This is an automatically translated article.
Although influenza viruses vary greatly from year to year, influenza often contributes to thousands of deaths each year around the world. Various measures are constantly being researched and applied to prevent the spread of coronavirus, which has reduced the rate of influenza infection, the continuous emergence of mutated influenza viruses always presents difficulties and challenges. Fortunately, though, the effects of conventional medicine have been documented to limit the activity of the influenza virus.
1. How do common drugs affect the way cells respond to the flu virus?
Some common drugs that treat chronic diseases can affect what the flu virus does to human cells. This is the result of a recent study has shown.
Specifically, researchers have identified a cholesterol medication as well as antidepressants and antihistamines that can change the way cells respond to viruses. These results could be important because people who are most likely to develop complications from influenza virus infection, such as older adults, are more likely to benefit from taking medications for chronic medical conditions. count .
Researchers have used computer simulations for the first time to see how a group of 45 commonly used drugs can influence the interactions between influenza viruses and human cells. Then, human cells were exposed to non-toxic levels of the active ingredients from these drugs and monitored how the cells responded after infection with the influenza virus.
As a result, none of the 45 compounds tested prevented the influenza virus from killing cells. Some of them seem to increase the effectiveness of the flu virus, while others decrease how active the flu virus is.
Indeed, on a microscopic level, cellular metabolism and DNA utilization after influenza virus infection are altered by exposure to certain drugs. Of these, the researchers pinpointed one statin, Atorvastatin, used to treat high cholesterol, another drug used to treat high blood pressure and heart failure, Candesartan, and the drug hydroxocobalamin, Used to treat vitamin B12 deficiency. In addition, two antidepressants and one antihistamine also showed this effect.
Research shows that some drugs amplify the effects of viruses in cells, while others decrease their effects. The response depends on the target of the drug in the cells of the human body. If the drug target is important for the spread of the influenza virus, the effect of the drug may be to limit the activity of the virus. Conversely, if the drug's target is part of the immune system that protects the body from infection by influenza viruses, influenza virus activity may increase.
Một số loại thuốc chữa bệnh có thể ảnh hưởng tới virus cúm
2. What should be done when using medicines that affect the activity of the influenza virus?
The authors describe their study as a "starting point" for further research into how common drugs for chronic diseases affect cellular responses to influenza viruses. One thing to keep in mind is that this study was based on only one type of human cell and a certain strain of influenza.
Therefore, with these preliminary statements, people who are taking the above medicines should not stop taking or change the dose when they have the flu unless directed by their doctor. At the same time, scientists need to do more research to determine whether temporarily stopping the drug or temporarily increasing the dosage can improve a person's ability to fight infection.
In summary, the effects of therapeutic drugs on influenza virus infection and activity are being gradually determined. This information is important to know, because many of the patients who die from influenza virus infections are elderly people who often take these medicines. Accordingly, the recorded results will show the consequences that drug interactions can cause for patients in reality. However, more studies are needed to know exactly how different drugs affect outcomes after influenza virus infection in patients.
Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.
Reference sources: news-medical.net, webmd.com
