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Homeopathy 2013; 102(01): 31-40
DOI: 10.1016/j.homp.2012.10.003
Original Paper
Copyright © The Faculty of Homeopathy 2012

H3N2 homeopathic influenza virus solution modifies cellular and biochemical aspects of MDCK and J774G8 cell lines

Camila Monteiro Siqueira
1   Departamento de Medicamentos-Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
,
Beatriz Costa
1   Departamento de Medicamentos-Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
,
Ana Maria Amorim
2   Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
,
Marta Gonçalves
2   Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
,
Venício Féo da Veiga
2   Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
,
Morgana Castelo-Branco
3   Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Rio de, Janeiro, Brazil
,
Christina Takyia
3   Instituto de Ciências Biomédicas, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Rio de, Janeiro, Brazil
,
Patrícia Zancan
4   Departamento de Fármacos-Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
,
Fernando Portela Câmara
2   Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
,
José Nelson Couceiro
2   Instituto de Microbiologia Professor Paulo de Góes, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
,
Carla Holandino
1   Departamento de Medicamentos-Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro – UFRJ, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
› Author Affiliations
Subject Editor:
Further Information

Publication History

Received22 September 2011
revised15 October 2012

accepted22 October 2012

Publication Date:
29 December 2017 (online)

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Background: Influenza viruses cause highly contagious acute respiratory illnesses with significant mortality, especially among young children, elderly people, and individuals with serious medical conditions. This encourages the development of new treatments for human flu. Biotherapies are diluted solutions prepared from biological products compounded following homeopathic procedures.

Objectives: To develop a biotherapy prepared from the infectious influenza A virus (A/Aichi/2/68 H3N2) and to verify its in vitro response.

Methods: The ultradiluted influenza virus solution was prepared in the homeopathic dilution 30dH, it was termed Influenzinum RC. The cellular alterations induced by this preparation were analyzed by optical and electron microscopy, MTT and neutral red assays. Glycolytic metabolism (PFK-1) was studied by spectrophotometric assay. Additionally, the production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by J774.G8 macrophage cells was quantified by ELISA before and after infection with H3N2 influenza virus and treatment.

Results: Influenzinum RC did not cause cytotoxic effects but induced morphological alterations in Madin–Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells. After 30 days, a significant increase (p < 0.05) in mitosis rate was detected compared to control. MDCK mitochondrial activity was changed after treatment for 10 and 30 days. Treatment significantly diminished (p < 0.05) PFK-1 activity. TNF-α in biotherapy-stimulated J774.G8 macrophages indicated a significant (p < 0.05) increase in this cytokine when the cell supernatant was analyzed.

Conclusion: Influenzinum RC altered cellular and biochemical features of MDCK and J774G8 cells.

Keywords

Biotherapy - Human flu - MDCK cell - J774G8 cell
 

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