ascorbic-acid and HIV-Infections

In sub-Sahara Africa, micronutrient deficiency, especially of antioxidant micronutrients including vitamins A, C, and E, beta-carotene, selenium, zinc, and polyphenols is very common in HIV-positive patients. Amongst adults, women are the most vulnerable. Antioxidants are known to play a vital role in the immune system, reducing oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is induced by excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), due to the HIV infection. Such damage may be prevented or moderated through adequate oral intake of antioxidants, scavenging ROS, as well as protecting cells and tissues against oxidative stress. Antioxidants can be provided to the body through locally available antioxidant rich-diets such as fruit-and-vegetable-based diets and/or dietary supplements. Provision of antioxidants through local diets or dietary supplements exercise beneficial effects on biological markers of the immune system (CD4 and viral load). However, while dietary supplements represent a costly and short-term strategy to limiting antioxidant deficiency, local diets, combined with adequate nutritional education, can provide a low-cost and long-term strategy to reduce oxidative stress, prevent micronutrient deficiency, and slow down HIV disease progression. The former can be applicable in countries around the West, Central, and South coast of Africa, which are rich in natural food resources. In contrast with significant evidence that dietary supplements confer benefits in HIV patients, fewer data are available relating to the benefits of local diets. Thus the need to do more research in this area arises. This review compares available data on effects of antioxidants on CD4 and viral load in HIV-positive women noneligible for antiretroviral therapy. Intake of antioxidants though dietary supplements and local diet, associated with nutritional education, is compared. Studies conducted in sub-Sahara Africa are considered.

Topics: Africa South of the Sahara; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Diet; Dietary Supplements; HIV Infections; Humans; Oxidative Stress; Polyphenols; Selenium; Viral Load; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Zinc

The use of natural health products (NHPs) within the HIV community is high. Several NHPs have demonstrated interactions with HIV medications that could contribute to drug failure. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of clinical trials examining NHP-HIV drug interactions and their methodological characteristics. We searched electronic databases and unpublished resources independently, in duplicate. Nine studies were identified, eight clinical pharmacokinetics trials and one population-pharmacokinetics trial. Investigators studied four different herbal medicines (St John's wort, garlic, goldenseal and milk thistle) and one vitamin (vitamin C). Significant interactions were observed with St John's wort, garlic and vitamin C. However, methodological challenges exist to making the results directly generalizable to patients. This review finds that important drug level changes exist when NHPs are combined with HIV medications. Considering patient values and the implications of these studies, further research is urgently required to determine the extent of interactions with other commonly used NHPs.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Clinical Trials as Topic; Drug Interactions; Female; Herb-Drug Interactions; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Phytotherapy; Plant Extracts

Potentially damaging species (reactive oxygen, nitrogen and chlorine species) arise as by-products of metabolism and as physiological mediators and signalling molecules. Levels of these species are controlled by the antioxidant defence system. Several components of this system are micronutrients (e.g. vitamins C and E) or are dependent upon dietary micronutrients (e.g. CuZn and Mn superoxide dismutase). The antioxidant defences act as a coordinated system where deficiencies in one component may affect the efficiency of the others. Oxidative stress may be an important factor in infection if micronutrients are deficient.

Topics: Antioxidants; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Ascorbic Acid; Cardiovascular Diseases; Copper; Deficiency Diseases; Developing Countries; Disease Susceptibility; HIV Infections; Humans; Iron; Magnesium; Manganese; Micronutrients; Nutritional Status; Oxidative Stress; Virus Diseases; Vitamin E; Zinc

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Glutathione Peroxidase; HIV Infections; Humans; Ubiquinone; Vitamin E

HIV and TB infections are both associated with elevated oxidative stress parameters. Anti-oxidant supplementation may offer beneficial effects in positively modulating oxidative stress parameters in HIV and HIV-TB infected patients. We investigated the effects of vitamin A and C supplementation on oxidative stress in HIV infected and HIV-TB co-infected subjects.. 40 HIV/TB co-infected and 50 HIV mono-infected patients were divided into 2 equal groups. Participants provided demographic information and blood was collected to determine oxidative stress parameters before and after vitamin A (5000 IU) and C (2600 mg) supplementation for 1 month.. There was a significantly (p < 0.05) higher level of Malondialdehyde (MDA) at baseline for HIV infected subjects compared with HIV-TB co-infected subjects. There was a significantly (p < 0.05) lower level of MDA and higher level of Catalase (CAT) in subjects administered supplementation compared to subjects without supplementation for the HIV infected group. There was a significantly lower level of Reduced Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and higher level of MDA after one month of supplementation compared with baseline levels for HIV/TB co infected subjects. A similar result was also obtained for the HIV mono-infected groups which had a significantly lower level of SOD, MDA and CAT compared to the baseline. There was a significantly lower level of GSH and SOD, and higher level of MDA after supplementation compared with the baseline for HIV/TB co-infected subjects. Comparing the indices at baseline and post no-supplementation in HIV/TB co-infection showed no significant differences in the oxidative stress parameters.. HIV/TB co-infection and HIV mono-infection seems to diminish the capacity of the anti-oxidant system to control oxidative stress, however exogenous anti-oxidant supplementation appears not to have beneficial roles in positively modulating the associated oxidative stress.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Catalase; Coinfection; Dietary Supplements; Female; Glutathione; HIV Infections; Hospitals, Teaching; Humans; Male; Malondialdehyde; Middle Aged; Nigeria; Oxidative Stress; Superoxide Dismutase; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Vitamin A; Vitamins; Young Adult

