The Science Behind Ivermectin - How It Works in the Body
Ivermectin is a remarkable drug that drastically reduces parasite infection. Developed by Satoshi Omura and William Campbell, for which they were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine (2015), this powerful anti-parasitic agent also has unexpected antiviral properties.
Molecular Mechanisms
Ivermectin is a drug prescribed to treat parasitic infections. Developed in the 1970s to combat onchocerciasis (or river blindness) in Africa, it has since been widely used to combat other tropical illnesses as well.
Ivermectin works within the body to eliminate worms by targeting their cells. It binds to certain types of toxins produced by worms and also binds to proteins that help break down eggs so the worms can die.
Ivermectin interacts with several enzymes that break down viral polyproteins called "Mpro," as well as smaller proteins required for viral replication. Furthermore, it binds directly to P2X4 cytokine receptor, helping the body's immune system fight infection.
Furthermore, it can bind CXCL5 chemokine, acting as a proinflammatory molecule released by damaged cells which could prompt inflammation leading up to COVID-19.
Target Cells and Receptors
Ivermectin binds to specific cells and receptors within the body, inhibiting viral replication in these cells and thus decreasing how many viruses can invade a cell.
Ivermectin also binds to certain RNA molecules on the surface of viruses, potentially leading to their death and blocking their ability to replicate.
Ivermectin also targets specific cells through its interaction with the immune system. It does this by attaching to TLR4 receptors on cells, which help identify and respond to infection in the body.
Ivermectin interacts with PAK1, a protein involved in the production of IL-6 and TNFa. By suppressing the Akt/mTOR pathway, it inhibits PAK1 degradation and decreases IL-6 production. Furthermore, it interferes with TLR4 signaling pathways which may reduce inflammation or cell death - providing ivermectin with anti-inflammatory effects. This mechanism accounts for its anti-inflammatory effects.
Ongoing Research
Ivermectin has been used for years to prevent and treat disease among some of the world's poorest populations, particularly in Africa. It's effective against various parasites like nematodes and helminths.
Ivermectin works by attaching itself to specific cell membrane channels found in invertebrates, leading to chloride ion entry and hyperpolarization of cell signal transmission - paralyzing and killing the parasite.
Research has also demonstrated that interferon has the potential to limit infection by several RNA viruses, such as HIV-1 (Wagstaff 2012), dengue virus, West Nile virus and influenza. It does this by interfering with the interaction of viral RNA with importin (IMPa/b1) protein complex which allows viruses to enter host cells and begin their replication cycle.
Research is ongoing and ivermectin may one day be used to prevent and treat other diseases. However, until large clinical trials with patient-relevant outcomes are conducted, this drug should only be seen as an idea - not a cure.
Future Developments
Ivermectin has had a remarkable effect on the health and well-being of billions of people worldwide. It truly ranks among the 'Wonder Drugs', alongside penicillin and aspirin - both of which have forever altered medicine's course.
However, it is essential to recognize that ivermectin's development has been a complex undertaking. It was the result of numerous factors and collaboration between Merck and other entities.
Ivermectin's discovery as an effective treatment for river blindness and lymphatic filariasis has been a life-altering event, impacting millions around the world in profound and lasting ways. But getting to this point required much uncertainty, conflicting opinions and frustration; ultimately it came down to perseverance, vision and dedication from individuals in both public and private sectors.
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