Mechanisms of action and efficacy of statins against influenza

Biomed Res Int. 2014:2014:872370. doi: 10.1155/2014/872370. Epub 2014 Nov 11.

Abstract

The influenza virus (IV) is known to be a resistant virus with frequent mutations, causing severe respiratory diseases in the upper respiratory system. Public health concerns about clinical efficacy of all conventional drugs are ambiguous; therefore, finding additional therapeutic agents is critical to prevent and control influenza outbreaks. Influenza is associated with the induction of proinflammatory cytokines. Scientists have reported that anti-inflammatory drugs, with pleiotropic effects, reduce the burden of severe influenza diseases. Therefore, statins, which are cardioprotective drugs with anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, may help patients suffering from influenza virus (IV). This review delineates the potential use of statins as an alternative therapy in treating influenza related illness.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cytokines / drug effects
  • Disease Outbreaks
  • Humans
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors / therapeutic use*
  • Influenza, Human / drug therapy*
  • Influenza, Human / epidemiology
  • Influenza, Human / virology
  • Orthomyxoviridae / drug effects
  • Orthomyxoviridae / pathogenicity*
  • Public Health

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • Cytokines
  • Hydroxymethylglutaryl-CoA Reductase Inhibitors