[Can HIV infection be treated with antioxidants?]

Several recent reports have indicated high levels of reactive oxygen species, causing oxidative stress, in the pathogenesis of HIV infection. Oxidative stress may lead to enhanced HIV replication in infected cells and may also aggravate the immunodeficiency by reduction of cellular immunity and possibly by increased programmed cell death of lymphocytes. Moreover, reduced levels of antioxidants have been found in patients with HIV infection. This raises the question of whether antioxidant therapy might be beneficial in patients with HIV infection. Until now, only a few preliminary, clinical studies have been completed. Further clinical trials are needed to assess the possible role of antioxidants in the treatment of HIV infection.