Modulation of gut microbiota as a potential therapy to manipulate drug-induced hepatic damage in COVID-19 patients

Abstract

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 virus, its symptoms, treatment, and post-COVID-19 effects have been a major focus of research since 2020. In addition to respiratory symptoms, different clinical variants of the virus have been associated with dynamic symptoms and multiorgan diseases, including liver abnormalities. The release of cytokines by the activation of innate immune cells during viral infection and the high doses of drugs used for COVID-19 treatment are considered major drivers of liver injury in COVID-19 patients. The degree of hepatic inflammation in patients suffering from chronic liver disease and having COVID-19 could be severe and can be estimated through different liver chemistry abnormality markers. Gut microbiota influences liver chemistry through its metabolites. Gut dysbiosis during COVID-19 treatment can promote liver inflammation. Here, we highlighted the bidirectional association of liver physiology and gut microbiota (gut-liver axis) and its potential to manipulate drug-induced chemical abnormalities in the livers of COVID-19 patients.

Editor-in-Chief articles of choice and comments at the year-end of 2023

“…WJG v29i11: In the paper originally titled “Modulation of gut microbiota as a potential therapy to manipulate drug-induced hepatic damage in COVID-19 patients”, the authors wrote that in response to a Reviewer’s comment they changed the title to “Gut microbiome therapeutic modulation to alleviate drug-induced hepatic damage in COVID-19 patients”[ 28 ]. However, in the current version (3/21/22) of WJG online, the title has not been changed.…”

“…Reviewers #05213310[ 28 ], #06099089[ 28 ], and #06404127[ 29 ] performed very substantive and complete peer reviews.…”

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“…A diet rich in anti-inflammatory foods, such as fatty fish (like salmon and mackerel), olive oil, nuts, seeds, and colorful fruits and vegetables, can help mitigate inflammation and promote overall health [88]. The gut microbiome plays a crucial role in immune function and overall well-being [89]. Fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, sauerkraut, and kimchi are also beneficial for gut health and improves eubiosis (good microbiota balance) [90,91].…”