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Modification of encephalomyocarditis virus-induced diabetes in mice by antiviral agents
Abstract:
The current study used a murine model of diabetes induced by the D variant of encephalomyocarditis virus (DEMC) to determine the protective effect of exogenous antiviral agents. Antivirals, which were found to inhibit the development of DEMC virus cytopathic effect in L-929 cell monolayers, were administered intraperitoneally beginning 12 h prior to DEMC virus challenge. Arildone (500 mg/kg per day) or murine interferon (3.2 X 10(6) IU/kg per day) significantly reduced the incidence of hyperglycemia at 4 days after virus challenge. The incidences of hyperglycemia were 96% in untreated, 62% in arildone, and 0% in interferon treated mice. In other experiments we found that interferon (1.6 X 10(6) IU/kg per 12 h X 3) significantly protected mice against diabetes when administered at the time of virus infection or beginning 12 h afterwards. This effect was associated with reductions in average viral titers in the heart and pancreas of infected animals relative to untreated, infected mice. The results of these studies suggest that picornavirus induced diabetes may be prevented or ameliorated by the use of antiviral agents.
Insights
Antiviral agents like arildone and interferon can prevent or reduce hyperglycemia in a mouse model of diabetes induced by encephalomyocarditis virus. Interferon demonstrated significant protection against viral-induced diabetes.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) infection can induce diabetes in susceptible hosts.
- Picornavirus infections are implicated in the etiology of certain forms of diabetes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the protective effects of exogenous antiviral agents against EMCV-induced diabetes in a murine model.
- To evaluate the efficacy of arildone and murine interferon in preventing or ameliorating viral-induced hyperglycemia.
Main Methods:
- A murine model of diabetes was established using the D variant of encephalomyocarditis virus (DEMC).
- Antiviral agents, arildone and murine interferon, were administered intraperitoneally before and during DEMC virus challenge.
- Hyperglycemia incidence and viral titers in the heart and pancreas were assessed in treated and untreated mice.
Main Results:
- Arildone and murine interferon significantly reduced the incidence of hyperglycemia compared to untreated controls.
- Interferon treatment resulted in a complete absence of hyperglycemia (0%) at 4 days post-infection.
- Interferon administration also led to reduced viral titers in the heart and pancreas.
Conclusions:
- Exogenous antiviral agents, particularly interferon, show significant protective effects against picornavirus-induced diabetes.
- Antiviral therapy may represent a viable strategy for preventing or ameliorating viral-induced diabetes.