ascorbic-acid and Influenza--Human

Oxidative stress plays a key role in the pathogenesis of respiratory diseases; however, studies on antioxidant vitamins and respiratory outcomes have been conflicting. We evaluated whether lower serum levels of vitamins A, C, D, and E are associated with respiratory morbidity and mortality in the U.S. adult population.. We conducted a pooled analysis of data from the 1988-1994 and 1999-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (participants aged ≥ 20 years). We estimated covariate-adjusted odds ratios (aOR) per interquartile decrease in each serum vitamin level to quantify associations with respiratory morbidity, and covariate-adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) to quantify associations with respiratory mortality assessed prospectively through 2015. Vitamin supplementation and smoking were evaluated as potential effect modifiers.. Lower serum vitamin C increased the odds of wheeze among all participants (overall aOR: 1.08, 95% CI: 1.01-1.16). Among smokers, lower serum α-tocopherol vitamin E increased the odds of wheeze (aOR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.04-1.19) and chronic bronchitis/emphysema (aOR: 1.13, 95% CI: 1.03-1.24). Conversely, lower serum γ-tocopherol vitamin E was associated with lower odds of wheeze and chronic bronchitis/emphysema (overall aORs: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.79-0.92 and 0.85, 95% CI: 0.76-0.95, respectively). Lower serum vitamin C was associated with increased chronic lower respiratory disease (CLRD) mortality in all participants (overall aHR: 1.27, 95% CI: 1.07-1.51), whereas lower serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25-OHD) tended to increase mortality from CLRD and influenza/pneumonia among smokers (aHR range: 1.33-1.75). Mortality from influenza/ pneumonia increased with decreasing serum vitamin A levels in all participants (overall aHR: 1.21, 95% CI: 0.99-1.48). In pooled analysis, vitamin C deficiency and 25-OHD insufficiency were associated with mortality from influenza/pneumonia, increasing mortality risk up to twofold.. Our analysis of nationally representative data on over 34,000 participants showed that lower serum levels of vitamins A, C, D, and α-tocopherol vitamin E are associated with increased respiratory morbidity and/or mortality in U.S. adults. The results underscore the importance of antioxidant vitamins in respiratory health.

Topics: Adult; alpha-Tocopherol; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Bronchitis, Chronic; Emphysema; Humans; Influenza, Human; Morbidity; Nutrition Surveys; Vitamin A; Vitamins

Occurrence of influenza pandemics is a worldwide phenomenon and a significant cause of mortality and morbidity throughout the globe. It is due to mutations in the influenza virus genetic material creating antigenic drift of pathogenic viral proteins resulting in emergence of new influenza virus strains. Therefore, the vaccines available for prevention of influenza offer no protection against influenza pandemics caused by new virus strains. Moreover, the existing drugs used to combat influenza may be ineffective to treat influenza pandemics due to the emergence of drug resistance in the pandemic virus strain. Therefore, a working strategy must be developed to combat influenza pandemics. In this review we have addressed this problem and reviewed the published studies on ascorbic acid in the common cold and influenza and laboratory studies on the effect of ascorbic acid on influenza virus. We have also correlated the clinical and laboratory studies and developed a hypothesis to prevent influenza pandemics.

Topics: Administration, Inhalation; Administration, Oral; Antiviral Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Common Cold; Dietary Supplements; Disease Outbreaks; Humans; Influenza Vaccines; Influenza, Human

Topics: Amantadine; Antiviral Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Dosage Forms; Drug Evaluation; Encephalitis; Hepatitis; Herpes Simplex; Herpes Zoster; Humans; Idoxuridine; Influenza, Human; Inosine Pranobex; Interferons; Levamisole; Rimantadine; Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis; Trifluridine; Virus Diseases

