Viruses are known to infect and multiply in the host body, which when released result in spread of the infection. Lower replication rates of the virus results in low infection and lower chances of spread of the infection.

 

Researchers at the Johns Hopkins University have investigated on how estrogen affects the virus causing flu and its replication. For studying this, the research team collected nasal cells from female and male participants. They exposed the cells to the virus, the environmental estrogen bisphenol A, estrogen, and estrogen receptor modulators (SERM). From the study, the researchers found that SERM compound raloxifene, bisphenol A and estrogen reduced replication of virus in women nasal cells while same was not seen in the male nasal cells. Estrogen also showed antiviral effects.

 

The study showed the direct effect of estrogen on the primary cells, which were isolated from the patients. The results of the study support the earlier findings of protective effects of estrogen against flu. Premenopausal women are better protected against the seasonal flu epidemics. The study shows promising results for development of therapeutic estrogens that can help in fighting against flu and also in treating other issues like infertility and menopause.