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An In Vitro Model for Measuring Immune Responses to Malaria in the Context of HIV Co-infection
Published on: October 6, 2015
Evaluation of some immune and inflammatory responses in diabetes and HIV co-morbidity
Rebecca Chinyelu Chukwuanukwu1, Ngozi Bernice Nwosu1, Martin Ositadinma Ifeanyichukwu1
1Medical Laboratory Science Department, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nnewi Campus, Nigeria.
Background:
Co-existence of diabetes in the HIV infected reportedly further complicates the attendant impairment of immunity and increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections.
Objective:
This study aimed to evaluate some immune and inflammatory parameters in HIV and type 2 diabetes (T2D) co-morbidity: Immunoglobulin M and G (IgM and IgG), Interleukin-6, CD4+ T-cells and C-reactive protein.
Method:
The study involved 200 subjects grouped according to their HIV and diabetes status: Group 1 'Diabetic HIV seropositive' (n=40), Group 2 'Non diabetic HIV seropositive'(n=60), Group 3 'Diabetic HIV seronegative'(n=50), and Group 4 'Control non diabetic HIV seronegative'(n=50). Blood samples were collected for testing.
Results:
CRP levels were significantly elevated in diabetes and HIV co-morbidity compared to other groups. IL-6 levels were significantly higher in diabetics with or without HIV infection. In addition, IL-6 was significantly elevated in individuals with poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 9.0%) compared to those with good glycemic control. IgG and IgM levels in diabetic HIV seropositive subjects were highest compared with other groups.
Conclusion:
The increased IL-6, CRP, IgG, IgM and decreased CD4+ T cell counts observed in co-morbidity suggest that HIV and T2D co-morbidity exacerbate the immune and inflammatory impairment observed in either disease entity.
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