The development of antiviral agents has been hindered by a variety of problems. There are fundamental biological differences between viruses and other infectious agents. Viruses are strictly dependent on cellular metabolic processes and possess very limited intrinsic enzyme systems and building blocks which may serve as targets for drugs. Antiviral drugs must also possess the ability to enter the host cell. Viral replication consists of a series of events, each of which can be interfered with, leading to interruption of the viral replication cycle. Currently, the major antiviral agents in therapeutic use are amantadine, idoxuridine and vidarabine. Methisazone and isoprinosine are also used in some areas. Immunoglobulins have some antiviral activity. Immune serum globulin and high titred hepatitis B immune globulin have both been used in prophylaxis of viral hepatitis. However, studies in this area have not been well controlled and results in some areas are conflicting. Interferon appears to be the most exciting antiviral agent yet discovered. However, its potential is limited by its availability, which remains dependent on biological method. Significant progress has been made recently, though, which may lead to the chemical synthesis of interferon and thus to an antiviral agent active against many viruses.

Topics: Amantadine; Antiviral Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Cytarabine; Humans; Idoxuridine; Influenza, Human; Inosine Pranobex; Interferons; Levamisole; Methisazone; Ribavirin; Vidarabine; Virus Replication

One hundred and one patients at the age of 18 to 60 years suffering from influenza were observed during increased ratio of the sickness due to the influenza virus types A (H1N1 and H3N2) and B. The diagnosis of influenza was confirmed by the laboratory tests. Viferon was used in the treatment of 35 patients. The randomized double blind placebo-controlled study revealed high therapeutic efficacy ofviferon and its immunomodulating effect on the T-cells, the neutrophil phagocytic activity and the decrease of the levels of the circulating immune complexes. Viferon and arbidol decreased the fever periods and the toxicosis symptoms vs. the placebo. The therapeutic efficacies of viferon and arbidol were on the whole comparable, whereas the clinical findings and the results of the immunological tests were evident of the viferon higher therapeutic and immunomodulating efficacy. No side effects of the drugs were recorded. The tolerability was excellent. Viferon can be recommended for the treatment of influenza in adults.

Topics: Acute Disease; Adolescent; Adult; Antiviral Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Double-Blind Method; Female; Humans; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; Influenza A Virus, H3N2 Subtype; Influenza, Human; Interferon alpha-2; Interferon-alpha; Male; Middle Aged; Ointments; Recombinant Proteins; Suppositories; Vitamin E

An ever increasing demand to evaluate the effect of dietary supplements on specific health conditions by use of a "significant scientific" standard has prompted the publication of this study.. To study the effect of megadose Vitamin C in preventing and relieving cold and flu symptoms in a test group compared with a control group.. Prospective, controlled study of students in a technical training facility.. A total of 463 students ranging in age from 18 to 32 years made up the control group. A total of 252 students ranging in age from 18 to 30 years made up the experimental or test group.. Investigators tracked the number of reports of cold and flu symptoms among the 1991 test population of the facility compared with the reports of like symptoms among the 1990 control population. Those in the control population reporting symptoms were treated with pain relievers and decongestants, whereas those in the test population reporting symptoms were treated with hourly doses of 1000 mg of Vitamin C for the first 6 hours and then 3 times daily thereafter. Those not reporting symptoms in the test group were also administered 1000-mg doses 3 times daily.. Overall, reported flu and cold symptoms in the test group decreased 85% compared with the control group after the administration of megadose Vitamin C.. Vitamin C in megadoses administered before or after the appearance of cold and flu symptoms relieved and prevented the symptoms in the test population compared with the control group.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Common Cold; Drug Administration Schedule; Female; Humans; Incidence; Influenza, Human; Male

Topics: Adenoviridae Infections; Ascorbic Acid; Citrates; Clinical Trials as Topic; Common Cold; Humans; Influenza, Human; Leukocytes; Placebos; Respiratory Tract Infections; Virus Diseases

