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Increased survival after gemfibrozil treatment of severe mouse influenza
Alison Budd1, Lisa Alleva, Mohammed Alsharifi
1School of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Australian National University, Canberra, ACT, Australia.
Abstract:
Gemfibrozil, an agent that inhibits production of proinflammatory cytokines in addition to its clinically useful lipid-lowering activity, increased survival in BALB/c mice that were already ill from infection by influenza virus A/Japan/305/57 (H2N2). Gemfibrozil was administered intraperitoneally once daily from days 4 to 10 after intranasal exposure to the virus. Survival increased from 26% in vehicle-treated mice (n = 50) to 52% in mice given gemfibrozil at 60 mg/kg/day (n = 46) (P = 0.0026). If this principle translates to patients, a drug already approved for human use, albeit by a different route for another purpose, might be adapted relatively fast for use against influenza, conceivably including human infection with a derivative of the avian H5N1 strain.
Insights
Gemfibrozil treatment significantly improved survival rates in mice infected with influenza A virus. This suggests potential for repurposing this lipid-lowering drug for influenza treatment in humans.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Gemfibrozil is known for lipid-lowering effects.
- It also inhibits proinflammatory cytokine production.
- Influenza virus infections pose a significant public health concern.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the efficacy of gemfibrozil in improving survival rates of influenza virus-infected mice.
- To explore the potential of gemfibrozil as an antiviral agent against influenza.
Main Methods:
- BALB/c mice were infected intranasally with influenza virus A/Japan/305/57 (H2N2).
- Gemfibrozil was administered intraperitoneally daily from day 4 to 10 post-infection.
- Survival rates were compared between gemfibrozil-treated and vehicle-treated groups.
Main Results:
- Gemfibrozil treatment increased survival from 26% in controls to 52% in treated mice (P = 0.0026).
- The dosage used was 60 mg/kg/day.
- Gemfibrozil demonstrated a statistically significant survival benefit.
Conclusions:
- Gemfibrozil enhances survival in influenza virus-infected mice.
- This finding supports the potential repurposing of gemfibrozil for influenza treatment.
- Further investigation into gemfibrozil's antiviral and immunomodulatory mechanisms is warranted.
