpetuated the current pandemic of COVID-19.Further research is urgently needed to assess the following:(1)Whether NAFLD is a high risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection;(2)Whether NAFLD is associated with the severe form of COVID-19;and(3)Whether the presence of NAFLD can explain the racial variation in the morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19.This review summarizes the interactions between COVID-19 and NAFLD,mechanism of liver injury by COVID-19,and effect of lockdown due to COVID-19 on patients with NAFLD.