COVID-19 Diarrhea Is Inflammatory, Caused by Direct Viral Effects Plus Major Role of Virus-induced Cytokines.

ABSTRACT:

Background & aims

Diarrhea occurs in up to 50% of cases of COVID-19. Nonetheless, the pathophysiologic mechanism(s) have not been determined.

Methods

This was examined using normal human enteroid monolayers exposed apically to live SARS-CoV-2 or non-replicating virus-like particles (VLPs) bearing the 4 SARS-CoV-2 structural proteins or irradiated virus, all of which bound and entered enterocytes.

Results

Live virus and VLPs incrieased secretion of multiple cytokines and reduced mRNAs of ACE2, NHE3, and DRA. Interleukin (IL)-6 plus IL-8 alone reduced NHE3 mRNA and protein and DRA mRNA and protein. Neither VLPs nor IL-6 plus IL-8 alone altered Cl^- secretion, but together they caused Cl^- secretion, which was Ca²⁺-dependent, CFTR-independe

SUBMITTER: Donowitz M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11404158 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature