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Measuring Granulocyte and Monocyte Phagocytosis and Oxidative Burst Activity in Human Blood
Published on: September 12, 2016
Effect of Antiretroviral Therapy on Neutrophil Oxidative Burst in Children
Nama Habib Ur Rehman1, Pooja Dewan2, Richa Gupta3
1Department of Pediatrics, University College of Medical Sciences and Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital, Delhi, 110095, India.
Insights
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and initial antiretroviral therapy (ART) increase neutrophil oxidative burst, indicating hyperinflammation. Long-term ART (≥2 years) effectively normalizes these functions in children.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Neutrophil oxidative burst plays a critical role in host defense.
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can impact immune cell function.
- Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is crucial for managing HIV but its effects on neutrophil function require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of HIV infection on neutrophil oxidative burst in children.
- To evaluate the effects of short-term (6 months) and long-term (≥2 years) ART on neutrophil oxidative burst.
- To determine if ART can restore normal neutrophil function in children with HIV.
Main Methods:
- Assessed hemogram and neutrophil oxidative burst in 55 children with HIV (30 on ART ≥2 years, 25 treatment-naïve) and 30 healthy controls.
- Measured serum myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and DHR fluorescence intensity (MFI).
- Followed treatment-naïve children for 6 months of ART, repeating tests to assess changes.
Main Results:
- Untreated HIV and initial ART (6 months) showed increased serum MPO activity and basal neutrophil oxidative burst compared to controls.
- Median fluorescence intensity (MFI) of unstimulated DHR was highest in treatment-naïve and 6-month ART groups.
- Stimulation index was significantly lower in treatment-naïve children, but normalized in those on ART for ≥2 years.
Conclusions:
- Untreated HIV infection and early ART induce a hyperinflammatory state characterized by increased MPO activity and basal neutrophil oxidative burst.
- Long-term ART (≥2 years) effectively normalizes impaired neutrophilic phagocytic functions in children with HIV.
- ART plays a vital role in restoring immune homeostasis in pediatric HIV infection.
Objective:
To ascertain the effect of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, as well as, antiretroviral therapy (ART) on neutrophil oxidative burst in children.
Methods:
Fifty-five children living with HIV infection (30 receiving ART for ≥ 2 y, 25 treatment-naïve) and 30 healthy controls, aged 18 mo-18 y, were assessed for hemogram and neutrophil oxidative burst. The treatment-naïve children were followed up and the above tests were repeated after 6 mo of ART.
Results:
Mean (SD) serum MPO activity at 6 mo after ART [32.1 (± 19.9) U/L] was comparable to that at disease onset [17.2 (± 23.0) U/L], although it was significantly higher compared to that in children on ART ≥ 2 y [13.3 (± 15.8) U/L] and controls [12.1 (± 11.9) U/L]. Median fluorescence intensity (MFI) of unstimulated DHR was highest at 6 mo after ART and in the treatment-naïve group, which was significantly higher than in the controls, as well as, children receiving ART ≥ 2 y. Stimulation index was highest in the control group [442.4 (341.9-562.9)], which was comparable to that in children on ART ≥ 2 y [304.2 (153.2-664.8)], but was significantly higher than the treatment-naïve cohort [266.1 (148.2-339.4)] and children on ART for 6 mo [318.8 (154.9-395.6)].
Conclusion:
A hyperinflammatory state caused by an increased serum myeloperoxidase enzyme activity and increased basal neutrophil oxidative burst was seen in untreated HIV infection and during initial 6 mo of ART. ART given for ≥ 2 y normalized the impaired neutrophilic phagocytic functions.
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