In tests with mice, researchers from Unicamp discovered a molecule with a protective effect against flu; compound is produced by gut bacteria
Researchers from Unicamp and the Pasteur Institute of Lille (France) may have discovered a new way to prevent and treat flu (influenza), through a supplement produced naturally by the intestinal microbiota. It is a molecule known as indole-3-propionic acid (IPA).
Photo: iLexx/envato / Canaltech
In preclinical tests, the researchers observed that the molecule, produced by intestinal bacteria, can reduce the number of active viruses and the levels of inflammation in the lung in mice infected with the influenza virus (H3N2 variant).
If the influenza prevention and treatment strategy shows promise in the next rounds of testing, which should include experiments with humans, it is possible that the IPA molecule will become an important public health tool. After all, around 290 to 650 thousand people die each year as a result of the flu virus, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Molecule produced in the intestine
Used in the experiment, the intestine molecule has already been known to science for years. It is known that IPA can improve metabolic disorders, as it regulates blood glucose, increases insulin sensitivity and inhibits the synthesis of lipids and inflammatory factors in the liver. It also has beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.
Gut bacteria produce a molecule capable of fighting the flu virus and reducing inflammation levels (Image: CDC/Unsplash)
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Inside the body, the molecule is produced from the processing of tryptophan — an essential amino acid present in different foods, such as corn, fish, soy, wheat, barley, rye, sunflower and meat.
Flu treatment
Published in the magazine Gut Microbesthe recent study evaluated the effects of a synthetic version of the molecule in animals with influenza, with levels of inflammation in the lungs.
“We supplemented the animals with a synthetic version of the molecule, produced in the laboratory, which reduced the viral load and inflammation. This brings great potential for a new flu therapy”, says Marco Vinolo, professor at the Institute of Biology (IB) from Unicamp and research coordinator, for the Fapesp Agency.
“In the future, [o composto] It could be used to help prevent or treat infection with the influenza virus, responsible for major epidemics. However, more studies are needed to confirm these findings in humans”, adds scientist Vinolo.
Future of research with IPA
In addition to combating the flu, researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of the intestinal molecule in Covid-19 virus infections in pre-clinical tests. According to the authors, preliminary results indicate similar results.
In parallel, the team plans to test the compound against bacterial infections — for now, its effectiveness has only been evaluated against the flu and covid-19 viruses. On another point, it is necessary to advance research to include the first clinical tests, with humans, which will save thousands of lives, after proving efficacy and safety.
Source: Gut Microbes and Agência Fapesp
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