The aim of the current study was to determine the activity of the delta-aminolevulinate dehydratase (δ-ALA-D) enzyme, oxidative stress biomarkers and the expression of cytokines in those infected with influenza B virus (IBV). To evaluate the activity of the δ-ALA-D enzyme, lipid peroxidation was estimated as levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, protein and non-protein thiol groups, ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), vitamin C concentration and cytokine levels in IBV-infected individuals (n  = 50) and a control group (n = 30). δ-ALA-D activity was significantly lower in IBV-infected individuals compared with controls, as well as levels of thiols, vitamin C and FRAP. Lipid peroxidation and cytokine levels of IL-6, IL-10, IL-17A and IFN-y were statistically higher in the IBV group. In conclusion, we found evidence of the generation of oxidants, the depletion of the antioxidant system, decrease in the activity of the δ-ALA-D enzyme and an increase in the synthesis of cytokines, thus contributing to a better understanding of oxidative and inflammatory pathways during IBV infection.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Cytokines; Herpesviridae Infections; Humans; Influenza B virus; Influenza, Human; Iron; Oxidative Stress; Porphobilinogen Synthase

not available.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Clinical Trials as Topic; COVID-19; Humans; Influenza, Human; Pulmonary Edema; Vitamin D; Vitamin D Deficiency; Vitamins

Since the influenza viruses can rapidly evolve, it is urgently required to develop novel anti-influenza agents possessing a novel mechanism of action. In our previous study, two pentacyclic triterpene derivatives (Q8 and Y3) have been found to have anti-influenza virus entry activities. Keeping the potential synergy of biological activity of pentacyclic triterpenes and l-ascorbic acid in mind, we synthesized a series of novel l-ascorbic acid-conjugated pentacyclic triterpene derivatives (18-26, 29-31, 35-40 and 42-43). Moreover, we evaluated these novel compounds for their anti-influenza activities against A/WSN/33 virus in MDCK cells. Among all evaluated compounds, the 2,3-O,O-dibenzyl-6-deoxy-l-ascorbic acid-betulinic acid conjugate (30) showed the most significant anti-influenza activity with an EC50 of 8.7 μM, and no cytotoxic effects on MDCK cells were observed. Time-of-addition assay indicated that compound 30 acted at an early stage of the influenza life cycle. Further analyses revealed that influenza virus-induced hemagglutination of chicken red blood cells was inhibited by treatment of compound 30, and the interaction between the influenza hemagglutinin (HA) and compound 30 was determined by surface plasmon resonance (SPR) with a dissociation constant of KD = 3.76 μM. Finally, silico docking studies indicated that compound 30 and its derivative 31 were able to occupy the binding pocket of HA for sialic acid receptor. Collectively, these results suggested that l-ascorbic acid-conjugated pentacyclic triterpenes were promising anti-influenza entry inhibitors, and HA protein associated with viral entry was a promising drug target.

Topics: Animals; Antiviral Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Dogs; Drug Design; Hemagglutinin Glycoproteins, Influenza Virus; Humans; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; Influenza, Human; Madin Darby Canine Kidney Cells; Molecular Docking Simulation; Orthomyxoviridae Infections; Pentacyclic Triterpenes; Virus Internalization

It is well known that vitamin C could protect against influenza infection, but little is known about the mechanisms. This study aimed to investigate the influence and possible mechanisms of vitamin C on pneumonia induced by influenza virus in stressed mice. Results showed that restraint stress significantly increased the mortality and the severity of pneumonia in mice caused by A/FM/1/47(H1N1) virus infection, which was attenuated by oral administration of vitamin C (125 and 250 mg/kg). Moreover, vitamin C administration significantly decreased expression of susceptibility genes, including mitochondrial antiviral signaling (MAVS) and interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), and increased expression of NF-κB. These work in conjunction to induce type I interferons (IFNs) and elicit innate antiviral response as key factors in RIG-I-mediated signal transduction pathway. The above effects of vitamin C were further found to relate with inhibition of excess CORT synthesis by regulating steroid hydroxylating enzymes in adrenal gland. In conclusion, the protective effects of vitamin C on influenza virus-caused pneumonia might be related to its inhibition of CORT synthesis, which reduces the susceptibility to influenza viral infection in restraint-stressed mice. These findings provide a new mechanism for the effects of vitamin C on influenza virus-induced pneumonia in restraint-stressed mice.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Influenza A Virus, H1N1 Subtype; Influenza, Human; Male; Mice; Pneumonia, Viral; Reactive Oxygen Species; Restraint, Physical; Stress, Physiological; Treatment Outcome

