Medicines are designed to ban discomfort and illness.
But a new study has shown that a class of common anti -inflammatory drugs might make people sicker.
Researchers from Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) discovered that a class of medicines called Janus Kinase (JAK) inhibitors can make the body vulnerable to viral infections.
The drugs work by blocking immune system proteins in the body that often lead to inflammation and pain.
They are used to treat a different medical conditions that are suffered worldwide by millions, including rheumatoid arthritis, eczema, alopecia and certain bone cancer.
They are relatively new medicines, and the first Jak inhibitor, sold under the brand name Jakafi for cancer treatment, was just approved by the FDA in 2011.
However, there is now evidence that suggests that these medicines – which are usually considered pills – can help the flu, COVID -19 and other viruses infiltrate the body’s immune system, which may lead to serious infection.
The scientists say this is because the medicines suppress an important immune signaling route that helps to protect healthy cells against viral attacks. ‘
Medicines are supposed to ban discomfort and disease, but a new study has shown that a class of anti -inflammatory drugs can even make people sicker (stock image)
The scientists found drugs in the class, such as Baricitinib, which is sold under the brand name Olumiant for the treatment of alopecia – the genes that respond to viruses delay.
“These genes play a crucial role in the body’s reaction to viral infections,” said Aleksandr Ianevski, an NTNU researcher and co-author of the new paper.
By stopping or delaying this path, Jak inhibitors remove the ‘antiviral shield’ from the body.
This makes it easier for viruses to get and spread a foot in the body.
The researchers used advanced techniques in a laboratory to see how Jak inhibitors influence organs and how viruses attack the body as soon as they are exposed.
They investigated cells from the lungs, eyes and brain, as well as by laboratory mini georgans.
After the back of their findings, Erlend Ravlo, a PhD student researcher at NTNU, said: “Although Jak inhibitors are effective in the treatment of inflammation, this shows that they can pose a hidden risk for patients with latent or active viral infections.”
The findings suggest that health care professionals should be careful when prescribing JAK inhibitors, especially during viral outbreaks.
Common side effects of the drugs are headache, nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, acne and elevated cholesterol.
In the meantime, rarer but more serious side effects include serious infections such as pneumonia or shingles, stomach or intestines and changes in blood cells.
Dr. Sarah Erickson, who specializes in the treatment of hair loss, sounds an alarm about Jak -inhibitors in one of her taps where she notices some of the ‘hard’ side effects
They are relatively new medicines, and the first Jak inhibitor, sold under the brand name Jakafi for Cancer treatment, was just approved by the FDA in 2011 (Stock Image)
Although the immunosuppressive effects of the medicines can be harmful, the researchers point out that it can be useful in controlled environments, such as the development of vaccines or screening of antiviral medicines.
“We recommend further studies to better understand how the medicines can be used optimally, especially during virus outbreaks or pandemies,” says Ianevski.
The researchers hope to increase awareness among doctors and researchers about the effects of these drugs to prevent patients from developing new diseases.
This is especially important for vulnerable patients, such as the elderly or people with chronic diseases or disabilities.
The findings were published in the Medical Journal, Nar Molecular Medicine.
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