Respiratory viral infections in patients with cardiovascular diseases: contribution of interferon preparations

Acute respiratory infections cause cardiovascular diseases and their complications. The innate immune system including interferon (IFN) is the first line of the antiviral defense. Deficiency of type I IFN which is common in the elderly with cardiovascular diseases predisposes to severe viral diseases. The up-to-date negative image of vaccines resulted in mistrust and vaccination refusal. Antiviral drugs have a number of advantages including availability within the broader population and immunocompromised persons. Also, they expand therapeutic opportunities and improve prevention of respiratory infections including COVID-19. Some antiviral drugs can cause oxidative stress and, in turn, they may increase its already elevated level associated with a respiratory viral infection. To limit oxidative stress, antiviral therapy should be combined with antioxidants. This opportunity is provided by a recombinant IFN alpha-2b preparation combined with ascorbic acid and tocopherol. The drug has been well studied as a product to prevent and to treat acute respiratory viral infections in the Russian population. Its efficacy and safety have been established in a wide range of patients (including adults, children and pregnant women). Keywords: respiratory viral infections, interferon, type I interferon, interferon alpha-2b, SARS-CoV-2, COVID-19, cardiovascular diseases, oxidative stress, reactive oxygen species, antioxidants. For citation: Kanorskii S.G., Ivanova N.V. Respiratory viral infections in patients with cardiovascular diseases: contribution of interferon preparations. RMJ. 2025;3:24–28. DOI: 10.32364/2225-2282-2025-3-5