Turns out that a research team investigated whether inhibitors of a specific viral protein would stop and delay the replication of HSV-1 and HSV-2. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Treating viruses isn’t an easy task. They take over the cell, use its activities in their favor, and therefore are considered parasites [1].

An important question we should discuss is, why don’t doctors prescribe antibiotics for viral infections? Well, the answer lies within the bacteria’s structure.

Unlike viruses, bacteria are very similar to each other and different from us humans. This is reflected, for example, in very conserved protein elements different from ours found on their outer surface [2].

Antibiotics target those specific conserved elements which are significant for bacteria activity, thus eliminating the bacteria from the body. This fact becomes a problem when antibiotics eliminate good bacteria from the body as well [3].

Viruses, are actually parasites, and unlike bacteria, their elements aren’t conserved between one another and strikingly, in some cases, they mimic elements we have in our cells. This fact makes it difficult for our immune system to recognize viruses as a foreign element [1].

Therefore, treating viruses requires high creativity and very deep thought from doctors, researchers and pharmaceutical companies.

Over the years, the scientific community finally realized that understanding the molecular process of viral infection is important and will aid in the development of antiviral drugs.
For instance, acyclovir takes advantage of a specific viral molecular pathway and thus prevents further viral replication without affecting the normal cellular processes.

Research team hopes that herpes virus changes very slowly. That gives them a better chance at investigating something that can work for a long time without allowing the virus to mutate as rapidly as currently approved treatments do [4-5]. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Turns out that a research team investigated whether inhibitors of a specific viral protein would stop and delay the replication of HSV-1 and HSV-2. Strikingly, the inhibitors stopped accumulation of viral genomes and infectious particles and blocked the viral replication cycle [4]. Do I smell new herpes treatment???

These results are very encouraging since they enable an additional pathway to fight the virus. And it doesn’t end there, after scientists discover the mechanism by which this drug inhibits the spread of the virus, it can be used along with other antivirals as a cocktail, similar to HIV treatment, therefore preventing resistance.

Turns out that one of the tested inhibitors has already proven effective in animals and another is found in a topical anti fungal already FDA approved for use! [5]

Research team hopes that herpes virus changes very slowly. That gives them a better chance at investigating something that can work for a long time without allowing the virus to mutate as rapidly as currently approved treatments do [4-5].
References:
1. Koonin EV, Senkevich TG, Dolja VV. The ancient Virus World and evolution of cells. Biol. Direct. 2006;1:29.
2. Woese CR, Fox GE (1977). “Phylogenetic structure of the prokaryotic domain: the primary kingdoms”. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences of the United States of America 74 (11): 5088–90.
3. Goodman, Louis, & Gilman, Alfred (1941). The Pharmacological Basis of Therapeutics (1st ed.) New York: The Macmillan Company.
4. J. E. Tavis, H. Wang, A. E. Tollefson, B. Ying, M. Korom, X. Cheng, F. Cao, K. L. Davis, W. S. M. Wold, L. A. Morrison. Inhibitors of Nucleotidyltransferase Superfamily Enzymes Suppress Herpes Simplex Virus Replication.Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy, 2014; 58 (12): 7451
5. Saint Louis University. “Enzyme inhibitors suppress herpes simplex virus replication, study finds.” ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 18 December 2014. <www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/12/141218131937.htm>.

Individuals who experience attachment anxiety disorder experience EBV reactivation. Image by: Freedigitalphotos.net

Have you ever had a fear of abandonment? Always needed a reassurance from your partner, close friend or sibling? Well, news flash! If you ever experienced the following, and it has interfered with your daily function, then you might be experiencing attachment anxiety disorder [1].

It is not new that stress has a negative impact on our body, and in particular, on our immune system. In a matter of fact, stress weakens our immune system, which consequently causes latent viruses populated in our body to reactivate [1].
I bet your next question is, “latent viruses populated in my body??? But I’m totally healthy, and feel perfect!”.

