COVID-19 and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

SARS-CoV-2 virus infection is currently the leading public health problem, associated with a high risk of complications and death in at-risk groups. Risk factors for the development of severe forms of COVID-19 include components of the metabolic syndrome (obesity, diabetes, dyslipidemia, and arterial hypertension), which are also associated with the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). According to previously published, but mostly retrospective studies, NAFLD is a possible risk factor for the development of severe COVID-19. . In the pathogenesis of COVID-19, the key role is played by the hyperreactivity of the immune response, the so-called cytokine storm. According to recent research, activation of the Th17 system could play a key role in the regulation of this excessive inflammatory response. Furthermore, Th17 lymphocytes and cytokines are important in the development and progression of NAFLD. The question is whether, due to Th17 hyperreactivity, patients with NAFLD are at higher risk of developing severe forms of the disease and what is the profile of the Th17 immune response to SARS-CoV-2 infection in this group of patients.

Inclusion criteria

• Adult patients diagnosed with COVID-19

Exclusion criteria

• Immunosuppression
• Consumption of alcohol > 20 g/day
• HIV
• Chronic viral hepatitis
• Presence of other chronic liver disease (hemochromatosis, Wilson's disease, toxic hepatitis, deficiency of alpha-1-antitrypsin, liver autoimmune disease)
• Pregnancy