Recently, a study by the University of Florida in the United States initially found that the combination of two common over-the-counter drugs (diphenhydramine and lactoferrin) can reduce the replication of the new crown virus by 99%, and also shorten the recovery time of people infected with new crown.
The study, led by Dr. David Ostrov, an immunologist at the University of Florida School of Medicine, to develop outbreak prevention and treatment strategies that are not affected by variant strains of the new coronavirus, was reportedly published in the journal Pathogens on Nov. 20.
The two compounds are 30% potent when used separately, and the combination inhibits 99% viral replication
The researchers point out that the regulation of the endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) response induced by the new coronavirus may provide a theoretical basis for new approaches to antiviral drug treatment. It is reported that the replication of coronaviruses such as the new coronavirus relies heavily on the endoplasmic network of host cells. The virus activates pathways that promote endoplasmic reticulum stress adaptation to viral replication, such as using it to regulate protein translation, endoplasmic reticulum folding ability, and even cell damage or apoptosis.
Molecular docking of Sigma receptor ligands exhibiting antiviral activity against the new coronavirus
Among them, the Sigma receptor is a regulator of endoplasmic reticulum stress. In cases of COVID-19 infection, in order for the virus to replicate in the host, the virus "hijacks" the endoplasmic reticulum stress response mechanisms of the host cell, including the Sigma receptor. Therefore, interfering with the transmission of this signal is the key to suppressing the potency of the virus.
In addition, as a target for antiviral drugs, Sigma receptor ligands binding to antiviral drugs acting on different targets may provide additional or synergistic antiviral effects and reduce the likelihood of covid-19 resistance to a single drug.
To confirm this theory, the researchers conducted laboratory tests on monkey cells and human lung cells. Experimental data suggest that highly specific Sigma receptor binding to drug candidates with pain-relieving properties, as well as formulation combinations of over-the-counter pharmaceutical products (such as the antihistamine diphenhydramine for the treatment of allergies, and lactoferrin, which is higher in colostrum and milk), inhibits COVID-19 infection. Diphenhydramine and lactoferrin each inhibit about 30% of the replication of the new crown virus, and together they inhibit viral replication by up to 99%.
Experimental drugs are "slightly different" from reality Experts warn: do not use them yourself
"We found detailed mechanisms by which certain drugs inhibit COVID-19 infection. Then, an effective, economical, and long-term safe antiviral combination was found. Dr. Ostrov said that preliminary tests confirmed that the combination of these two compounds can not only inhibit the infection of the new crown virus, but also shorten the recovery time of the new crown infection.
Researchers say people should not use diphenhydramine or lactoferrin on their own to prevent or treat COVID-19.
Previously, Dr. Ostrov and colleagues had found that diphenhydramine has a potential inhibitory effect on the new crown virus. Lactoferrin, like diphenhydramine, is over-the-counter and is often used as an adjunct to gastrointestinal ulcers. The latest discovery of lactoferrin stems from a regular meeting of scientists from the COVID-19 Working Group of the Global Viral Network, where unpublished data on compounds that inhibit the activity of the new coronavirus include lactoferrin.
The researchers say the findings are the first step in developing a formula that can be used to accelerate recovery in COVID-19 patients, which has been studied in depth in mouse models, but further research is needed in human clinical trials focused on COVID-19 prevention.
In addition, while the preliminary findings are encouraging, Dr. Ostrov warns that the type of lactoferrin used in the study is slightly different from what consumers would normally buy. Therefore, people should not use diphenhydramine or lactoferrin on their own to prevent or treat COVID-19.
Red Star News reporter Wang Yalin Intern reporter Hu Yiling
Edited by Zhang Xun
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