Antioxidants May Combat Influenza Virus

Posted on 2009-11-04 06:00:00 in Infectious Disease | Vitamins |

In that liquid buildup in lung tissue as a result of influenza infection can cause permanent damage to the lungs and set the stage for pneumonia and other serious lung problems, Sadis Matalon, from the University of Alabama at Birmingham (Alabama, USA), and colleagues have elucidated the role of the flu virus on the M2 protein and other key proteins present in lung cells.  In laboratory models of influenza, the team found that an isolated segment of the M2 protein causes damage to lung protein, and that antioxidant compounds prevented the M2 protein from causing this damage.  Explaining that: “Influenza virus M2 protein inhibits epithelial sodium channels by increasing reactive oxygen species,” the researchers submit that “these novel findings suggest a mechanism for the influenza-induced rhinorrhea and life-threatening alveolar edema in humans.”

Continue reading…

Ahmed Lazrak, Karen E. Iles, Gang Liu, Diana L. Noah, James W. Noah, Sadis Matalon. Influenza virus M2 protein inhibits epithelial sodium channels by increasing reactive oxygen species.”  FASEB J. 2009 23: 3829-3842; published online as doi:10.1096/fj.09-135590.


Health Headlines

Gut Bacteria May Promote Weight Gain
In a lab animal model, booming gut flora spawned by the Western diet is linked to obesity.
Reduce Income Inequalities to Save Millions of Lives and Improve Quality of Life
International study reaffirms importance of resolving the income gap between the richest and poorest people in developed countries.
Chocolate May Slash Stress
Switzerland-based research team assesses the metabolic effects of dark chocolate consumption on energy, gut microbiota, and stress hormones.
Among Youngest Older Americans, Disability on the Rise
UCLA researchers find disability rates in Americans entering their 60s are on the rise, potentially fueled by the overweight/obesity epidemic.
Living to 100 Linked to Variant of Telomere Enzyme
Genetic clues to longevity discovered among a homogenous ethnic population.
Keep Muscles Strong to Slash Risk of Cognitive Decline
Rush Alzheimer's Disease Center (USA) researchers find that a loss of muscle strength raises risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and mild cognitive impairment.
Cumulative Exposure to Common Infections May Raise Risk of Stroke
Stroke risk may rise in those with common infectious pathogens such as Chlamydia pneumoniae, Helicobacter pylori, and herpes simplex viruses.
Chemical Present in Plastic Bottles, Canned Products Linked to Male Reproductive Problems
First study in humans links bisphenol A (BPA) exposure to male sexual function problems.
Promote Walking to Encourage Healthy Habits
Simple steps in the community can promote walking among residents.
Poor Leadership at Work Can Make Employees Sick
Study finds that people who are dissatisfied with their workplace bosses not only take more sick leave, but are at increased risk of suffering a heart attack.
Looking for an Anti-aging Doctor?

upcoming Events

U.S. Events
congresses
Las Vegas
fellowships
fellowships
symposium
workshops
  • Advanced Hormone Symposium
    Chicago, IL | Oct. 8-10, 2010

VIDEO: Brain Age Workshop
Dr. Eric Braverman, Director of The Place for Achieving Total Health (PATH Medical), Chairs the Brain Age Workshop taking place Dec. 9, 2009. Held in conjunction with the Winter Session of the 17th Annual World Congress on Anti-Aging Medicine & Regenerative Biomedical Technologies. The Brain Age Workshop features presentations on Brain Mind Assessment via Neuropsychological Analysis, Movement Deficiency Syndrome, Hormones and the Brain, Nootropic Drug Mechanisms, and Traumatic Brain Injury. View this video to learn about Dr. Braverman’s brain-based model of aging and age modulation.

International Events
See all events »