In vitro inhibition of hepatitis B virus replication by 2',3'-dideoxyguanosine, 2',3'-dideoxyinosine, and 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxythymidine in 2.2.15 (PR) cells
Article Abstract:
The hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes hepatitis (liver inflammation that causes fever, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice), liver cirrhosis (liver degeneration), and hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer). Hepatocellular carcinoma is responsible for more than one million deaths each year. HBV is present in the blood of infected individuals and can be transmitted in contaminated blood products used for transfusions or by needles containing infected blood. HBV infection is becoming a major problem among intravenous drug users and homosexual men, many of whom are also infected with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, the virus that causes AIDS). HBV and HIV are called RNA viruses because they have a special enzyme that allows them to use RNA (ribonucleic acid) to make DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid, the genetic material). AZT, also called zidovudine, was the first drug cleared for use in treating AIDS. It prevents the HIV from replicating or reproducing itself. Since HIV and HBV reproduce in a similar manner, AZT and similar drugs that prevent HIV from reproducing may also be useful in treating HBV infections. To test this theory, liver cells infected with HBV (called hepatoblastoma cells) were grown in culture and treated with AZT, 2',3'-dideoxyguanosine (ddG), or 2',3'-dideoxyinosine (ddI). AZT was the least effective in preventing the HBV from reproducing itself, while ddG reduced HBV replication by 95 percent. It is concluded that ddG has potent antiviral activity against HBV. Further studies are needed to determine if ddG is effective in treating HBV infections in humans. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Journal of Infectious Diseases
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0022-1899
Year: 1991
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Pronounced anti-HIV-1 activity of foscarnet in patients without cytomegalovirus infection
Article Abstract:
Foscarnet seems effective in reducing the levels of HIV-1 RNA in a patient's blood even when there is no cytomegalovirus present. In 10 patients with no symptoms or minor ones only, foscarnet was given intravenously in a dosage of 50 mg three times a day for four weeks. The levels of HIV-1 RNA in the blood decreased significantly during that time, returning to the baseline one week after the drug was discontinued. All of the patients had some side effects and two of them had seriously adverse effects.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1998
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