COVID-19 Impact on Host at Pathophysiological and Cellular Level

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has put millions of lives at risk. SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of COVID-19, primarily targets the respiratory system. The subsequent immune reactions may cause severe inflammation. The severe infection, disease progression, and dysregulated immune response can affect various sites of the body. Moreover, angiotensin-converting enzyme-2, the cellular receptor for viral entry, is expressed by different organs of the body. This hints at the possibility of virus infection and manifestations at miscellaneous sites. Indeed, COVID-19 patients with comorbidities like cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney diseases, obesity, and immunosuppressive conditions have shown either increased disease severity, delayed viral clearance, or higher mortality. COVID-19 treatment with steroids and associated comorbidities like diabetes have also been shown to make people susceptible to lethal secondary infections like mucormycosis. Therefore, COVID-19 patients should be vigilantly monitored for symptoms and underlying conditions. In this regard, we comprehensively explained the aspects of COVID-19-associated comorbidities. As dysregulated inflammation is a key factor in worsening the disease conditions, we have also summarized the important molecular pathways associated with SARS-CoV-2 associated inflammation. This could further help researchers find targets for reducing COVID-19 inflammation and achieve better outcomes in comorbidity associated patients. © The Editor(s) (if applicable) and The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022.