Abstract

Lizette Gil del Valle, Milena Duque-Vizcaa­no,Vianka Calas-Hechavarria, Rosario Gravier-Hernandez,Narciso Jimanez-Parez, Yusimit Bermadez-Alfonso, Dayma Hernandez-Requejo,Daniel Gonzalez-Rubio

Objectives: Infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) generates sustained reactive oxygen species production. An increasing number of studies underline the pathogenic impact of high-grade local and systemic oxidative stress in the activation of Herpesvirus 8 producing Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) co-infection in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients. This study aimed to determine the redox status in AIDS-KS Cuban individuals and to explore the relation between redox and progression variables. Methods: Blood samples were drawn from 99 individuals divided into three groups (33 each one; age range 30-50 years): AIDS, AIDS-KS, and presumable healthy subjects. Total peroxide, malondialdehyde, and advanced oxidation protein products as damage indexes and antioxidant responses (glutathione, peroxidation potential, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) were determined from the blood samples. Furthermore, hematological and hemochemical indexes, progression indexes (viral load, CD4+ T lymphocyte absolute count), and tumoral progression indexes were assessed. Different statistical analyses were done. Results: Compared to healthy subjects, both groups of AIDS patients had significant differences in global indices of damage and antioxidant status. The comparison between the groups revealed that AIDS-KS group had a significantly higher damage and lower antioxidant status compared to the healthy control and AIDS groups. Multivariate statistical analysis clearly separated groups according progression indexes and redox profile, obtaining two canonical functions. Conclusions: These results corroborate that substantial oxidative stress occurs in AIDS condition and also during KS-HIV co-infection with different molecular extension and interdependence to progression indexes. Redox indexes diagnosis should be considered in early diagnostics, prevention and treatment of KS-HIV coinfection, which would be worthwhile to conduct a more comprehensive study and manage of infection.