Serum Selenium and Inflammation in Individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Area of Science:

• Nutritional Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Biochemistry

Background:

• HIV infection is associated with selenium deficiency and chronic inflammation, both linked to adverse health outcomes.
• The specific relationship between serum selenium levels and inflammation markers like C-reactive protein (CRP) in HIV-positive individuals remains understudied.
• Understanding this link is crucial for managing inflammation and improving health in the HIV population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between serum selenium levels and C-reactive protein (CRP) in individuals living with HIV.
• To determine if selenium status influences inflammatory markers in this specific population.
• To provide data that may inform nutritional strategies for HIV management.

Main Methods:

• A cross-sectional study was conducted with 233 individuals living with HIV in Kathmandu, Nepal.
• Serum CRP and selenium levels were measured using latex agglutination turbidimetric and atomic absorption methods, respectively.
• Multiple linear regression analysis was employed to assess the association, adjusting for relevant sociodemographic and clinical factors.

Main Results:

• The geometric means for CRP and selenium were 1.43 mg/liter and 9.65 μg/dL, respectively.
• Serum selenium levels showed an inverse association with CRP levels (p=0.06).
• A significant trend (p=0.019) indicated that mean CRP levels decreased as selenium levels increased across tertiles, with a 40.8% reduction in the highest selenium tertile compared to the lowest.

Conclusions:

• Elevated serum selenium levels may be associated with reduced inflammation, as indicated by lower CRP levels, in individuals with HIV.
• These findings suggest a potential role for selenium in mitigating inflammation within the HIV-infected population.
• Further longitudinal research is recommended to confirm causality and explore therapeutic implications.