HIV and malaria infections occur in the same individuals, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. We examined whether daily multivitamin supplementation (vitamins B complex, C, and E) or vitamin A supplementation altered malaria incidence in HIV-infected women of reproductive age.. HIV-infected pregnant Tanzanian women recruited into the study were randomly assigned to daily multivitamins (B complex, C, and E), vitamin A alone, both multivitamins and vitamin A, or placebo. Women received malaria prophylaxis during pregnancy and were followed monthly during the prenatal and postpartum periods. Malaria was defined in 2 ways: presumptive diagnosis based on a physician's or nurse's clinical judgment, which in many cases led to laboratory investigations, and periodic examination of blood smears for malaria parasites.. Multivitamin supplementation compared with no multivitamins significantly lowered women's risk of presumptively diagnosed clinical malaria (relative risk: 0.78, 95% confidence interval: 0.67 to 0.92), although multivitamins increased their risk of any malaria parasitemia (relative risk: 1.24, 95% confidence interval: 1.02 to 1.50). Vitamin A supplementation did not change malaria incidence during the study.. Multivitamin supplements have been previously shown to reduce HIV disease progression among HIV-infected women, and consistent with that, these supplements protected against development of symptomatic malaria. The clinical significance of increased risk of malaria parasitemia among supplemented women deserves further research, however. Preventive measures for malaria are warranted as part of an integrated approach to the care of HIV-infected individuals exposed to malaria.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Comorbidity; Dietary Supplements; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Incidence; Malaria, Falciparum; Middle Aged; Postnatal Care; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Prenatal Care; Tanzania; Vitamin A; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin E; Young Adult

The development of low-cost point-of-care technologies to improve HIV treatment is a major focus of current research in resource-limited settings.. We assessed associations of body mass index (BMI; in kg/m(2)) at antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation and weight change after 1 mo of treatment with mortality, morbidity, and CD4 T cell reconstitution.. A prospective cohort of 3389 Tanzanian adults initiating ART enrolled in a multivitamin trial was followed at monthly clinic visits (median: 19.7 mo). Proportional hazard models were used to analyze mortality and morbidity associations, whereas generalized estimating equations were used for CD4 T cell counts.. The median weight change at 1 mo of ART was +2.0% (IQR: -0.4% to +4.6%). The association of weight loss at 1 mo with subsequent mortality varied significantly by baseline BMI (P = 0.011). Participants with ≥2.5% weight loss had 6.43 times (95% CI: 3.78, 10.93 times) the hazard of mortality compared with that of participants with weight gains ≥2.5%, if their baseline BMI was <18.5 but only 2.73 times (95% CI: 1.49, 5.00 times) the hazard of mortality if their baseline BMI was ≥18.5 and <25.0. Weight loss at 1 mo was also associated with incident pneumonia (P = 0.002), oral thrush (P = 0.007), and pulmonary tuberculosis (P < 0.001) but not change in CD4 T cell counts (P > 0.05).. Weight loss as early as 1 mo after ART initiation can identify adults at high risk of adverse outcomes. Studies identifying reasons for and managing early weight loss are needed to improve HIV treatment, with particular urgency for malnourished adults initiating ART. The parent trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT00383669.

Topics: Adult; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Double-Blind Method; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Morbidity; Multivariate Analysis; Pneumonia; Proportional Hazards Models; Prospective Studies; Tanzania; Treatment Outcome; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Viral Load; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin E; Vitamins; Weight Loss

Large randomized trials have previously shown that high-dose micronutrient supplementation can increase CD4 counts and reduce human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease progression and mortality among individuals not receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART); however, the safety and efficacy of such supplementation has not been established in the context of HAART.. To test the hypothesis that high-dose multivitamin supplementation vs standard-dose multivitamin supplementation decreases the risk of HIV disease progression or death and improves immunological, virological, and nutritional parameters in patients with HIV initiating HAART.. A randomized, double-blind, controlled trial of high-dose vs standard-dose multivitamin supplementation for 24 months in 3418 patients with HIV initiating HAART between November 2006 and November 2008 in 7 clinics in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. INTERVENTION The provision of daily oral supplements of vitamin B complex, vitamin C, and vitamin E at high levels or standard levels of the recommended dietary allowance.. The composite of HIV disease progression or death from any cause.. The study was stopped early in March 2009 because of evidence of increased levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) in patients receiving the high-dose multivitamin supplement. At the time of stopping, 3418 patients were enrolled (median follow-up, 15 months), and there were 2374 HIV disease progression events and 453 observed deaths (2460 total combined events). Compared with standard-dose multivitamin supplementation, high-dose supplementation did not reduce the risk of HIV disease progression or death. The absolute risk of HIV progression or death was 72% in the high-dose group vs 72% in the standard-dose group (risk ratio [RR], 1.00; 95% CI, 0.96-1.04). High-dose supplementation had no effect on CD4 count, plasma viral load, body mass index, or hemoglobin level concentration, but increased the risk of ALT elevations (1239 events per 1215 person-years vs 879 events per 1236 person-years; RR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.11-1.87) vs standard-dose supplementation. CONCLUSION In adults receiving HAART, use of high-dose multivitamin supplements compared with standard-dose multivitamin supplements did not result in a decrease in HIV disease progression or death but may have resulted in an increase in ALT levels.. Clinicaltrials.gov Identifier: NCT00383669.

Topics: Adult; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Ascorbic Acid; Body Mass Index; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Dietary Supplements; Disease Progression; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Double-Blind Method; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Nutritional Status; Survival Analysis; Treatment Outcome; Viral Load; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin E; Vitamins

Sulfamethoxazole (SMX) is an effective drug for the management of opportunistic infections, but its use is limited by hypersensitivity reactions, particularly in HIV-infected patients. The oxidative metabolite SMX-nitroso (SMX-NO), is thought to be a proximate mediator of SMX hypersensitivity, and can be reduced in vitro by ascorbate or glutathione. Leukocytes from patients with SMX hypersensitivity show enhanced cytotoxicity from SMX metabolites in vitro; this finding has been attributed to a possible "detoxification defect" in some individuals. The purpose of this study was to determine whether variability in endogenous ascorbate or glutathione could be associated with individual differences in SMX-NO cytotoxicity. Thirty HIV-positive patients and 23 healthy control subjects were studied. Both antioxidants were significantly correlated with the reduction of SMX-NO to its hydroxylamine, SMX-HA, by mononuclear leukocytes, and both were linearly depleted during reduction. Controlled ascorbate supplementation in three healthy subjects increased leukocyte ascorbate with no change in glutathione, and significantly enhanced SMX-NO reduction. Ascorbate supplementation also decreased SMX-NO cytotoxicity compared to pre-supplementation values. Rapid reduction of SMX-NO to SMX-HA was associated with enhanced direct cytotoxicity from SMX-NO. When forward oxidation of SMX-HA back to SMX-NO was driven by the superoxide dismutase mimetic, Tempol, SMX-NO cytotoxicity was increased, without enhancement of adduct formation. This suggests that SMX-NO cytotoxicity may be mediated, at least in part, by redox cycling between SMX-HA and SMX-NO. Overall, these data indicate that endogenous ascorbate and glutathione are important for the intracellular reduction of SMX-NO, a proposed mediator of SMX hypersensitivity, and that redox cycling of SMX-HA to SMX-NO may contribute to the cytotoxicity of these metabolites in vitro.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Cell Separation; Cyclic N-Oxides; Drug Hypersensitivity; Female; Glutathione; HIV Infections; Humans; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Male; Middle Aged; Oxidation-Reduction; Spin Labels; Sulfamethoxazole

