Synergic effect of curcumin and its structural analogue (Monoacetylcurcumin) on anti-influenza virus infection.

Curcumin (Cur), a polyphenolic compound extracted from spice and common food colourant turmeric, contains versatile bio-activities. Monoacetylcurcumin (MAC), a structural analogue of Cur, differs from Cur by acetyl modification, but retains enone groups. Comparative analysis revealed MAC effectively inhibited influenza virus infection (IAV) to a similar extent as, if not superior to, curcumin.

White blood cell counts mediate the effects of physical activity on prostate-specific antigen levels.

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine whether white blood cell (WBC) level mediated the relationship between physical activity and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels.

Method: Data from the 2003-2006 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were used; 1,726 U.S.

The interplay of reovirus with autophagy.

Autophagy participates in multiple fundamental physiological processes, including survival, differentiation, development, and cellular homeostasis. It eliminates cytoplasmic protein aggregates and damaged organelles by triggering a series of events: sequestering the protein substrates into double-membrane vesicles, fusing the vesicles with lysosomes, and then degrading the autophagic contents. This degradation pathway is also involved in various disorders, for instance, cancers and infectious diseases.

Entry of herpes simplex virus type 1 into primary sensory neurons in vitro is mediated by Nectin-1/HveC.

Primary cultures of rat and mouse sensory neurons were used to study the entry of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). Soluble, truncated nectin-1 but not HveA prevented viral entry. Antibodies against nectin-1 also blocked infection of rat neurons.