Latest News:  

English>>Life & Culture

Study shows fatty acids could lead to flu drug

(Xinhua)

10:22, March 08, 2013

(baike.com)

WASHINGTON, March 7 (Xinhua) -- A compound derived from fats found in fish oils prevents death in influenza-virus-infected mice, even at advanced stages of disease, according to a study published Thursday in the journal Cell.

Flu viruses are a major cause of death and sickness around the world, and antiviral drugs currently do not protect the most seriously ill patients. The study offers a promising strategy for the treatment of patients with severe influenza virus infections.

Currently available antiviral drugs inhibit influenza virus replication, but they are not typically effective when given to patients as little as two days after infection. In an attempt to discover more effective drug targets for influenza, scientists have recently identified several genes and molecules that are crucial for influenza virus replication. However, until now it was not known whether naturally occurring lipids, such as those derived from omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) found in fish oils, might also be involved in influenza virus infections.

To answer this question, researchers at Akita University in Japan screened for PUFA-derived lipids in influenza-virus-infected human lung cells. When they treated infected cells with these lipids, they found that protectin D1 (PD1) was the most effective at inhibiting the replication of viruses, including H5N1.

In addition, low levels of PD1 in the lungs of influenza-virus- infected mice were associated with severe infection and highly pathogenic viruses, such as H5N1. Treatment with PD1 in combination with an approved antiviral drug improved the survival of influenza-virus-infected mice and prevented death, even when given two days after infection.

"Our findings suggest that PD1 could serve as a biomarker as well as a much needed antiviral drug for severe and lethal influenza virus infections," the researchers said.

We recommend:

Who is No. 1 belle in Chinese compus?

Top 10 hotel bars around the world

Chinese actress Wang Xiwei in swimsuit

China's most complete ancient gov't office

Actresses that will become famous in 2013

49 unmissable tourism destinations

Shocking shots in Journey to the West

The only existing Xiongnu capital in China

Top 10 legendary ladies in the Republic times

Email|Print|Comments(Editor:GaoYinan、Zhang Qian)

Leave your comment0 comments

  1. Name

  

Selections for you


  1. Flagship of U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet

  2. 'Peace-13' maritime military drill held

  3. Fukushima power plant opens doors to media

  4. The best partners during ' two sessions'

  5. Yao Ming, the CPPCC Member

  6. 'Fresh style' in Chinese cities

  7. Grand Canal and Silk Road set for world heritage list

  8. Forever Shangri-la: heaven on earth

  9. Home tax worry addressed

  10. Foreign nuclear deals 'on way'

Most Popular

Opinions

  1. Books for youngsters' the fastest-growing genre
  2. Life of the never-touch-a-pan generation
  3. Chinese films ought to tell Chinese stories
  4. Lei Feng spirit never out of date
  5. Call to relax adoption criteria
  6. China has its own Golden Raspberry Awards
  7. Chinese tourists reflect nation's character
  8. Spoiled brats spring from pampering parents
  9. A smile can succeed where a scowl fails
  10. Reducing income inequality an urgent task

What’s happening in China

Shanghai Disney Resort unveils resort concept

  1. China to develop poverty-stricken city
  2. Electric vehicle buyers will get car plates
  3. Court warns over deceits in online sales
  4. Beijing to control urban expansion: mayor
  5. Professionals called in to halt rising divorce rate