Micronutrient status has been associated with shedding of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) in the lower-genital tract in observational studies. We examined the effect of vitamin supplements on genital HIV-1 shedding and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta ), a cytokine marker of vaginal inflammation and promotion of HIV-1 infection. Consenting HIV-1-infected pregnant women were randomized to receive daily supplementation with vitamin A and/or multivitamins B-complex, C, and E with use of a factorial design. Cervicovaginal lavage (CVL) specimens were obtained shortly before delivery. Significantly more women who received vitamin A had detectable levels of HIV-1 in CVL (74.8%), compared with those who did not receive vitamin A (65.1%) (P=.04, by multivariate analysis). Multivitamin B-complex, C, and E had no effect on the risk of viral shedding. Our results raise concern about the use of vitamin A supplements by HIV-1-infected women. Use of prenatal multivitamin supplements (including vitamins B-complex, C, and E) should be continued despite the lack of effect on HIV-1 transmission because of previously reported positive effects on maternal health and pregnancy outcomes.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Dietary Supplements; Female; HIV Infections; HIV-1; Humans; Interleukin-1; Pregnancy; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious; Viral Load; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin E; Vitamins

There is evidence suggesting that patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are under chronic oxidative stress. In the present study, the level of oxidatively modified bases in lymphocyte DNA and some other parameters of oxidative stress were measured in HIV-infected patients (n = 30), as well as in control groups (10 healthy volunteers and 15 HIV-seronegative injected drug users). Additional experiments were conducted using lymphocyte DNA samples from asymptomatic seropositive, HIV-infected patients who were supplemented with antioxidant vitamins A, C, and E or received placebo. Significant increases in the amount of the modified DNA bases were observed in HIV-infected patients when compared with the control group. The concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) was higher and activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) were lower in the group of HIV-infected patients in comparison to the control group. Vitamin supplementation resulted in the significant decrease in the levels of all modified DNA bases when compared to the patients who received placebo. The reduction of TBARS and the restoration of the activity of the enzymes were also observed. Our data suggest that people infected with HIV can benefit from treatment with antioxidant vitamins.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Antioxidants; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Ascorbic Acid; Case-Control Studies; Catalase; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid; Dietary Supplements; DNA; DNA Damage; DNA Repair; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Lymphocytes; Male; Mass Spectrometry; Oxidation-Reduction; Superoxide Dismutase; Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances; Vitamin A; Vitamin E

The HIV-infected population is known to be oxidatively stressed and deficient in antioxidant micronutrients. Since in vitro replication of HIV is increased with oxidative stress, this study assessed the effect of antioxidant vitamin supplementation on lipid peroxidation, a measure of oxidative stress, and viral load in humans.. A randomized placebo-controlled, double-blind study.. Forty-nine HIV-positive patients were randomized to receive supplements of both DL-alpha-tocopherol acetate (800 IU daily) and vitamin C (1000 mg daily), or matched placebo, for 3 months. Plasma antioxidant micronutrient status, breath pentane output, plasma lipid peroxides, malondialdehyde and viral load were measured at baseline and at 3 months. New or recurrent infections for the 6-month period after study entry were also recorded.. The vitamin group (n = 26) had an increase in plasma concentrations of alpha-tocopherol (P < 0.0005) and vitamin C (P < 0.005) and a reduction in lipid peroxidation measured by breath pentane (P < 0.025), plasma lipid peroxides (P < 0.01) and malondialdehyde (P < 0.0005) when compared with controls (n = 23). There was also a trend towards a reduction in viral load (mean +/- SD changes over 3 months, -0.45 +/- 0.39 versus +0.50 +/- 0.40 log10 copies/ml; P = 0.1; 95% confidence interval, -0.21 to -2.14). The number of infections reported was nine in the vitamin group and seven in the placebo group.. Supplements of vitamin E and C reduce oxidative stress in HIV and produce a trend towards a reduction in viral load. This is worthy of larger clinical trials, especially in HIV-infected persons who cannot afford new combination therapies.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; Carotenoids; Dietary Supplements; Double-Blind Method; HIV Infections; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Oxidative Stress; Selenium; Viral Load; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Zinc

Reduced plasma vitamin C (vitC) concentrations in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may result from abnormal urinary excretion: a renal leak. VitC renal leak indicates underlying nutritional dysregulation independent of diet. We hypothesized that increased renal leak prevalence in HIV would be associated with deficient vitC concentrations.. We conducted an outpatient cross-sectional study of 96 women (40 HIV [PWH] and 56 without HIV [PWOH]) at the National Institutes of Health and Georgetown University. Renal leak was defined as abnormal urinary vitC excretion at fasting plasma concentrations <43.2µM, 2 SDs below vitC renal threshold in healthy women. To determine the primary outcome of renal leak prevalence, matched urine and plasma samples were collected the morning after overnight fast. Secondary outcomes assessed group differences in mean plasma vitC concentrations and prevalence of vitC deficiency. Exploratory outcomes assessed clinical parameters associated with renal leak. VitC was measured by high-performance liquid chromatography with coulometric electrochemical detection.. PWH had significantly higher renal leak prevalence (73%vs14%; OR (odds ratio):16; P<.001), lower mean plasma vitC concentrations (14µMvs50µM; P<.001), and higher prevalence of vitC deficiency (43%vs7%; OR:10; P<.001) compared with PWOH, unchanged by adjustments for confounding factors. Significant predictors of renal leak included antiretroviral therapy (ART), Black race, older age, and metabolic comorbidities but not viral load or CD4 count. When compared with other chronic disease cohorts, PWH had the highest prevalence of renal leak and vitC deficiency (P<.001).. High prevalence of vitC renal leak in HIV was associated with vitC deficiency, ART use, and race/ethnicity differences.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Comorbidity; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; HIV; HIV Infections; Humans

