Susceptibility to Metabolic Diseases in COVID-19: To be or Not to be an Issue

Abstract

Despite the passage of more than 17 months from the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, challenges regarding the disease and its related complications still continue in recovered patients. Thus, various studies are underway to assay the long-term effects of COVID-19. Some patients, especially those with severe symptoms, experience susceptibility to a range of diseases and substantial organ dysfunction after recovery. Although COVID-19 primarily affects the lungs, multiple reports exist on the effect of this infection on the kidneys, cardiovascular system, and gastrointestinal tract. Studies have also indicated the increased risk of severe COVID-19 in patients with diabetes. On the other hand, COVID-19 may predispose patients to diabetes, as the most common metabolic disease. Recent studies have shown that Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) binds to Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptors, which are expressed in the tissues and organs involved in regulating the metabolic status including pancreas, adipose tissue, gastrointestinal tract, and kidneys. Therefore, SARS-CoV-2 may result in metabolic disturbance. However, there are still many unknowns about SARS-CoV-2, which are required to be explored in basic studies. In this context, special attention to molecular pathways is warranted for understanding the pathogenesis of the disease and achieving therapeutic opportunities. Hence, the present review aims to focus on the molecular mechanisms associated with the susceptibility to metabolic diseases amongst patients recovered from COVID-19.

Diabetes is associated with increased risk of death in COVID‐19 hospitalizations in Mexico 2020: A retrospective cohort study

“…The proposed mechanism of diabetes stems beyond just that of COVID‐19, but also includes worsening outcomes and increased contraction of upper respiratory infections (URIs) 14,15 . Diabetes impairs the body's ability to amount an immune response from constant and chronic inflammation and damage to blood vessels 40‐42 . Diabetes also disrupts the bodies immune regulation 43,44 .…”

“…14,15 Diabetes impairs the body's ability to amount an immune response from constant and chronic inflammation and damage to blood vessels. [40][41][42] Diabetes also disrupts the bodies immune regulation. 43,44 Diabetes occurs alongside other comorbidities that each also individually contribute to worser There are a few points to keep in mind when interpreting the findings of the present study.…”

Functional Foods: A Promising Strategy for Restoring Gut Microbiota Diversity Impacted by SARS-CoV-2 Variants

“…Furthermore, obese individuals show increased chemerin levels, a proinflammatory cytokine, and leukotriene, worsening the cytokine storm risk [62]. Additionally, COVID-19 patients with diabetes have a high chance of facing severe complications accredited to gut metabolite dysfunction and systemic inflammation [63]. Likewise, SARS-CoV-2-infected patients with cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, nervous disorders, and other diseases may experience worsened complications of COVID-19 due to an imbalance in the intestinal flora and reduced microbial diversity [64].…”

Functional Foods: A Promising Strategy for Restoring Gut Microbiota Diversity Impacted by SARS-CoV-2 Variants

“…Furthermore, obese individuals show increased levels of chemerin, a proinflammatory cytokine, and leukotriene, worsening the cytokine storm risk [65]. Additionally, COVID-19 patients with diabetes have a high chance of facing severe complications accredited to gut metabolite dysfunction and systemic inflammation [66]. Likewise, SARS-CoV-2-infected patients with cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, nervous disorders, and other diseases may worsen the complications of COVID-19 due to an imbalance in the intestinal flora and reduced microbial diversity [67].…”