Coronavirus: How COVID compromises the functioning of liver and the digestive system

COVID impairs the human biological system in several ways that are hard to imagine. The ability of the virus to evade major body organ systems is a reason why COVID has been seen as a devastating infection ever since the time the virus was discovered.

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What was initially thought to be a respiratory illness that runs through its due course of time, COVID's adverse effects came to fore in the subsequent waves of infection.

The infectious nature of the virus and its effect on various body organs depends on the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), expressed on different human cells.

The ACE2 is a functional receptor on cell surfaces through which coronavirus enters the host cells. These receptor cells are highly expressed in major body organs like heart, stomach, lungs, kidneys and liver. In short, the ACE2 serves as an entry opener for the virus to the body organs.

Many patients with COVID had increased levels of important liver enzymes like alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), a report by the US CDC had said. High levels of these enzymes damages the liver and render it functionless temporarily and the vital point to note is it is difficult to ascertain how temporary the damage is.

Apart from this, several research studies have found that people with pre-existing liver disease are at higher risk of death during COVID.

The several gastrointestinal symptoms associated with COVID are a clear indication that the virus has a devastating effect on the digestive system. The various symptoms of COVID related to the stomach are: anorexia, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

As per a research report, loss of appetite, diarrhea, and vomiting were the three most frequent digestive symptoms in patients with COVID-19.

Subsequently, COVID related gastrointestinal signs can also affect the nutrition intake of the individual and lead to nutrition and mineral deficiency.

The liver continuously releases bile, which is essential for digestion. The liver also processes the nutrients absorbed from the small intestine.

A properly functioning liver also regulates the amount of glucose in the blood. It supplies glucose to the blood when it is required and also removes it when it is not required.

Apart from this, the liver is also responsible for detoxifying the body. It keeps the body rid of harmful chemicals.

Despite relaxations and COVID protocols eased, the number of reported COVID cases has dropped.

On September 14, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Chief, the World Health Organization (WHO) had made a remarkable statement that the end of the pandemic was in sight. Referring to the number of cases which has come down to the lowest level since March 2020, the WHO Chief said, "We have never been in a better position to end the pandemic. We are not there yet, but the end is in sight."

On Tuesday, India reported less than 5000 new cases in the last 24 hours.

It is still too early to lower the guards against the virus. In view of the highly mutating nature of the coronavirus, which was a novel one in 2019 and has mutated to several variants in the last 2 years, one should not anticipate anything less severe.

Only precautions like wearing masks and getting proper doses of vaccination on time will help one from the disease.

Apart from the protocols of safety, one should also be well informed about the infection. Timely updates on the new symptoms, progress of the infection and the medical help available should be known and the information should be disseminated to others as well.

One should also be aware of the COVID symptoms and the emergence of new symptoms. Timely information on the symptoms will always give you sufficient time to consult a doctor and also to heal from the infection.