Liposomes are an excellent candidate component for biosensors to transduce and amplify detection signals due to their outstanding ability in encapsulating signal marker compounds. However, the use of liposomes for photoelectrochemical (PEC) signal transduction has not yet been achieved due the lack of appropriate sensing strategy. Herein, we report on a novel liposomes-amplified PEC immunoassay (LAPIA) method for sensitive HIV-p24 antigen (p24) detection based on a split-type strategy. Initially, liposomes were encapsulated with alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in their hydrophilic chamber and conjugated with secondary antibody on the surface to form the ALP-encapsulated liposomes (ALP-Ls) based PEC signal label. Sandwiched immunoassay based on the ALP-Ls label was then carried out in microwell plate. Upon addition of tween 20, the ALP molecules were released and catalyzed the hydrolysis of ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (AA-p) to produce ascorbic acid (AA). The latter then donated electron to the graphene/g-C

Topics: Alkaline Phosphatase; Ascorbic Acid; Biosensing Techniques; Graphite; HIV; HIV Core Protein p24; HIV Infections; Humans; Immunoassay; Liposomes

Although the successful introduction and rollout of antiretroviral therapy has impacted positively on morbidity and mortality of HIV-positive patients, its interaction with plant-based adjuvants remain sparsely investigated. We report the interaction and effects of adjuvant treatment with highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and Hypoxis hemeocallidea (HH) extracts on testicular structure of rats. A total of 63 pathogen-free adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into nine groups and treated according to protocols. HAART cocktail predisposed to significant negative testicular parameters of sperm count, motility and seminiferous tubular epithelial height (quantitatively) (p < .03) and also altered the histomorphology of tubules with diffuse hypoplasia in seminiferous tubules. The higher dose of HH showed a better ability to mitigate the altered parameters and compares favourably with vitamin C in this protocol. While HH did not show any deleterious impact on morphometric data, its role as adjuvant did not significantly reduce the negative impact of HAART on morphometric indices especially with the lower dosage. Further investigations are warranted on the interactions between HAART and Hypoxis.

Topics: Animals; Anti-HIV Agents; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Ascorbic Acid; Chemotherapy, Adjuvant; Herb-Drug Interactions; HIV Infections; Hypoxis; Lamivudine; Male; Nevirapine; Plant Extracts; Rats; Rats, Sprague-Dawley; Seminiferous Tubules; Sperm Count; Sperm Motility; Spermatozoa; Stavudine

Saliva is a complex oral biologic fluid secreted by major and minor salivary glands. Saliva has immunological, enzymatic and antioxidant defense mechanisms. Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a life-threatening disease.. The aim of this study was to evaluate salivary vitamin C and catalase levels in HIV-positive patients in comparison to a healthy control group.. Forty-nine HIV-infected individuals and 49 healthy subjects were selected. Five mL of unstimulated saliva was collected in 5 minutes using a sterilized Falcon tube with Navazesh method. Catalase and vitamin C levels were assessed by spectrophotometric assay. Data were analyzed with STATA 12.. Salivary catalase levels were 7.99±2.40 and 8.37±1.81 in the case and control groups, respectively. Catalase level was lower in the case group but the difference was not statistically significant (P=0.380). Salivary vitamin C levels in the case and control groups were 3.76±1.92 and 4.87±2.20, respectively (P=0.009).. HIV can alter salivary antioxidant capacity as well as vitamin C and catalase levels. Saliva may reflect serum antioxidative changes in these patients. Therefore, further research is necessary on salivary and serum oxidants and the antioxidant changes.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Catalase; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Female; Healthy Volunteers; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Saliva; Spectrophotometry

We aimed to comparatively assess darunavir/ritonavir (DRV/r) and efavirenz (EFV)-based first-line cART regimens in the reconstitution of T-cell phenotype and function in HIV-infected, late presenter subjects.. Retrospective, ex vivo study on stored peripheral blood mononuclear cell samples of cART-naive, HIV-infected individuals with CD4(+) T-cell counts <50>250/µl upon cART initiation with either DRV/r or EFV as third drugs of standard antiretroviral regimens. CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-cell maturation (CCR7/CD45RA) and proliferation (Ki67), CD8(+) T-cell activation (CD38/HLA-DR) as well as HIV- and cytomegalovirus (CMV)-specific responses (CD4/CD8/IL-2/IFN-γ) were studied by flow cytometry at baseline (T0), T3, T6 and T12 months. Soluble inflammatory markers (IL-6 and sCD14) were measured in plasma at T0 and T12. Wilcoxon and Mann-Whitney tests were used for statistics.. A total of 19 patients started DRV/r and 15 EFV. Both regimens accounted for suppression of the HIV RNA load (<40 copies/ml), reconstitution of absolute CD4(+) T-cells and CD4(+)/CD8(+) T-cell ratio. All study participants displayed a significant decrease of activated HLA-DR(+)CD38(+) CD8(+) T-cells at all study time points, yet no differences were found between study groups in T-cell activation and maturation phenotype. From a functional standpoint, only individuals receiving DRV/r displayed transitory recovery of HIV-specific IL-2(+)IFN-γ(-) CD4(+) T-cells (T3: P=0.006) and IL-2(-)IFN-γ(+) CD8(+) T-cells (T3: P=0.032).. DRV/r- and EFV-based regimens have an equal effect on T-cell phenotype and function in HIV late presenters. A temporary restoration of HIV-specific T-cell immunity early in the course of therapy with DRV/r possibly implies a more effective control over HIV in the first months following a PI/r-based regimen, even at late stage of disease.

