Studies On Antiviral Effect Of Fermented Wheat Germ Extract (Avemar) In Feline Aids Model

Background: To study the disease following human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, the feline AIDS model is suitable. Human and feline immunodeficiency viruses (FIV) show a high degree of similarity; cats harbour numerous AIDS promoting homologous viruses, such as feline adenovirus (FeAdV). Antiviral therapy can be supplemented with fermented wheat germ extract anticancer medical food (Avemar granules), utilizing its antitumor and immunostimulant effects.Objectives: To model acute and chronic immunodeficiency virus infection in human and feline cell lines. To characterize the effect of Avemar on feline immunodeficiency virus strains, and feline adenovirus.Materials and Methods; Normal feline lymphoid (MBM) and kidney cell lines (CrFK) were infected with American and European FIV strains; furthermore, FL-4 lymphoid cells, permanently producing FIV, were cultured. Human cervical carcinoma (HeLa) and CrFK cells were infected with FeAdV. Cell cultures were treated with series of Avemar concentrations. Toxic effect was monitored by photometric assay and the virus burden by cytopathic effect. Viruses were quantitated by TCID50 calculation.Results and Discussion: Avemar below 2000 ug/ml concentration n a dose dependent manner, increased the replication of normal lymphoid cells; decreased the production of American and European FIV strains, simultaneously destroying infected cells. FeAdV replication in normal kidney cells was inhibited in dose dependent manner, but only minimally, in cervical carcinoma cells. Avemar inhibits both acute and chronic feline immunodeficiency virus infections, possibly through inhibiting ribonucleotide reductase and nuclear po y(ADP-ribose)polymerase. The infected cells were destroyed by apoptosis. Avemar inhibits adenovirus replication in normal cells, but destruction of tumours through AIDS progression can eradicate adenoviruses. Simultaneous antiviral and antitumoral effects of Avemar can improve conditions of humans and cats suffering from AIDS.