Growth hormone attenuates the brain damage caused by ZIKV infection in mice.

Authors :: Zhen ZD
Wu N
Fan DY
Ai JH
Song ZR
Chang JT
Wang PG
Wu YH
An J
Source :: Virologica Sinica [Virol Sin] 2022 Aug; Vol. 37 (4), pp. 601-609. Date of Electronic Publication: 2022 Jun 15.
Publication Year :: 2022
Abstract: As a member of vector-borne viruses, Zika virus (ZIKV) can cause microcephaly and various neurological symptoms in newborns. Previously, we found that ZIKV could infect hypothalamus, causing a decrease in growth hormone (GH) secretion, growth delay and deficits in learning and memory in suckling mice. Early administration of GH can improve the cognitive function of the mice. Therefore, in this study we further investigated the mechanism underlying the protective role of GH in ZIKV infection in suckling mice. Our results showed that GH could effectively reduce brain damage caused by ZIKV infection via reducing cell apoptosis and inflammatory response rather than inhibiting viral replication. Our results provide important evidences not only for understanding the mechanism underlying ZIKV-associated neurological symptoms but also for the treatment of ZIKV infection.<br />Competing Interests: Conflict of interest The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.<br /> (Copyright © 2022 The Authors. Publishing services by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)