Topics: Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Darunavir; Drug Combinations; Female; HIV Infections; HIV Protease Inhibitors; Humans; Immunophenotyping; Male; Middle Aged; Niacin; Pyridoxine; Retrospective Studies; Reverse Transcriptase Inhibitors; Ritonavir; T-Lymphocytes; Zinc Compounds

Sulfonamide hypersensitivity has a high incidence in HIV infection and correlates with low CD4+ counts, but the mechanisms are not understood. The aims of this study were to determine whether trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP/SMX) led to SMX adduct formation, immunogenicity, or signs of drug hypersensitivity in SIV-infected rhesus macaques, and whether differences in antioxidants, pro-inflammatory mediators, or SMX disposition were predictive of drug immunogenicity.. Four of 9 of SIV-positive (44%), and 3 of 7 SIV negative (43%) macaques had drug-responsive T cells or antibodies to SMX. Two macaques developed facial or truncal rash; these animals had the highest levels of lymph node drug adducts. Antioxidants, pro-inflammatory mediators, and SMX metabolites were not predictive of drug immunogenicity; however, the Mamu DRB1*0401/0406/0411 genotype was significantly over-represented in immune responders.. Unlike other animal models, macaques develop an immune response, and possible rash, in response to therapeutic dosages of TMP/SMX. Studying more animals with CD4+ counts <200cells/μl, along with moderately restricted ascorbate intake to match deficiencies seen in humans, may better model the risk of SMX hypersensitivity in HIV-infection. In addition, the role of Mamu-DRB1 genotype in modeling drug hypersensitivity in retroviral infection deserves further study.

Topics: Animals; Anti-Infective Agents; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Cytochrome-B(5) Reductase; Disease Models, Animal; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Hypersensitivity; Female; Glutathione; HIV Infections; Interferon-gamma; Lipopolysaccharides; Lymph Nodes; Macaca mulatta; Male; Trimethoprim, Sulfamethoxazole Drug Combination

Rhodococcus equi infection is increasing in regions with high HIV prevalence worldwide. The microbiological features and clinical mimicry of tuberculosis infection pose diagnostic challenges in high-tuberculosis-incidence settings. We present two HIV-associated cases of R. equi infection from Vietnam and discuss the unique diagnostic challenges in such settings.

Topics: Actinomycetales Infections; Adult; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Anti-HIV Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Cholecalciferol; Dehydroepiandrosterone; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Nicotinic Acids; Plant Extracts; Rhodococcus equi; Tuberculosis, Pulmonary; Vietnam

Topics: Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Ascorbic Acid; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin E; Vitamins

Topics: Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Ascorbic Acid; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Vitamin B Complex; Vitamin E; Vitamins

There are potential health risks associated with the use of early weaning to prevent mother-to-child transmission of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) in resource-poor settings. Our objective was to examine growth and nutrient inadequacies among a cohort of children weaned early. Children participating in the Breastfeeding Antiretrovirals and Nutrition (BAN) Study in Lilongwe, Malawi, had HIV-infected mothers, were weaned at 6 months and fed LNS until 12 months. 40 HIV-negative, BAN-exited children were compared with 40 HIV-negative, community children matched on age, gender and local health clinic. Nutrient intake was calculated from 24-h dietary recalls collected from BAN-exited children. Anthropometric measurements were collected from BAN-exited and matched community children at 15-16 months, and 2 months later. Longitudinal random effects sex-stratified models were used to evaluate anthropometric differences between the two groups. BAN-exited children consumed adequate energy, protein and carbohydrates but inadequate amounts of fat. The prevalence of inadequate micronutrient intakes were: 46% for vitamin A; 20% for vitamin B6; 69% for folate; 13% for vitamin C; 19% for iron; 23% for zinc. Regarding growth, BAN-exited girls gained weight at a significantly lower rate {0.02 g kg(-1) per day [95% confidence interval (CI): 0.01, 0.03]} than their matched comparison [0.05 g kg(-1) per day (95% CI: 0.03, 0.07)]; BAN girls grew significantly slower [0.73 cm month(-1) (95% CI: 0.40,1.06)] than their matched comparison (1.55 cm month(-1) [95% CI: 0.98, 2.12]). Among this sample of BAN-exited children, early weaning was associated with dietary deficiencies and girls experienced reduced growth velocity. In resource-poor settings, HIV prevention programmes must ensure that breastfeeding stop only once a nutritionally adequate and safe diet without breast milk can be provided.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Retroviral Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Body Weight; Breast Feeding; Diet; Dietary Fats; Dietary Proteins; Energy Intake; Female; Folic Acid; Follow-Up Studies; HIV Infections; HIV Seronegativity; Humans; Infant; Iron, Dietary; Longitudinal Studies; Malawi; Male; Malnutrition; Micronutrients; Nutritional Status; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Risk Factors; Seasons; Socioeconomic Factors; Surveys and Questionnaires; Vitamin A; Vitamin B 6; Vitamins; Weaning; Young Adult; Zinc

Our goal in this study was to examine how Vitamin C interacts with antiretroviral therapy in individuals with HIV. We specifically evaluated how Vitamin C impacts highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) adherence and HAART effectiveness as adjudicated by HIV viral loads and CD4 cell counts. Women served as their own controls, comparing periods of Vitamin C usage with periods of non-usage.. An intra-individual, cross-sectional comparative study 'nested' in the WIHS observational cohort study.. Women in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS).. Adherence, CD4 count and viral load.. Our study population was drawn from 2813 HIV+ participants who contributed 44,588 visits in WIHS from October, 1994 to April, 2009. Among them, there were 1122 Vitamin C users with 4954 total visits where use was reported. In the multivariate model adjusting for age, education, race, income, drug use, Vitamin C use order and depression score, there was a 44% increase in the odds of ≥ 95% HAART adherence among participants during their period of Vitamin C use compared to when they were not using Vitamin C (OR=1.44; 95% CI=1.1-1.9; P-value=0.0179). There was an association with Vitamin C usage and CD4 counts on viral loads.. Vitamin C usage appears to be associated with improved adherence. Future Vitamin C studies should target specific HAART drugs, and prospective clinical outcomes.