Well, it turns out that various types of viruses have the ability to occur in your body in a latent state. Which is basically similar to “falling asleep”. It remains dormant in your cells, only to erupt later without warning.

There are various reasons for their eruption, the main ones being stress and anxiety [2]. Which is pretty logical considering the fact that they weaken the immune system as I noted.

Moreover, as a consequence of the damaged immune system, a right environment for reactivation of latent virus is created, leading to a variety of symptoms and diseases [2].
Therefore, it is not coincidence that when people are stressed or anxious, they experience cold sores outbreaks (caused due to Herpes virus) [2].

Attachment anxiety may cause chronic stress that compromises our immunity from infection and other physical conditions.

Attachment anxiety may cause chronic stress that compromises our immunity from infection and other physical conditions.

Another striking example is demonstrated in an interesting study. Individuals who experience attachment anxiety disorder experience EBV reactivation,which demonstrates the association of attachment anxiety disorder and poor immune system activity [3,4].

By burning the candle from both ends, we lose the real meaning of life, which to me is being healthy, happy, and surrounded by our loved ones. Image by: Freedigitalphoto.net

Living in modern times is an ongoing race.

We all wish we could add an extra hour to the day, so we would have time to do everything. But maybe life isn’t about getting everything done? But is only what society gets us to think? I believe that by burning the candle from both ends, we lose the real meaning of life, which to me is being healthy, happy, and surrounded by our loved ones. Just a little something to think about.

References:
1. Nauert, R. Attachment Anxiety Lowers Immunity – But Can Be Overcome. Published on February 12, 2013.
2. Microbiology and Immunology On-Line – University of South Carolina School of Medicine – Virology – Chapter Eleven – Herpes Viruses. Last updated May 24, 2011.
3. Fagundes CP1, Jaremka LM2, Glaser R2, Alfano CM3, Povoski SP4, Lipari AM5, Agnese DM4, Yee LD4, Carson WE 3rd6, Farrar WB4, Malarkey WB7, Chen M2, Kiecolt-Glaser JK8. Attachment anxiety is related to Epstein-Barr virus latency. Brain Behav Immun. 2014 Jun 16.
4. Davenport, L. EBV Infection Linked to Subclinical Psychosis Symptoms. Published June 16, 2011.

Cheaper and faster test for diagnosing herpes

Have you ever gone to the doctor following cold sores in your mouth, and waited over a week for the results??? The fact is, you are probably infected with the herpes virus. And the longer you wait for a diagnosis, the less likely antiviral therapy will lead to a positive outcome.

But, not to worry!! Apparently, there is a new test that has been developed to identify herpes in the blood [1].

Now, let’s begin by asking ourselves, what is herpes? The answer is that herpes is a virus. Did you know it’s estimated that between 60–95% of adults worldwide are infected with the herpes simplex virus-1 (HSV-1) [2]??

There is treatment for herpes: For more information see
http://www.novirin.com/

Well, it turns out that the symptoms of this strain of the herpes virus are usually limited to sores or blisters. It doesn’t end there, however; the virus stays in your body in a latent state, which is basically similar to falling asleep. In this state, amazingly, it has the ability to hide from your immune system!

In some cases such as stress or strong sunlight, the virus will travel back to your skin and cause an eruption of cold sores [3, 4].

At present, diagnosing HSV-1 may take up to a week to complete, and although alternative tests have been offered, they are still time-consuming and present more complications, which in some cases require a specialist [1].

According to a study, this new test does not require an immune response to the herpes virus and is extremely sensitive and faster than previous tests used to detect HSV. Additionally, because the test reduces the cost of a diagnosis, it can more effectively be used in hospitals or doctors’ offices [1].

To sum up, the faster Herpes is diagnosed and treated the better, which is exactly what this new test should allow doctors to do. Additionally, its advantages are a huge hope for wider applications, such as diagnosing HIV faster and more accurately.

