Mechanisms of action and efficacy of statins against influenza

The influenza virus (IV) is known to be a resistant virus with frequent mutations, causing severe respiratory diseases in the upper respiratory system. Public health concerns about clinical efficacy of all conventional drugs are ambiguous; therefore, finding additional therapeutic agents is critical...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Mehrbod, Parvaneh, Omar, Abdul Rahman, Bejo, Mohd Hair, Haghani, Amin, Ideris, Aini
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Hindawi Publishing Corporation 2014
Online Access:http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/34479/1/Mechanisms%20of%20Action%20and%20Efficacy%20of%20Statins%20against%20Influenza.pdf
Description
Summary:The influenza virus (IV) is known to be a resistant virus with frequent mutations, causing severe respiratory diseases in the upper respiratory system. Public health concerns about clinical efficacy of all conventional drugs are ambiguous; therefore, finding additional therapeutic agents is critical to prevent and control influenza outbreaks. Influenza is associated with the induction of proinflammatory cytokines. Scientists have reported that anti-inflammatory drugs, with pleiotropic effects, reduce the burden of severe influenza diseases. Therefore, statins, which are cardioprotective drugs with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, may help patients suffering from influenza virus (IV). This review delineates the potential use of statins as an alternative therapy in treating influenza related illness.