Topics: Adult; Anti-HIV Agents; Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; Ascorbic Acid; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Cohort Studies; Cross-Sectional Studies; Female; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Middle Aged; Odds Ratio; Patient Compliance; Treatment Outcome; Viral Load; Vitamins

Oxidative stress induced by the production of reactive oxygen species may play a critical role in the stimulation of HIV replication and the development of immunodeficiency. This study was conducted as there are limited and inconclusive studies on the significance of a novel early marker of oxidative stress which can reflect the total antioxidant capacity in HIV patients,. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and lipid peroxidation were evaluated in 50 HIV-1 seropositive patients (including HIV-1 symptomatics and asymptomatics). Controls included 50 age and sex matched and apparently healthy HIV-1 seronegative subjects. Serum malondialdehyde (MDA), Total antioxidant capacity [TAC] (by ferric reducing antioxidant power assay), vitamin E, vitamin C and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activity were estimated among controls and cases. Statistical comparisons and correlations at 5% level of significance were determined.. The mean MDA concentrations were significantly elevated in both HIV-1 asymptomatic (CD4+ count > 500 cells/microliter) and HIV-1 symptomatic (CD4+ count <500 cells/microliter) groups (Mean +/- S.D values were 2.2 +/- 0.7 nmol/ml and 2.8 +/- 0.8 nmol/ml respectively) when compared with the control group (mean +/- S.D value was 0.9 +/- 0.2 nmol/ml) (p < 0.01). The mean TAC of HIV-1 asymptomatic and HIV-1 symptomatic (Mean +/- S.D values were 754.6 +/- 135.6 micromol/L and 676.6 +/- 154.1 micromol/L respectively) patients were significantly reduced compared with the control group (Mean +/- S.D value was 1018.7 +/- 125.6 micromol/L) (p < 0.01). Also, there were significantly decreased levels of vitamin E, vitamin C and SOD among HIV-1 seropositive patients(controls > asymptomatic > symptomatic) compared to controls (p < 0.01). TAC showed significant negative correlation with MDA among HIV-1 infected patients (p < 0.01).. Our results clearly show that severe oxidative stress occurs in the HIV-1 seropositive patients in comparison with controls, and increases significantly with the progression of disease, i.e. HIV-1 symptomatics > asymptomatics > controls. TAC can be used as a novel early bio-chemical marker of oxidative stress in HIV-1 infected patients which may result in reduced tissue damage by free radicals and help to monitor and optimize antioxidant therapy in such patients.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Biomarkers; Case-Control Studies; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Male; Malondialdehyde; Middle Aged; Oxidative Stress; Superoxide Dismutase; Vitamin E

To assess the antioxidant status in HIV positive children.. HIV positive children under the age group of 3-12 years from lower socio-economic strata were chosen for the study (Group 1). The values were compared with normal children (Group 2) not suffering from any disease in the same age group and similar socio-economic strata. The antioxidants chosen for the present study were vitamin A (Retinol), vitamin C (Ascorbic acid) and vitamin E (alpha tocopherol).. Results obtained were subjected to statistical analysis using student 't' test (in the present study 'z' test was applied). The antioxidants vitamin A, C and E decreased in HIV positive children as compared to controls. Vitamin A was significant to the level of p< 0.01 and vitamin C and E to the level of p< 0.001 and p< 0.02 respectively.. The decrease in antioxidants A, C and E in HIV positive children is due to increased utilization of antioxidant micronutrients because of increased oxidative stress caused due to free radicals.

Topics: Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Case-Control Studies; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; HIV Infections; HIV Seropositivity; Humans; Male; Monitoring, Physiologic; Reference Values; Risk Factors; Sensitivity and Specificity; Severity of Illness Index; Spectrophotometry; Vitamin A; Vitamin E

Oxidative stress during HIV infection may impair immune function, cause more rapid disease progression, and increase requirements for dietary antioxidants such as vitamins C and E.. The study had 2 principal objectives. The first was to ascertain whether HIV infection and immune activation were associated with lower plasma concentrations of ascorbate, urate, and alpha- and gamma-tocopherols and with total antioxidant status (TAS). The second objective was to ascertain whether these antioxidants were associated with protection against oxidative damage.. This was a cross-sectional study involving 241 HIV-positive and 115 HIV-negative subjects aged 14-23 y. Subjects were primarily female (76%) and African American (70%), and 21% were Hispanic.. Plasma ascorbate was significantly lower, but gamma-tocopherol and TAS were significantly higher in subjects with HIV infection when the analysis was adjusted for dietary intake and sex. Plasma alpha-tocopherol did not differ significantly by HIV status. Plasma gamma-tocopherol also was higher in subjects with oxidative damage than in those without such damage. More than 90% of subjects had adequate plasma concentrations for both ascorbate and alpha-tocopherol, although alpha-tocopherol concentrations were lower than expected on the basis of third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data.. Low plasma ascorbate concentrations in HIV-positive subjects suggest that vitamin C requirements are significantly higher in those with HIV infection. Plasma tocopherol concentrations were not depressed by HIV infection and may be maintained by compensatory mechanisms such as the activity of alpha-tocopherol transfer protein.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; alpha-Tocopherol; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; Cross-Sectional Studies; Dietary Supplements; Female; gamma-Tocopherol; HIV Infections; Humans; Linear Models; Male; Multivariate Analysis; Nutritional Requirements; Oxidative Stress; Prospective Studies; Vitamin E

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Deglutition Disorders; Exanthema; HIV Infections; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Scurvy; Vitamins

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; HIV Infections; Humans; Injections; Malpractice

We examined the association between micronutrient intakes and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in youths who were at increased nutritional risk because of the demands of growth and disease as well as poor dietary habits.. This was a cross-sectional study to collect dietary intake data using the Block Food Frequency Questionnaire (98.2). Anthropometric, biochemical, clinical, and sociodemographic data were available.Subjects/Setting Participants included 264 HIV-infected and 127 HIV-uninfected adolescents and young adults from the Reaching for Excellence in Adolescent Care and Health network, a multisite observational study on HIV progression. Statistical analyses CD4(+) T cells were stratified for HIV-infected youths: >/=500, 200 to 499, and <200 cells/microL. Micronutrient intakes were compared by presence of HIV infection, using two-sample Student's t tests. Categoric analyses used chi(2) test. Generalized linear regression determined predictors of vitamins A, C, and E; iron; and zinc intakes.. Almost half (49.0%) of the HIV-infected participants had CD4(+) T cells >/=500 cells/microL. After controlling for other factors, HIV-infected participants with CD4(+) T cells >/=500 had decreased iron intake (P<.05) and tended to be associated with lower intakes of vitamins C and E (P<.10) compared with those with more advanced disease and HIV-uninfected youths. Among those youths with CD4(+) T cells between 200 and 499 cells/microL, a high anxiety score was associated with a sixfold increase in vitamin A intake as compared with those with a low score.Applications/conclusions Given the increased micronutrient requirements, nutrition counseling with HIV-infected youths should focus on early increase of intake of foods rich in micronutrients to improve growth, slow disease progression, and increase survival.

Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Nutritional Physiological Phenomena; Anthropometry; Ascorbic Acid; Case-Control Studies; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes; Child; Cross-Sectional Studies; Diet; Diet Surveys; Energy Intake; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Iron, Dietary; Linear Models; Male; Micronutrients; Nutritional Requirements; United States; Vitamin A; Vitamin E; Vitamins; Zinc

The objective of these studies was to determine the role of ascorbate deficiency in HIV infection in the defective detoxification of sulfamethoxazole-nitroso, the metabolite thought to mediate sulfonamide hypersensitivity reactions.. Fifty-one HIV-infected patients and 26 healthy volunteers were evaluated. Vitamin supplementation histories were obtained, and blood samples were collected for determination of plasma ascorbate, dehydroascorbate, and cysteine concentrations, erythrocyte glutathione concentrations, and plasma reduction of sulfamethoxazole-nitroso in vitro.. Plasma ascorbate concentrations were significantly lower in HIV-positive patients not taking vitamin supplements (29.5 +/- 22.3 microM) than in healthy subjects (54.8 +/- 22.3 microM; P = 0.0005) and patients taking 500-1000 mg of ascorbate daily (82.5 +/- 26.3 microM; P < 0.0001). Plasma ascorbate deficiency was strongly correlated with impaired reduction of sulfamethoxazole-nitroso to its hydroxylamine (r = 0.60, P < 0.0001), and during in vitro reduction, the loss of plasma ascorbate was strongly associated with the amount of nitroso reduced (r = 0.70, P < 0.0001). Ascorbate added ex vivo normalized this reduction pathway. Erythrocyte glutathione concentrations were significantly lower in HIV-positive patients (0.98+/-0.32 mM) than in healthy subjects (1.45+/-0.49 mM; P = 0.001), but this finding was unrelated to ascorbate supplementation. There was trend toward lower plasma cysteine concentrations in patients (8.4+/-3.9 microM) than in controls (10.3+/-4.3 microM), but this trend was similarly unrelated to ascorbate supplementation. Dehydroascorbate concentrations were not significantly higher in HIV-positive patients (7.4+/-10.5%) than in healthy controls (4.0+/-6.2%), even in the subset of patients taking ascorbate (8.4+/-9.4%).. Ascorbate deficiency is common in HIV-positive patients and is associated with impaired detoxification of sulfamethoxazole-nitroso, the suspected proximate toxin in sulfonamide hypersensitivity. Patients taking daily ascorbate supplements (500-1000 mg) achieved high plasma ascorbate concentrations and did not show this detoxification defect. Ascorbate deficiency (or supplementation) was not associated with changes in glutathione or cysteine concentrations. These data suggest that ascorbate deficiency, independent of thiol status, may be an important determinant of impaired drug detoxification in HIV infection.

Topics: Adult; Anti-Infective Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Ascorbic Acid Deficiency; Case-Control Studies; CD4-CD8 Ratio; Cysteine; Dehydroascorbic Acid; Female; Glutathione; HIV Infections; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Male; Middle Aged; Oxidation-Reduction; Sulfamethoxazole

Topics: Anti-HIV Agents; Ascorbic Acid; Drug Interactions; HIV Infections; Humans

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Drug Interactions; Female; HIV Infections; HIV Protease Inhibitors; Humans; Indinavir; Male

Topics: Anti-HIV Agents; Apoptosis; Ascorbic Acid; Carnitine; HIV Infections; Humans; Mitochondria, Muscle; Vitamin E

The oxidative stress associated with HIV infection may be important for the progression of the disease because reactive oxygen species activate the nuclear transcription factor NF-kappaB, which is obligatory for HIV replication.. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD, EC 1.15.1.1) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx, EC 1.11.1.9) of blood plasma and peripheral blood mononuclear cells, as well as the plasma levels of ascorbate, alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene, were measured in 75 subjects with HIV infection and in 26 controls. The HIV-infected patients were classified according to the Walter Reed Army Institute criteria.. The extracellular SOD (EC-SOD) of blood plasma activity was decreased in HIV-infected patients compared to controls, while the SOD activity of mononuclear cells decreased with the HIV-associated disease progression. GPx activities and alpha-tocopherol concentration of HIV-infected patients neither differed as compared to controls nor in relation to disease progression. Lower concentrations of ascorbate and beta-carotene were found in HIV-infected patients than in controls. A positive correlation between CD4 lymphocyte counts and the SOD activities of plasma and mononuclear cells was found.. These results suggest that abnormalities of antioxidant defence, mainly of SOD activity, are related to the progression of the HIV infection.

Topics: Adult; Antioxidants; Ascorbic Acid; beta Carotene; CD4-CD8 Ratio; Disease Progression; Female; Glutathione Peroxidase; HIV Infections; Humans; Leukocytes, Mononuclear; Male; Reactive Oxygen Species; Superoxide Dismutase; Vitamin E

We examined the in vitro effect of Broncho Vaxom (BV) (an immunobiotherapeutic preparation containing a lysate made from bacteria often involved in respiratory tract infections) on adherence of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Candida albicans to human buccal epithelial cells (BEC) of healthy volunteers and HIV carriers. We also examined the ex vivo effect of ascorbic acid on the adherence of the same microorganisms to BEC of HIV carriers. The study reached the following conclusions: The presence of BV in vitro significantly reduces the adherence of the tested strains to BEC from healthy persons and HIV carriers. No significant difference was observed between healthy persons and HIV carriers regarding the adherence of the tested strains to BEC. Significant difference in the adherence of the tested strains to BEC was observed between HIV carriers who had been taking ascorbic acid over a 3-month period and those who had not. There was no further reduction in the adherence of the tested strains to BEC from HIV carriers who had been taking ascorbic acid in the presence of BV in vitro.

