Medical-News-Saudia-Arabia-Study-Finds-That-Quercetin-Inhibits-Cytokine-Release-and-Suppresses-Viral-Load-In-HMPV-Infection
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Jan 08, 2025 19 hours, 54 minutes ago
Medical News: In an exciting advancement for respiratory health, researchers from Sulaiman Al Rajhi University in Al Qassim, Saudi Arabia, have uncovered the potent effects of quercetin - a natural compound found in foods like onions and apples - against Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV). This
Medical News report delves into the details of their findings, which could offer new hope for treating this prevalent respiratory infection.
Saudi Arabia Study Finds That Quercetin Inhibits Cytokine Release and Suppresses
Viral Load In HMPV Infection
What is HMPV and Why Does it Matter?
Human Metapneumovirus (HMPV) is a major cause of lower respiratory tract infections such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, particularly in children, the elderly, and those with compromised immune systems. The economic burden of HMPV infections on pediatric populations rivals that of influenza, highlighting the urgent need for effective treatments. Current therapies for HMPV are limited, spurring global efforts to explore alternative approaches.
The Power of Quercetin
Quercetin, a naturally occurring flavonoid, has been widely studied for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiviral properties. It is abundant in dietary staples like apples, onions, and green tea. While its effects on various viral illnesses have been previously explored, this groundbreaking study focuses on its impact on HMPV, a virus that has long evaded effective therapeutic interventions.
The Saudi Study: A Closer Look
Researchers employed an in vitro model using A549 cells - human alveolar epithelial cells commonly used to study respiratory infections. These cells were infected with HMPV at a specific concentration, and the effects of quercetin were observed. The results were nothing short of remarkable.
Quercetin demonstrated its ability to significantly suppress the release of key pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1α, TNF-α, and chemokines like CCL5 (RANTES) and CXCL10 (IP-10). These molecules are typically overproduced during HMPV infections, leading to inflammation and worsening of symptoms. By inhibiting their release, quercetin not only reduced inflammation but also curtailed the progression of the infection.
The study highlights that quercetin achieved more than just symptom relief.
The compound also drastically reduced the viral load. In untreated HMPV-infected cells, the viral count exceeded one million particles per milliliter. However, cells treated with quercetin saw this number plummet to just over 100,000 particles - a significant decline that underscores quercetin's antiviral efficacy.
How Does Quercetin Work?
The study revealed that quercetin disrupts key cellular mechanisms exploited by HMPV. HMPV triggers oxidative stress, diminishing the activity of vital antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase-3 and catalase. Quercetin counteracts this b
y restoring these enzyme levels, thereby reducing oxidative damage.
Additionally, the compound inhibited the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF-3) - two transcription factors central to the virus's ability to replicate and spread.
Implications for Future Treatments
The findings of this study are particularly significant as they pave the way for new therapeutic strategies. Quercetin's dual role as an anti-inflammatory and antiviral agent makes it a promising candidate for treating not only HMPV but also other respiratory viral infections. Its natural origin and availability in dietary forms further add to its appeal as a safe and cost-effective solution.
A Step Towards Clinical Applications
While the study's in vitro results are encouraging, researchers emphasize the need for clinical trials to validate quercetin's efficacy in humans. Understanding its pharmacokinetics and optimal dosages will be crucial for translating these findings into real-world treatments. Additionally, combining quercetin with existing antiviral drugs could amplify its effectiveness while minimizing side effects.
Conclusion
This pioneering research conducted at Sulaiman Al Rajhi University demonstrates that quercetin is more than a dietary supplement; it is a powerful bioactive compound capable of combating severe respiratory infections like HMPV. By suppressing cytokine release and reducing viral loads, quercetin offers a two-pronged approach to managing this challenging illness. The implications of this study extend beyond HMPV, suggesting a broader potential for quercetin in treating various respiratory viruses.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: The Egyptian Journal of Bronchology.
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s43168-022-00162-6
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Medical News.
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