Experimental studies on the antiviral agent famciclovir in Behcet's disease symptoms in ICR mice

Abstract

SummaryBackground Chronic oral aphthae, recurrent genital ulcers and uveitis are the three main manifestations of Behc Ëet's disease (BD). The aetiopathogenesis of BD is still obscure, but herpes simplex virus (HSV) is one of the possible causal factors. Various kinds of drugs, including immunosuppressants and aciclovir have been used in treatment, but effectiveness is variable. Objectives To demonstrate the efficacy of famciclovir, an antiviral compound that acts against HSV, varicella-zoster virus and hepatitis B virus, in a murine model of BD. Methods Using the HSV-induced BD mouse model, famciclovir was administered variously before and after inoculation or from the day of lesion occurrence, with appropriate controls. Ulceration of the mouth and genital skin and eye involvement were monitored. In addition, spleen cytokine expression was measured by polymerase chain reaction. Results Pretreatment and concurrent treatment did not affect the occurrence of BD, but treatment from the appearance of lesions was effective in improving BD and preventing recurrence. After famciclovir, interleukin 2 expression correlated with the recurrence of BD symptoms. Conclusions This model suggests the possible role of immune response to viral infection in the development and activation of BD. The study provides a rationale for clinical trials of famciclovir in the human form of BD.

Thalidomide upregulates macrophage inflammatory protein-1? in a herpes simplex virus-induced Beh�et?s disease-like animal model

“…HSV infection alone is not sufficient to explain the pathogenesis of BD, and there is evidence to suggest that immunological abnormalities play an important role [13]. The BD-like mouse model has been found to show immunological abnormalities [14,15], and thus is a valuable tool to study the effects of various therapeutic drugs [16,17].…”

Tumor necrosis factor alpha small interfering RNA decreases herpes simplex virus-induced inflammation in a mouse model

“…The frequency of these symptoms was similar to that of patients with BD [16]. Anti-viral drugs, such as Famcyclovir, have been used to treat BD but with limited success: only 40% efficacy in a BD mouse model, compared to a 60% success rate in treating HSV [17]. Anti-TNFa antibody, Infliximab, and soluble TNF receptor (Etanercept) have been used for treating BD patients.…”

Behcet’s disease: from heat shock proteins to infections

“…The frequency of evaluable titers of anti-HSV-1 is greater in patients with BD (especially with ocular involvement) than in the control series [121]. There is report of improving BD symptoms after administration of famciclovir (an antiviral compound that acts against HSV, varicella zoster virus and hepatitis B virus) from the day of lesion occurrence [122].…”