Topics: Adjuvants, Immunologic; Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Bacteria; Bacterial Adhesion; Candida albicans; Carrier State; Cell Extracts; Epithelium; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Klebsiella pneumoniae; Male; Middle Aged; Mouth Mucosa; Staphylococcus aureus

Three phenotypes of the antioxidant protein haptoglobin are known: Hp 1-1, Hp 2-1 and Hp 2-2.. To investigate the outcome of HIV infection according to haptoglobin type.. Haptoglobin phenotypes were determined using starch gel electrophoresis in serum obtained from 653 HIV-infected Caucasians in the AIDS reference centers of Gent (n = 184), Antwerp (n = 309), and Luxembourg (n = 160). Survival was compared between haptoglobin types using Kaplan-Meier curves. Plasma HIV-1 RNA was quantified by reverse transcriptase PCR. Serum iron, transferrin saturation, ferritin, and vitamin C were assayed to evaluate iron-driven oxidative stress in 184 HIV-infected patients and 204 controls.. The haptoglobin type distribution amongst the patients (17.6% Hp 1-1, 49.9% Hp 2-1, 32.5% Hp 2-2) corresponded to that of the controls. Kaplan-Meier curves showed a higher mortality for the Hp 2-2 group (P = 0.0001; adjusted mortality risk ratio, 1.78; 95% confidence interval, 1.25-2.54). Median survival time was 11.0 years (Hp 1-1 and Hp 2-1) versus 7.33 years (Hp 2-2). Plasma HIV-1 RNA levels prior to antiviral therapy and their increase over 1 year were highest in Hp 2-2 patients (P = 0.03 and 0.003, respectively). The Hp 2-2 type was associated with higher serum iron, transferrin saturation, and ferritin levels and with low vitamin C concentrations. Furthermore, ferritin concentrations were higher in HIV-infected patients than in controls (P < 0.0001).. HIV-infected patients carrying the Hp 2-2 phenotype show a worse prognosis, which is reflected by a more rapid rate of viral replication (in the absence of antiviral treatment). They also accumulate more iron and oxidize more vitamin C, suggesting that less efficient protection against haemoglobin/iron-driven oxidative stress may be a direct mechanism for stimulating viral replication.

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; CD4 Lymphocyte Count; Female; Haptoglobins; HIV Infections; Humans; Iron; Male; Oxidative Stress; Phenotype; Polymorphism, Genetic; Survivors; Viral Load

Some formaldehyde generating chemicals due to reduction of apoptosis in lymphocytes may slow down the progress of immune decline of HIV-infected individuals. N(G)-hydroxy-methylated-L-arginine (MAX) and 1'-methyl-ascorbigen (MeAsc) could enter this way the biochemical pathway of cells and affect the apoptotic process. Separated peripheral blood lymphocytes of five asymptomatic HIV-positive persons were cultured. Unstimulated, IL-2 stimulated and IL-2 stimulated plus 0.1, 1.0, 10.0 microg/ml MAX or MeAsc treated lymphocytes were investigated for apoptosis morphologically (HE) and by flow cytometrical DNA fragmentation method. IL-2 stimulation lowered the apoptotic rate in lymphocytes of HIV-positive persons related to unstimulated ones. MAX and MeAsc reduced the apoptotic activity of stimulated lymphocytes in the least or the middle doses while in the higher dose did not. MAX and MeAsc reduced the apoptotic activity of stimulated lymphocytes originated from HIV-positive patients in vitro. This compounds may have the same effect in vivo and may prolong the symptomless period of HIV-infected patients. The role of methylation and production of formaldehyde in this process is discussed.

Topics: Apoptosis; Arginine; Ascorbic Acid; Cells, Cultured; Flow Cytometry; HIV Infections; Humans; Indoles; Lymphocytes

Highly elevated triglyceride levels being reported in HIV-infected people are a concern because they can contribute to heart disease, stroke, and pancreatitis. The elevated levels may be the result of medication on the liver, dietary habits, or malabsorption of key nutrients. Preliminary studies have shown that dietary and vitamin supplements may help lower the levels to a more normal and safe range. Strategies to reduce triglyceride levels are described.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Carnitine; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Hypertriglyceridemia; Male; Triglycerides; Vitamin E

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is required for normal host defense and functions importantly in cellular redox systems. To define the interrelationship between human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and vitamin C flux at the cellular level, we analyzed vitamin C uptake and its effects on virus production and cellular proliferation in HIV-infected and uninfected human lymphoid, myeloid, and mononuclear phagocyte cell lines. Chronic or acute infection of these cell lines by HIV-1 led to increased expression of glucose transporter 1, associated with increased transport and accumulation of vitamin C. Infected cells also showed increased transport of glucose analogs. Exposure to vitamin C had a complex effect on cell proliferation and viral production. Low concentrations of vitamin C increased or decreased cell proliferation depending on the cell line and either had no effect or caused increased viral production. Exposure to high concentrations of vitamin C preferentially decreased the proliferation and survival of the HIV-infected cells and caused decreased viral production. These findings indicate that HIV infection in lymphocytic, monocytic, and myeloid cell lines leads to increased expression of glucose transporter 1 and consequent increased cellular vitamin C uptake. High concentrations of vitamin C were preferentially toxic to HIV-infected host defense cell lines in vitro.

Topics: Ascorbic Acid; Cell Division; Cell Line; Dehydroascorbic Acid; Glucose Transporter Type 1; Hexoses; HIV Infections; HIV-1; HL-60 Cells; Humans; Lymphocytes; Monosaccharide Transport Proteins; Phagocytes; Virus Replication

Topics: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome; Ascorbic Acid; Cytotoxicity, Immunologic; HIV; HIV Infections; Humans; In Vitro Techniques; Neoplasms; T-Lymphocytes

Topics: Adult; Ascorbic Acid; Female; HIV Infections; Humans; Iron; Male; Middle Aged; Minerals; Selenium; Self Medication; Vitamin E; Vitamins; Zinc