All in all, the new herpes test is promising, and it will be interesting to see how the market accepts it once introduced.

References

1. Muzard, Julien, et al. “Rapid, Highly Sensitive Detection of Herpes Simplex Virus-1 using Multiple Antigenic Peptide-Coated Superparamagnetic Beads.”Analyst (2014).
2. Pebody, R. G., et al. “The seroepidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 in Europe.” Sexually transmitted infections 80.3 (2004): 185-191.
3. Nahmias, André J., and William E. Josey. “Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2.” Viral infections of humans. Springer US, 1984. 351-372.‏
4. Whitley, Richard J., David W. Kimberlin, and Bernard Roizman. “Herpes simplex viruses.” Clinical Infectious Diseases (1998): 541-553.

Alzheimer’s is linked to the herpes virus. Learn more about herpes symptoms. Click the photo.

Herpes and Alzheimer’s disease are very common, Did you know that about 50-80% of the population in Europe has herpes [1]? And, that 10% of the population over the age of 65, and 50% of the population over the age of 85, have Alzheimer’s disease [3]? That’s pretty crazy, huh?

And what if I told you that there is a connection between the two? This is even more absurd!

But, before I start telling you stories and tales (which are totally true) – we must wonder, what is herpes all about?
Herpes virus 1 and 2, are viruses that infect humans [2]. Herpes-1 is the virus which causes those annoying cold sores and watery blisters on the skin, mainly near the mouth, whereas herpes-2 is the virus which causes genital sores and blisters- both of which can be a total bummer [2,3].

Let me tell you something about herpes: it is one heck of a contagious virus! You wouldn’t want to kiss your girlfriend on the mouth if she has a cold sore. You wouldn’t want to drink from her glass either. And, if that is not enough for you, if a pregnant woman has genital herpes during delivery, her newborn baby may get the disease due to exposure to blisters in the birth canal. And, last but not least, one can catch genital herpes through sexual intercourse [2,3].

First thing’s first- lets say you caught herpes: what’s next? Besides the initial symptoms, the virus knows how to travel to your nerve cells. Once there, it goes into a latent state, which is basically similar to falling asleep. In this state, amazingly, it has the ability to hide from your immune system! How crazy is that? And finally, beware- if you are stressed prior to an exam, or you’ve decided to go sunbathing or tanning at the beach, you may wake that viral demon up, and as a result it will travel back to your skin. This causes an eruption of cold sores on your mouth, or blisters on your genitals, depending on which type of virus you have, and where the virus entered your body [2].

Ok, so now you’re probably asking yourselves – What is Alzheimer’s disease and how is the herpes virus linked to it?

Let’s begin by talking about what Alzheimer’s disease actually is. Are you familiar with how some elderly people become confused and aggressive, have mood swings, forget recent events, and have impaired long term memory? These are all symptoms associated with Alzheimer’s disease. In addition to these symptoms, slowly and gradually, bodily functions are lost, eventually leading to death [4].

Your next question might be: “At what age does Alzheimer’s disease appear?”

Good question! Most often, Alzheimer’s disease is diagnosed in people who are over 65 years [5], while much younger adults may be diagnosed as well [6]. Another interesting fact: some people may live up to 7 years after diagnosis, while others may live for more than 14 years [7].

How is the herpes virus involved?

Over the past 30 years, many devoted scientists explored this subject [8-11,13], and they actually discovered that if you have herpes-1, you have a greater chance developing Alzheimer’s disease. I’d like to say that that’s frustrating, but actually it’s a pretty cool discovery- mainly because it helps us understand a new way to try and cure herpes-1 and Alzheimer’s disease! Two birds in one! It means that we can try to cure or prevent Alzheimer’s disease with antiviral agents, or in other words- let’s destroy herpes- kick him out of his new home he created in our brains.

