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Successful immunomodulating in AIDS patients with ursodeoxycholic acid--a pilot study
D Kurktschiev1, T Temelkova-Kurktschiev, K Horn
1Medical Faculty, University Clinic Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
Clinical and Experimental Immunology
|February 5, 1999
Summary
Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) therapy increased dipeptidyl peptidase (CD26) expression on lymphocytes in AIDS patients. This treatment also elevated lymphocyte counts and CD4+ cells, suggesting a potential therapeutic benefit.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Hepatology
- Virology
Background:
- Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) shows therapeutic promise in primary biliary cirrhosis.
- UDCA normalizes dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP, CD26) expression on peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL).
- AIDS patients exhibit significantly lower DPP (CD26) expression on PBL.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of UDCA on DPP (CD26) expression in AIDS patients.
- To assess UDCA's impact on lymphocyte counts and CD4+ cell levels in individuals with AIDS.
Main Methods:
- Four young male AIDS patients received 750 mg of UDCA daily for 4 months.
- Flow cytometry was used to measure DPP (CD26) expression on PBL.
- Absolute lymphocyte counts and CD4+ cell numbers were monitored.
Main Results:
- UDCA therapy increased DPP (CD26) expression from 2-8% to 10-16% of PBL.
- A 2-3 fold increase in absolute lymphocyte counts was observed.
- A slight elevation in CD4+ cells was noted in all patients.
Conclusions:
- UDCA may positively influence DPP (CD26) expression in AIDS patients.
- UDCA treatment demonstrated potential benefits for lymphocyte parameters in AIDS.
- Further research is warranted to explore UDCA's therapeutic potential in AIDS management.