Wednesday, September 21, 2011

The virus 'miracle' is in the sharks


Squalamine, a dogfish shark protein discovered in 1993, functions as a potent antiviral, according to a study at Georgetown University in Washington (USA) published in the journal PNAS.

The compound was known previously for their anticancer properties, as well as excellent results in treating eye diseases. This latest research adds to squalamine the ability to protect cells against virus attack, for example, dengue, hepatitis B and D and yellow fever. The effects have been tested in live animals (rats and mice).

Michael Zasloff is the discoverer of the compound. The study states that squalamine protects against viruses that attack the liver and blood tissue because it is only able to enter in certain cells, including arteries, veins, capillaries and liver cells.

Written by Marcos.

1 comments:

María Jesús said...

Well done Marcos. It is a very interesting new!!

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