COVID-19 and liver disease: Are we missing something?

Core Tip

Core Tip: The presence of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 receptors in liver endothelial cells makes it susceptible to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 injury. The authors have suggested raised aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in almost a third of non-survivors along with high AST/alanine aminotransferase ratio. Considering the presence of AST in organs other than liver such as muscle, red blood cells, heart and kidney, makes the interpretation difficult. Additionally, pre-existing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has also been documented as a risk factor for severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease. Therefore, more studies are needed for evaluation of AST as a predictive factor for severe COVID-19 disease.