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The inhibitory effect of astragalus membranaceus on coxsackie B-3 virus RNA replication
1Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhong Shan Hospital of Shanghai Medical University.
Abstract:
Using mice infected with coxsackie B-3 virus (CVB3) as a viral myocarditis model, we observed the inhibitory effect of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) on CVB3-RNA replication in myocardial tissue of mice by RNA-RNA in situ hybridization with negative-strand RNA probes labelled with 35S and quantitative imaging analysis of positive signals. The mechanism of its effect on CVB3-RNA replication has been investigated by detection of beta-interferon (beta-IFN) as well. Results showed that the copy numbers of CVB3-RNA as well as the histologic scores (necrosis) in myocardial tissues of infected-AM treated mice were significantly lower than those in infected and normal saline treated mice, suggesting that AM could inhibit the replication of CVB3-RNA, but its effect on CVB3-RNA replication had no correlation with induction of beta-IFN.
Insights
Astragalus membranaceus (AM) effectively inhibits coxsackie B-3 virus (CVB3) RNA replication in a mouse model of viral myocarditis. This antiviral effect was observed without a significant correlation to beta-interferon induction.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Viral myocarditis, often caused by coxsackie B-3 virus (CVB3), is a serious cardiac condition.
- Traditional herbal medicines are explored for potential therapeutic benefits in viral infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the inhibitory effect of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) on CVB3 replication in myocardial tissue.
- To explore the underlying mechanism, specifically examining the role of beta-interferon (beta-IFN).
Main Methods:
- A mouse model of viral myocarditis induced by CVB3 infection was utilized.
- RNA-RNA in situ hybridization with 35S-labeled negative-strand RNA probes was performed to quantify viral RNA.
- Quantitative imaging analysis assessed viral RNA copy numbers and histologic scores for myocardial necrosis.
- Beta-interferon (beta-IFN) levels were detected to investigate the mechanism of action.
Main Results:
- Astragalus membranaceus (AM) treatment significantly reduced CVB3-RNA copy numbers in myocardial tissue compared to controls.
- Histologic scores for myocardial necrosis were significantly lower in AM-treated mice.
- The antiviral effect of AM on CVB3-RNA replication showed no correlation with the induction of beta-interferon (beta-IFN).
Conclusions:
- Astragalus membranaceus (AM) demonstrates significant inhibitory effects on coxsackie B-3 virus (CVB3) RNA replication in a viral myocarditis model.
- The mechanism of AM's antiviral activity in this context does not appear to involve the induction of beta-interferon (beta-IFN).