Scientists Discover Possible Achilles Heel of
Influenza: Our Old Friends Antioxidants
Opens the door for new drugs that could
prevent severe flu-related lung damage... and another reason to drink red
wine
Oct.
29, 2009 - As the nation copes with a shortage of vaccines for
H1N1 influenza, a team of Alabama researchers have raised hopes that
they have found an Achilles' heel for all strains of the flu -
antioxidants. Their research indicates that antioxidants—the same
substances found in plant-based foods—might hold the key in preventing
the flu virus from wreaking havoc on our lungs.
"The recent outbreak of H1N1 influenza and the
rapid spread of this strain across the world highlights the need to
better understand how this virus damages the lungs and to find new
treatments," said Sadis Matalon, co-author of the study.
September 1, 2006 – Loss of clear thinking is a major concern of aging
senior citizens and baby boomers and many are reaching for foods high in
antioxidants.
Sept. 30, 2002 - Two recent studies suggest that the flu vaccine might be even
more effective in older adults when supplemented with calories, vitamins,
minerals, and exercise. Click
9/30/2
"Additionally, our research shows that antioxidants
may prove beneficial in the treatment of flu."
Matalon and colleagues showed that the flu virus
damages our lungs through its "M2 protein," which attacks the cells that
line the inner surfaces of our lungs (epithelial cells). Specifically,
the M2 protein disrupts lung epithelial cells' ability to remove liquid
from inside of our lungs, setting the stage for pneumonia and other lung
problems.
The researchers made this discovery by conducting
three sets of experiments using the M2 protein and the lung protein they
damage.
How is
red wine heart healthy? By Mayo Clinic staff
The studies supporting red
wine suggest antioxidants in red wine called polyphenols help
protect the lining of blood vessels in your heart. These
antioxidants come in two main forms: flavonoids and
nonflavonoids.
Flavonoids.
These antioxidants are found in a variety of foods, including
oranges, grape juice, apples, onions, tea and cocoa. Other types
of alcohol, such as white wine and beer, contain small amounts,
too, but red wine has higher levels.
Nonflavonoids.
These antioxidants found in red wine have recently been of
particular interest because they appear to help prevent arteries
from becoming clogged with fatty blockages. However, these
studies mostly involved mice — not humans.
Resveratrol is the nonflavonoid that's received
the most attention from researchers.
First, frog eggs were injected with the lung
protein alone to measure its function.
Second, researchers injected frog eggs with both
the M2 protein and the lung protein and found that the function of the
lung protein was significantly decreased. Using molecular biology
techniques, scientists isolated the segment of the M2 protein
responsible for the damage to the lung protein. Then they demonstrated
that without this segment, the protein was unable to cause damage.
Third, the full M2 protein (with the "offending"
segment intact) and the lung protein were then re-injected into the frog
eggs along with drugs known to remove oxidants. This too prevented the
M2 protein from causing damage to the lung protein. These experiments
were repeated using cells from human lungs with exactly the same
results.
"Although vaccines will remain the first line of
intervention against the flu for a long time to come, this study opens
the door for entirely new treatments geared toward stopping the virus
after you're sick," said Gerald Weissmann, M.D., Editor-in-Chief of the
FASEB Journal, "and as Thanksgiving approaches, this discovery is
another reason to drink red wine to your health."
The full article appears in the November 2009 print
issue of the FASEB Journal (http://www.fasebj.org).
Keep up with the latest news for senior citizens, baby
boomers
Oct.
29, 2009 - As the nation copes with a shortage of vaccines for
H1N1 influenza, a team of Alabama researchers have raised hopes that
they have found an Achilles' heel for all strains of the flu -
antioxidants. Their research indicates that antioxidants—the same
substances found in plant-based foods—might hold the key in preventing
the flu virus from wreaking havoc on our lungs.