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A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
Published on: April 28, 2019
The Case for N-acetylcysteine in Dengue Associated Liver Injury: Time for Definitive Evidence
Angela McBride1, Nguyen Lam Vuong2,3, Sudeep Adhikari4
1Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK.
Open Forum Infectious Diseases
|July 22, 2026
Summary
Dengue-associated liver injury is a serious condition linked to oxidative stress. N-acetylcysteine shows promise, but more clinical trials are needed to confirm its effectiveness.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Toxicology
Background:
- Dengue virus infection frequently causes liver injury.
- Liver injury in dengue is a significant predictor of mortality.
- Oxidative stress is implicated as a key mechanism in dengue liver injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the role of oxidative stress in dengue-associated liver injury.
- To assess the potential therapeutic benefit of N-acetylcysteine for dengue liver injury.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on dengue liver injury and oxidative stress.
- Analysis of preclinical data supporting N-acetylcysteine's efficacy.
- Identification of the need for randomized controlled trials.
Main Results:
- Dengue-associated liver injury is common and linked to poor outcomes.
- Oxidative stress is a critical, modifiable factor in the condition.
- Preclinical studies suggest N-acetylcysteine may be beneficial.
Conclusions:
- N-acetylcysteine presents a biologically plausible treatment for dengue liver injury.
- Current clinical evidence is insufficient, highlighting the need for rigorous randomized trials.
- Further research is essential to guide clinical practice and public health policy.
