Clinical Biochemistry, Immunological Indices and Impact of Antioxidant

The effects of HIV and ARVs on glycaemic, lipid profiles, antioxidants and some immunological indices in 50 HIV positive HAART naive, 50 HIV positive on HAART for 1-6 months, 50 on HAART for 7-12 months and 50 HIV negative controls was assessed. Total Cholesterol, TAG, VLDL-C and FBS of control group did not differ significantly in the three groups. HDL-C was significantly lower in the HAART naive group, and those on HAART for 1-6 months compared to control. LDL-C levels were significantly higher in patients on HAART for 1-6 months compared to control. LDL-C/HDL-C ratio was significantly higher in all the groups, except those on therapy for 7-12 months compared to control. Significantly lower levels of GSH occurred in HAART naïve compared to the control. Patients with HIV have significantly higher MDA but lower catalase compared with control. Vitamins A, C and E levels were significantly lower in the patients with HIV compared with control. CD4 T-cell level and WBC Count were significantly lower than in the control. Regular lipid profile assessment should be part of routine care for HIV patients and antioxidants supplements should be incorporated in the management of the patients.