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Elevated serum macrophage inhibitory factor-related protein (MRP) 8/14 levels in advanced HIV infection and during
F Strasser1, P L Gowland, C Ruef
1Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Zurich, Switzerland.
Unlabelled:
To assess the value of MRP 8, MRP 14, and MRP 8/14 serum concentrations as markers of disease progression in HIV infection and as markers of intercurrent infections.
Design:
We measured MRP 8, MRP 14, and MRP 8/14 serum concentrations in 184 HIV-infected patients in various stages of disease with or without disease exacerbation and in 50 healthy control subjects. In clinically stable HIV-infection correlations of MRP levels with stage of HIV disease, CD4 counts, p24 antigen, and beta-2 microglobulin levels were studied. In patients with intercurrent illnesses, correlations of MRP levels with type of disease exacerbation and with CRP were calculated and compared with those found in stable HIV infection.
Results:
MRP 8/14 levels were significantly elevated and MRP 8 levels slightly decreased in stable HIV infection compared with HIV-negative controls. The CD4 cell count and MRP 8/14 levels correlated significantly in patients with AIDS. Despite higher values of MRP 8/14 during advanced disease, these were not significant predictors of progression to death. In patients with acute infections, MRP 8/14 levels were significantly elevated, compared with patients with illnesses of noninfectious origin. Levels of MRP 8/14 associated with acute infections were significantly higher in patients with AIDS than in patients during earlier stages of HIV infection.
Conclusions:
Both stable HIV infection and advanced immunedeficiency are associated with an elevation of the MRP 8/14 complex and probably with a decline of MRP 8 serum levels. MRP 8/14 is preserved as a marker of acute infection in immunecompromised patients.
Insights
Myeloid-related proteins (MRP) 8/14 serum levels indicate HIV disease progression and are elevated during acute infections in immunocompromised patients. MRP 8/14 serves as a marker for acute infections in HIV-infected individuals.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Infectious Diseases
- HIV Research
Background:
- Myeloid-related proteins (MRP) 8 and 14, forming the MRP 8/14 complex, are inflammatory markers.
- Their role in HIV infection progression and intercurrent infections requires further elucidation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate MRP 8, MRP 14, and MRP 8/14 serum concentrations as potential markers for HIV disease progression.
- To assess their utility in identifying intercurrent infections in HIV-infected patients.
Main Methods:
- Serum concentrations of MRP 8, MRP 14, and MRP 8/14 were measured in 184 HIV-infected patients and 50 healthy controls.
- Correlations with HIV disease stage, CD4 counts, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were analyzed.
- MRP levels were compared between stable HIV infection, disease exacerbations, and acute infections.
Main Results:
- MRP 8/14 levels were elevated in stable HIV infection compared to controls; MRP 8 levels decreased.
- MRP 8/14 correlated with CD4 counts in AIDS patients but did not predict mortality.
- MRP 8/14 levels were significantly higher during acute infections, especially in advanced HIV stages.
Conclusions:
- Elevated MRP 8/14 complex and decreased MRP 8 are associated with stable HIV infection and immunodeficiency.
- MRP 8/14 remains a valuable marker for detecting acute infections in immunocompromised individuals.