The treatment of rhinovirus infections: progress and potential

Abstract

The common cold is an important illness both as a result of the economic impact of this common disease and because of the morbidity associated with the complications of the illness. Recent attempts to develop antiviral treatments for the common cold represent a substantial advance over previous efforts. Formidable barriers remain to be overcome, however, before any of these new products will be proven to be clinically useful. Recent advances in our understanding of the pathogenesis of common cold symptoms have provided insights into potential new targets for the treatment of this illness.

Protection of Zinc against Tumor Necrosis Factor–Induced Lethal Inflammation Depends on Heat Shock Protein 70 and Allows Safe Antitumor Therapy

“…Most heavy metals are toxic, but some, such, as zinc, are safe to use. Zinc is used to treat the common cold, rhinitis, pneumonia, and dermatitis (10)(11)(12)(13)(14) and zinc has been shown to protect in pig and rat models of endotoxemia (15,16). We here show that addition of zinc to the drinking water of mice protected them against TNF-induced lethal shock, metabolic disturbances, and bowel toxicity.…”

“…One group (n = 8) received daily s.c. injections of PBS for 10 days (days [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20]. The second group (n = 8) received daily WBHS for 10 days (days [11][12][13][14][15][16][17][18][19][20].…”

Zinc for the treatment of the common cold: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

“…24,26−39 Three trials included children less than 18 years old, 13 included adults, and 1 trial included both adults and children. Colds were either naturally acquired (13 trials) or experimentally induced (4). Treatment regimens included zinc gluconate lozenges (8 trials) or tablets (1), zinc acetate lozenges (4), zinc sulfate syrup (2), and either zinc gluconate or zinc acetate (2) compared with placebo.…”

Zinc Sulfate: An Effective Micronutrient for Common Colds in Children: A Double-Blind Placebo Controlled Trial

“…One of the strengths of this study is the significant effect of zinc on the symptoms of children with colds, and since the nature of colds is such that the symptoms often cause discomfort to patients, a therapeutic approach 4 Jundishapur J Chronic Dis Care. 2017; 6(4):e55010.…”

“…As a result, on average, every adults catches cold 2 to 4 times per year and every child catches cold 8 to 10 times per year (1)(2)(3). Colds can be caused by various viral agents, among which rhinovirus is the most common (4). Overall, cold is a completely benign disease, however, it could cause significant complications (5)(6)(7).…”