Herpes simplex virus (HSV) resistance to acyclovir or foscarnet results from mutations in viral thymidine kinase (TK) and/or DNA polymerase (pol) genes. Replication kinetics and virulence of TK and/or DNA pol clinical mutants were assessed using models of mouse encephalitis and cotton rat genital infection. Replication capacities in Vero cells of a DNA pol altered strain (L850I) and a TK/DNA pol mutant (C467deletion/A912V) were significantly lower than those of unrelated wild-type (WT) strains, while a double DNA pol mutant (S724N/P920S) demonstrated replication kinetics similar to the WT. The replication of a TK-deficient mutant (G439.5addition) was impaired (low m.o.i.) or unaltered (high m.o.i.) compared to that of a WT virus depending on the viral inoculum. Compared to a survival rate of 6% for mice infected intranasally with WT HSV-1 or -2 viruses, G439.5add, C467deletion/A912V and L850I strains were associated with survival rates of 100% (P < 0.05) whereas mice infected with the S724N/P920S mutant had a survival rate of 33% (P = 0.08). Brain viral titers were higher in mice infected with WT HSV-1 or -2 strains and the double DNA pol mutant. All strains except the DNA pol mutant L850I were able to establish latency in the dorsal root ganglia of cotton rats. A good correlation was generally found between replication kinetics of DNA pol mutants and their neurovirulence potential in mice whereas such correlation was not straightforward for TK mutants.

Reactive oxygen species are responsible for causing different types of damage in the body which are associated with the onset of chronic non-communicable diseases. A strategy to counteract these effects is by a diet rich in antioxidants compounds found in fruits. The aim of this study was to determine the antioxidant capacity in plasma and the content of total phenolic compounds in healthy women who consumed a drink prepared with Nativanox® Colombian tropical fruits or a drink prepared with Nativanox® Colombian yellow fruits during a short period of time. Nineteen healthy women received a daily 200 mL drink with Nativanox® Colombian tropical fruits or a drink with Nativanox® Colombian yellow fruits for 14 days. Before and after the intervention period blood and plasma were obtained to analyze C-reactive protein levels, lipid profile, total phenolic content and antioxidant status through FRAP, ABTS and EROS methods. Regular consumption of a drink with Nativanox® Colombian tropical fruits had a positive impact on the lipid profile and the antioxidant capacity on plasma of healthy women. The consumption of a drink with Nativanox® Colombian yellow fruits diminished diastolic blood pressure. These results showed that a Nativanox® Colombian yellow and tropical fruit contains bioactive compounds that can improve oxidative status in plasma and contribute to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.