Exploring Paxlovid Efficacy in COVID-19 Patients with MAFLD: Insights from a Single-Center Prospective Cohort Study

Abstract

This study investigates the intricate interplay between Metabolic-associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) and COVID-19, exploring the impact of MAFLD on disease severity, outcomes, and the efficacy of the antiviral agent Paxlovid (nirmatrelvir/ritonavir). MAFLD, affecting a quarter of the global population, emerges as a potential risk factor for severe COVID-19, yet the underlying pathophysiological mechanisms remain elusive. This study focuses on the clinical significance of Paxlovid, the first orally bioavailable antiviral agent granted Emergency Use Authorization in the United States. Notably, outcomes from phase II/III trials exhibit an 88% relative risk reduction in COVID-19-associated hospitalization or mortality among high-risk patients. Despite conflicting data on the association between MAFLD and COVID-19 severity, this research strives to bridge the gap by evaluating the effectiveness of Paxlovid in MAFLD patients with COVID-19, addressing the scarcity of relevant studies.

Modulatory Roles of AHR, FFAR2, FXR, and TGR5 Gene Expression in Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease and COVID-19 Outcomes

“…Since the initial detection of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in late 2019, the virus has had a significant global impact, with over 700 million confirmed cases and 7 million deaths being attributed to COVID-19 [ 1 ]. Identifying factors that influence susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and understanding how pre-existing medical conditions (comorbidities) affect disease severity remain crucial areas of contemporary research [ 2 ]. These insights hold significant promise for the development of improved treatment strategies [ 3 , 4 ].…”

Modulatory Roles of AHR, FFAR2, FXR, and TGR5 Gene Expression in MAFLD and COVID-19 Outcomes

“…Since the initial detection of the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in late 2019, the virus has had a significant global impact, with over 700 million confirmed cases and 7 million deaths attributed to COVID-19 [1]. Identifying factors that influence susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection and understanding how pre-existing medical conditions (comorbidities) affect disease severity remain crucial areas of contemporary research [2]. These insights hold significant promise for the development of improved treatment strategies [3,4].…”