In vitro activity of interferon-alpha-2b in combination with various antioxidants against the influenza virus and Herpes simplex was studied. The standard strains and a clinical strain of Herpes simplex isolated from a patient with resistance to acyclovir were used. The in vitro studie showed that antioxidants, such as alpho-tocoferol acetate (vitamin E), Unithiol and ascorbic acid had a significant antiinfluenzae and antiherpetic action on the influenza virus A/H5N1 and Herpes simplex variants. They protected up to 100% of the cell monolayer from the virus cytopathic effect. The taurin solutions had no antiviral activity irrespective of the infection dose. Combinations of interferon-alpha-2b with alpha-tocopherol acetate (vitamin E), Unithiol or ascorbic acid showed a significant synergistic effect: the antiviral activity of interferon increased several times. The antiinfluenza activity of interferon-a-2b in the presence of various concentrations of taurin did not change.

Topics: Acyclovir; alpha-Tocopherol; Animals; Antioxidants; Antiviral Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Cell Line; Chlorocebus aethiops; Drug Synergism; Herpes Simplex; Humans; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype; Influenza, Human; Interferon alpha-2; Interferon-alpha; Kidney; Lung; Recombinant Proteins; Simplexvirus; Swine; Taurine; Unithiol; Vero Cells

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Humans; Influenza, Human; Information Dissemination; Neoplasms; New Zealand; Prognosis; Vitamins

In this Comment, the ultimate intent is to increase survival of the anticipated global flu pandemic. The apparent failure of "medicine" to provide a completely understood and logically based biochemical prevention and treatment for all influenzas (and many other viral diseases) may be an unavoidable result of the evolving complexity of the H5N1 virus. However, clinical experience cited in all accounts, including the 2003 to 2006 period, suggest that: (i) ascorbic acid is not being administered to humans infected or at risk for influenza, and (ii) ascorbic acid is (mistakenly) believed to be a vitamin ("vitamin C"). Proper use of ascorbic acid as described here could provide effective containment for the flu pandemic.

Topics: Animals; Ascorbic Acid; Communicable Disease Control; Diet; Disease Outbreaks; Humans; Hyperglycemia; Influenza A Virus, H5N1 Subtype; Influenza in Birds; Influenza, Human; Models, Biological; Poultry

In 39 outpatients suffering from a seasonal epidemic influenza, the antipyretic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory activity of nimesulide granules was compared with that of aspirin + vitamin C granules. The drugs were administered b.i.d., dispensed in one-dose sachets containing either 100 mg of nimesulide or 500 mg aspirin + 300 mg vitamin C. The efficacy of the two treatments was comparable: both drugs brought about a rapid complete recovery in all treated patients. However, nimesulide was better tolerated: only one case of slight gastralgia was recorded in the nimesulide group vs the six cases of side-effects complained of in the aspirin + vitamin C group.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Aspirin; Body Temperature; Female; Humans; Influenza, Human; Male; Middle Aged; Sulfonamides

Topics: Adamantane; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Aspirin; Diphenhydramine; Drug Combinations; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Humans; Influenza, Human; Lactates; Rimantadine; Rutin; USSR

Topics: Adamantane; Antiviral Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Aspirin; Diphenhydramine; Drug Combinations; Humans; Influenza, Human; Lactates; Retrospective Studies; Rimantadine; Rutin

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Child; Drug Evaluation; Drug Therapy, Combination; Early Ambulation; Humans; Influenza, Human; Rimantadine; Vitamins

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Drug Combinations; Drug Evaluation; Female; Fever; Humans; Influenza, Human; Male; Middle Aged; Quinine; Salicylamides

Topics: Adult; Aminophylline; Ascorbic Acid; Drug Therapy, Combination; Furosemide; gamma-Globulins; Humans; Influenza, Human; Middle Aged; Oxacillin; Phenylephrine; Pneumonia; Strophanthins; Tetracyclines

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Coal Mining; Czechoslovakia; Humans; Influenza, Human; Occupational Medicine; Respiratory Tract Infections

