Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 5, 2026

Use of Viral Entry Assays and Molecular Docking Analysis for the Identification of Antiviral Candidates against Coxsackievirus A16
06:03

Use of Viral Entry Assays and Molecular Docking Analysis for the Identification of Antiviral Candidates against Coxsackievirus A16

Published on: July 15, 2019

7.0K

Effect of lovastatin on coxsackievirus B3 infection in human endothelial cells

Bianca Werner1, Sven Dittmann, Carsten Funke

  • 1Department of Cardiology, Heart and Diabetes Center NRW, Ruhr University of Bochum, Georgstr. 11, 32545, Bad Oeynhausen, NRW, Germany, bwerner@hdz-nrw.de.

Inflammation Research : Official Journal of the European Histamine Research Society ... [Et Al.]
|December 10, 2013
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Lovastatin, a statin drug, reduces coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) expression in endothelial cells. This inhibition subsequently decreases coxsackie B virus 3 (CVB3) replication, offering potential therapeutic insights.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Virology
  • Cardiovascular research

Background:

  • The coxsackie and adenovirus receptor (CAR) is crucial for coxsackievirus B (CVB) and adenovirus entry into host cells.
  • CAR plays a key role in the molecular pathogenesis of viral diseases, including myocarditis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the effect of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor, lovastatin, on CAR expression in endothelial cells.
  • To determine if lovastatin influences CVB3 replication in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs).

Main Methods:

  • HUVECs were treated with varying concentrations of lovastatin (0.05-5 μmol/l) for up to 48 hours.
  • CAR expression was quantified using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) and flow cytometry.
  • CVB3 replication was assessed via qRT-PCR in lovastatin-treated HUVECs.

Main Results:

  • Lovastatin significantly decreased CAR mRNA expression by up to 80% and CAR protein expression by up to 19% in a dose-dependent manner.
  • Lovastatin treatment resulted in significant inhibition of CVB3 replication.
  • The mechanism involves lovastatin-induced down-regulation of CAR via the Rac1/Cdc42 pathway.

Conclusions:

  • Lovastatin reduces CAR expression in HUVECs.
  • Lovastatin inhibits CVB3 replication in HUVECs, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for viral myocarditis.

More Related Videos

Monitoring Changes in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells upon Viral Infection Using Impedance-Based Real-Time Cell Analysis07:56

Monitoring Changes in Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells upon Viral Infection Using Impedance-Based Real-Time Cell Analysis

Published on: May 5, 2023

975
Assays for the Identification of Novel Antivirals against Bluetongue Virus12:02

Assays for the Identification of Novel Antivirals against Bluetongue Virus

Published on: October 11, 2013

13.7K

Related Concept Videos

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents01:20

Lipid-Lowering Drugs: Statins and Miscellaneous Agents

Hyperlipidemia, a medical condition often referred to as high cholesterol, is characterized by abnormally elevated levels of lipids in the bloodstream. When present in excess, these lipids, specifically cholesterol and triglycerides, can lead to serious health complications, often involving cardiovascular diseases. Illnesses like atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and pancreatitis have all been linked to untreated hyperlipidemia. This means controlling and regulating cholesterol and triglyceride...
1.7K
Endocarditis III: Medical Management01:18

Endocarditis III: Medical Management

Infective endocarditis management involves a multifaceted approach encompassing infection prevention, lifestyle modifications, pharmacological therapy, and surgical management.Infection Prevention:Hand Hygiene: Thorough handwashing is crucial to prevent the spread of infection. Hand hygiene should be performed regularly, especially before and after using the restroom.Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene is essential. It includes brushing teeth immediately after waking up and before bed, flossing...
360
Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis01:30

Inhibitors of Viral Protein Synthesis

Protein synthesis is indispensable for viral replication, as viruses lack the cellular machinery required for this process and must hijack the host's translational apparatus. In response, host cells deploy a critical innate immune defense involving interferons, specialized cytokines that play a central role in inhibiting viral propagation.Upon viral detection, infected cells release interferons that bind to receptors on adjacent uninfected cells, activating the JAK-STAT signaling pathway and...
58
Myocarditis III: Medical Management01:14

Myocarditis III: Medical Management

Myocarditis: Comprehensive Medical ManagementMyocarditis, the heart muscle inflammation, requires a comprehensive medical management strategy that addresses the underlying cause, provides supportive care, manages symptoms, and reduces cardiac workload.Infections and Autoimmune CausesAdminister appropriate antimicrobial therapy when an infectious agent causes myocarditis. For instance, penicillin treats infections caused by Group A Streptococcus. In cases where autoimmune processes are...
343
Endocarditis I: Introduction01:25

Endocarditis I: Introduction

Introduction:Endocarditis is the infection of the endocardium, the inner lining of the heart and its valves. When the heart muscle is involved, the condition is termed myocarditis, while an infection of the outer lining is called pericarditis. Infective endocarditis (IE) primarily affects the endocardium, where pathogens adhere to the valves or lining, forming vegetation that can lead to severe complications. Infective endocarditis occurs when microorganisms, usually bacteria from other body...
873
Atherosclerosis III: Management01:26

Atherosclerosis III: Management

Management of atherosclerosis involves an integrated strategy encompassing pharmacological treatment, surgical interventions, lifestyle changes, and nutrition therapy to address the multifactorial nature of the disease.Pharmacological TherapyA cornerstone of atherosclerosis management is the use of pharmacological agents. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are pivotal in inhibiting HMG-CoA reductase, an enzyme that catalyzes an initial step in cholesterol synthesis in the liver. This reduction in...
741