Serum Chemokine Levels in HIV-infected Nigerian Patients

Abstract

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a retrovirus belonging to the family of lentiviruses that destroys CD4+ T-cells and resides in other immune cells that produces chemokines. Chemokines [such as Macrophage inflammatory protein-1α and 1 β (MIP-1α and MIP-1β), RANTES (Regulated on Activation Normal T expressed and Secreted Protein), and SDF-1 (Stromal Derived Factor 1)] are small proteins that attract leucocytes and play complex roles in coordinating immune responses. The interaction between chemokines and their receptors expressed on immune cells inhibits HIV-1 attachment and replication. However, studies on association between these chemokines and HIV produced different results and the underlying mechanisms of chemokines during HIV infection remain unclear. A total of 90 participants were recruited in this study which included 45 HIV infected and 45 apparently healthy HIV uninfected individuals that served as control. Serum levels of chemokines were determined using ELISA as described by the manufacturer of the kits. Appropriate statistical data were employed and p ≤ 0.05 was considered significant. HIV infected individuals had insignificantly reduced serum levels of SDF-1, MIP1-α and RANTES compared with control. The results of this study is in agreement with previous work that chemokines are involved in the pathogenesis of HIV through their receptors and could be explore as option for therapeutic strategies