In terms of treatments against herpes-1, there are conventional medications you may administer orally, as well as medications you may apply on infected body surfaces. However, they aren’t considered very effective according to clinical research [12]. In addition, these medications treat the cold sores and blisters, that is, the symptoms- and not the “sleepy virus” in the brain.

The fact is, these medications don’t do anything to prevent the virus from reactivating and waking up again.

But then, if conventional medications aren’t effective, which antiviral drugs should we use in order to cure herpes? Here’s a thought- how about non conventional medicines-remedies, which are based on natural ingredients?

Apparently they have been clinically proven effective, mainly because they target the virus in its “sleepy” state in the brain and therefore reduce the symptoms as well.

The herpes virus may be a cause of Alzheimer’s disease. Click the photo to learn more about herpes symptoms.

It turns out that there are only two natural antiviral products which have been clinically proven effective: Novirin and Gene-Eden-VIR [12]. The formula of these natural antiviral products was designed to help the immune system target the “sleepy” herpes.

To conclude, many people have herpes (HSV-1 or HSV-2) or Alzheimer’s disease , and that fact, causes low quality of life and high (drug) treatment costs. In addition, there are no treatments which stop or reverse Alzheimer’s Disease progression, although some may temporarily reduce symptoms. Therefore, the fact that there are natural remedies that can reduce herpes symptoms, may be a breakthrough in preventing or delaying the onset of AD symptoms. If proven, this would would be a very siginficant and important discovery.

References:

1. Pebody, R. G., et al. “The seroepidemiology of herpes simplex virus type 1 and 2 in Europe.” Sexually transmitted infections 80.3 (2004): 185-191.

2. Nahmias, André J., and William E. Josey. “Herpes simplex viruses 1 and 2.” Viral infections of humans. Springer US, 1984. 351-372.‏

3. Whitley, Richard J., David W. Kimberlin, and Bernard Roizman. “Herpes simplex viruses.” Clinical Infectious Diseases (1998): 541-553.
‏
4. Piacentini, Roberto, et al. “HSV-1 and Alzheimer’s disease: more than a hypothesis.” Frontiers in pharmacology 5 (2014).‏

5. Brookmeyer, Ron, Sarah Gray, and Claudia Kawas. “Projections of Alzheimer’s disease in the United States and the public health impact of delaying disease onset.” American journal of public health 88.9 (1998): 1337-1342.‏

6. Campion, Dominique, et al. “Early-onset autosomal dominant Alzheimer disease: prevalence, genetic heterogeneity, and mutation spectrum.” The American Journal of Human Genetics 65.3 (1999): 664-670.‏

7. Mölsä, Pekka K., R. J. Marttila, and U. K. Rinne. “Survival and cause of death in Alzheimer’s disease and multi‐infarct dementia.” Acta Neurologica Scandinavica 74.2 (1986): 103-107.‏

8. Itzhaki, Ruth F., et al. “Herpes simplex virus type 1 in brain and risk of Alzheimer’s disease.” The Lancet 349.9047 (1997): 241-244.‏

9. Ando, Yoshinori, et al. “Primary target cells of herpes simplex virus type 1 in the hippocampus.” Microbes and Infection 10.14 (2008): 1514-1523.‏

10. Ball, M. J. “” Limbic predilection in Alzheimer dementia: is reactivated herpesvirus involved?”.” The Canadian journal of neurological sciences. Le journal canadien des sciences neurologiques 9.3 (1982): 303-306.‏

11. Imtiaz, Bushra, et al. “Future directions in Alzheimer’s disease from risk factors to prevention.” Biochemical pharmacology 88.4 (2014): 661-670.‏

12. Polansky, Hanan, and Edan Itzkovitz. “Gene-Eden-VIR Is Antiviral: Results of a Post Marketing Clinical Study.” Pharmacology & Pharmacy 4.06 (2013): 1.‏

13. Bearer, Elaine L. “HSV, axonal transport and Alzheimer’s disease: in vitro and in vivo evidence for causal relationships.” Future virology 7.9 (2012): 885-899.‏