Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Dec 19, 2025 1 hour, 49 minutes ago
Medical News: COVID-19 Effects Extend Far Beyond the Lungs
Since the start of the pandemic, COVID 19 has been widely seen as a respiratory illness. However, scientists have repeatedly warned that the virus can harm many organs, including the liver. People who already suffer from liver cirrhosis are especially vulnerable, and many doctors have observed worse outcomes when COVID-19 strikes these patients. Now, new research sheds light on a hidden genetic link that may explain how COVID-19, liver cirrhosis, and liver cancer are biologically connected.
New research reveals how COVID-19 activates a cancer linked gene in vulnerable liver patients
Why Liver Cirrhosis and Liver Cancer Matter
Liver cirrhosis is a serious condition in which healthy liver tissue is replaced by scar tissue, gradually reducing liver function. Over time, cirrhosis significantly increases the risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer. Patients with cirrhosis already have weakened immune defenses, making infections like COVID-19 more dangerous and potentially accelerating disease progression.
Searching for Shared Genetic Signals
This
Medical News report details findings from the study in which the researchers used advanced computer-based analysis to compare gene activity patterns in COVID-19 patients and individuals with liver cirrhosis related liver cancer. Instead of studying patients directly, the team analyzed large international genetic databases containing blood and tissue samples. Their goal was to identify genes that behave similarly in both conditions, which could reveal shared disease mechanisms.
Discovery of a Key Gene Called CDK1
The researchers identified 78 genes that were altered in both COVID-19 and liver cirrhosis related liver cancer. Among them, one gene stood out clearly: CDK1. This gene plays a central role in controlling how cells divide and multiply. When CDK1 activity becomes abnormally high, cells can grow uncontrollably, a hallmark of cancer.
The study showed that CDK1 levels were elevated in COVID-19 patients and even higher in liver cancer patients. Importantly, liver cancer patients with high CDK1 levels had poorer survival outcomes, suggesting this gene is closely linked to disease severity.
How COVID-19 May Trigger Dangerous Changes
The analysis revealed that CDK1 is involved in cell cycle pathways and inflammatory responses. COVID 19 is known to cause widespread inflammation, and this inflammatory environment may push CDK1 into overdrive. In people with damaged livers, such as those with cirrhosis, this could accelerate tissue damage and promote cancer development.
The study also found that high CDK1 levels were linked to changes in immune cell behavior and immune checkpoint molecules, which can weaken the body’s ability to fight cancer effectively.
Complex Gene Networks at Work
Beyond identifying CDK1, the
researchers mapped out complex regulatory networks involving transcription factors and microRNAs that influence this gene. These networks show how multiple genetic signals may interact to worsen liver disease following COVID-19 infection. This insight could help scientists identify future drug targets.
Where the Research Was Conducted
The research team came from multiple institutions in China, including the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Central Hospital of Tianjin University, Tianjin Third Central Hospital, Tianjin Institute of Hepatobiliary Disease, Tianjin Key Laboratory of Extracorporeal Life Support for Critical Diseases, Artificial Cell Engineering Technology Research Center in Tianjin, and Haihe Hospital of Tianjin University.
Conclusions and What This Means
This study provides strong evidence that COVID-19 influences liver cancer risk through shared genetic pathways, particularly involving CDK1. The findings suggest that monitoring and targeting this gene could help predict outcomes and guide treatment strategies for patients with liver disease affected by COVID-19. Continued research and clinical validation are urgently needed to protect high risk populations.
The study findings were published in the peer reviewed journal: BMC Infectious Diseases
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12879-025-11916-0
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Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/coronavirus
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/cancer
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/long-covid
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