An extract from the earthworm Eisenia fetida non-specifically inhibits the activity of influenza and adenoviruses

作者：Liu, Zhizhen; Wang, Jianhua; Zhang, Jianlin; Yu, Baofeng; Niu, Bo^*

来源：Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2012, 32(4): 657-663.

DOI：10.1016/S0254-6272(13)60088-6

• Oligochaeta
• Complex mixtures
• Influenza a virus
• H1N1 subtype
• Adenoviruses

OBJECTIVE: To test the in vitro antiviral activity of a crude tissue extract (CTE) from the earthworm Eisenia fetida, determine any effective components in the CTE,and elucidate possible mechanisms of action.
METHODS: A CTE was made by homogenizing earthworms, followed by treatment with ammonium sulfate, then thermal denaturation. Inhibition of virus-induced cytopathic effect (CPE) was used to assess antiviral activity. Chromatographic analysis was used to identify effective components in the CTE.
RESULTS: The CTE inhibited viral CPE at non-cytotoxic concentrations. Chromatography indicated that antiviral components corresponded to three active peaks indicative of proteases, nucleases and lysozymes. For adenoviruses, reduction in viral activity occurred for 100 mu g/mL CTE. The reduction in adenoviral activity for four fractions was 100%, 91.8%, 86.9%, and 94.7%. For influenza viruses, reduction in viral activity of 100%, 86.6%, 69.1% and 88.3% was observed for 37 mu g/mL CTE. In addition, three active fractions mixture had stronger antiviral activity (98.7% and 96.7%) than three fractions alone.Gel electrophoresis results indicated that nucleases from E. fetida could degrade the genome of influenza viruses and adenoviruses.
CONCLUSION: The earthworm CTE displayed non-specific antiviral properties, possibly mediated by a combination of proteases, nucleases and lysozymes. Nucleases likely participate in the antiviral process, and degrade the genome of the virus thereby preventing further replication.

• 出版日期2012-12-15
• 单位山西医科大学; 首都儿科研究所