Topics: Adenoviridae Infections; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Humans; Influenza, Human; Male; Respiratory Tract Infections; Time Factors

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Analgesics; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antiviral Agents; Ascorbic Acid; gamma-Globulins; Histamine H1 Antagonists; Humans; Immunotherapy; Influenza, Human; Sympathomimetics

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Glucose; Cholesterol; Diabetes Complications; Diabetes Mellitus; Diencephalon; Female; Goiter; Humans; Hypothyroidism; Influenza, Human; Magnesium Sulfate; Movement Disorders; Penicillins; Streptomycin; Thiamine

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Ascorbic Acid; Aspirin; Humans; Influenza, Human; Rheumatic Diseases; Rural Population

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Influenza, Human

Topics: Absenteeism; Acute Disease; Ascorbic Acid; Coal Mining; Diet; Humans; Influenza, Human; Occupational Diseases; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Seasons; Time Factors

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Biguanides; Humans; Influenza, Human; Tropanes; Vaccination

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Diphenhydramine; Humans; Influenza, Human; Octopamine; Salicylamides

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Influenza, Human

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Influenza, Human; Proteins

Topics: Adenoviridae Infections; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antiviral Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Aspirin; Guanidines; Humans; Influenza, Human

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Ascorbic Acid; Caffeine; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Histamine H1 Antagonists; Humans; Influenza, Human; Male; Middle Aged; Salicylamides

Topics: Acetaminophen; Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Influenza, Human; Phenylephrine

Topics: Adenoviridae Infections; Aminophylline; Ascorbic Acid; Chlamydophila psittaci; Chloramphenicol; Drug Therapy; Epidemiologic Studies; Epidemiology; France; Humans; Influenza, Human; Military Medicine; Orthomyxoviridae; Orthomyxoviridae Infections; Pneumonia; Pneumonia, Viral; Psittacosis; Radiography, Thoracic; Respiratory Tract Diseases; Sendai virus; Serologic Tests; Vaccination; Virus Diseases

Topics: Adenine Nucleotides; Ascorbic Acid; Asthenia; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Geriatrics; Humans; Influenza, Human; Liver Extracts; Metabolism

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Influenza, Human; Vitamins

Topics: Antiviral Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Aspirin; Humans; Influenza, Human; Quinine; Thiamine

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Blood Proteins; Chemical Industry; Cholinesterases; Coronary Disease; Environmental Health; Hematopoietic System; Hexachlorocyclohexane; Humans; Influenza, Human; Lead Poisoning; Liver Function Tests; Mercury Poisoning; Methionine; Mice; Nitrobenzenes; Pituitary Hormones; Pituitary Hormones, Posterior; Pituitary-Adrenal Function Tests; Rabbits; Rats; Research; Sulfur Isotopes; Toxicology

Topics: Adenosine; Adenosine Triphosphate; Albumins; Ascorbic Acid; Autonomic Nervous System Diseases; Diencephalon; Encephalitis; Humans; Influenza, Human; Polyphosphates

Topics: Analgesics; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Anti-Allergic Agents; Antipyretics; Ascorbic Acid; Child; Histamine H1 Antagonists; Humans; Infant; Influenza, Human; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Asian People; Child; Humans; Influenza, Human

Topics: Anti-Bacterial Agents; Antibiotics, Antitubercular; Ascorbic Acid; Aspirin; Cardiovascular Agents; Dermatologic Agents; Flavonoids; Humans; Influenza, Human; Protein Synthesis Inhibitors; Tetracycline; Vitamins

Topics: Aminopyrine; Ascorbic Acid; Flavonoids; Humans; Influenza, Human; Quinine; Vitamins

Topics: Analgesics; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Antipyretics; Ascorbic Acid; Drug Interactions; Hesperidin; Humans; Influenza, Human

Topics: Analgesics; Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; Anti-Allergic Agents; Antipyretics; Ascorbic Acid; Common Cold; Histamine H1 Antagonists; Humans; Influenza, Human

Topics: Analgesics; Ascorbic Acid; Humans; Influenza, Human; Phenacetin; Quinine; Vitamins