Symptomatology and microbiology of the gastrointestinal tract in post‐COVID conditions. Issue 10 (25th August 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Norouzi Masir, Mohamad; Shirvaliloo, Milad
• Is Part Of: JGH open. Volume 6:Issue 10(2022)
• Page Start: 667
• Page End: 676
• Publication Date: 2022-08-25
• Subjects: COVID‐19 -- gastrointestinal sequelae -- gut dysbiosis -- gut microbiota -- gut‐lung axis -- long COVID -- NLRP3 -- post‐acute sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 -- post‐COVID conditions -- SARS‐CoV‐2
• DOI: 10.1002/jgh3.12811
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2397-9070

Abstract

Abstract: Post‐COVID conditions, also known as post‐acute sequelae of SARS‐CoV‐2 (PASC), refer to the persistence of symptoms in COVID‐19 long‐haulers. Various manifestations of post‐COVID conditions are general symptoms and/or manifestations of damage in multiple organs. Besides, SARS‐CoV‐2 can involve the gastrointestinal tract, resulting in sequelae such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, nausea, anorexia, vomiting, constipation, abdominal distension, acid reflux, and/or gastrointestinal bleeding. Previous investigations point to SARS‐CoV‐2 entry into enterocytes enhances by the angiotensin‐converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors. Interestingly, ACE2 receptors are abundantly expressed in the gut, implying infection with SARS‐CoV‐2 might occur through this route as well as in the respiratory tract. According to mounting evidence, SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA has been identified in fecal specimens of patients with COVID‐19 during and beyond the acute phase. In addition, studies have shown gut microbiome composition is altered in patients with PASC, hence, another putative mechanism linked to gastrointestinal symptoms is gut dysbiosis. The presence of the gut‐lung axis in COVID‐19 might have major implications for disease pathogenesis and treatment. This review discussed the prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms and pathophysiology underlying possible infection of the gut in patients with PASC. Also, SARS‐COV‐2 induced NLRP3 inflammasome‐dependent inflammatory pathways are briefly addressed. Abstract : The gastrointestinal symptoms associated with post coronavirus disease (COVID) conditions could stem from disruptions in the gut‐lung axis caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). The present review article aims to shed light on this subject matter with an emphasis on NLRP3‐mediated inflammation in COVID‐19.