EFFECT OF ANTIRETROVIRAL DRUG THERAPY ON IRON STATUS, URIC ACID, CD4+T-CELLS AND WEIGHT OF HIV SEROPOSITIVE SUBJECTS

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) /Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is one of the
pandemic infections that ravage humans. HIV/AIDS diseases progress with decrease in weight, CD4+T cells count is lowered
resulting to the production of uric acid which chelates the available iron leading to anemia. The use of antiretroviral agents
further complicates the biochemical changes that take place.Methods: The study investigated the iron status, uric acid,
CD4+T-cells and weight of HIV seropositive subjects and the effects of antiretroviral therapy on the parameters. A total
number of 200 subjects between the ages of 20-65years were investigated out of which 20 subjects were HIV negative and
they serve as the control. The remaining 180 subjects were grouped into six groups of 30 subjects per group depending on
their antiretroviral drug combination. Serum iron and total iron binding capacity were estimated using commercial kit by
TECO Laboratories while the uric acid level was estimated using kit by RANDOX Ltd, United Kingdom. CD4+Tcells were
determined using flow cytometry. The weight was measured using high sensitive weighing balance.Results: This study
revealed significant differences in the mean levels of total iron binding capacity (TIBC), iron, uric acid CD4+ T- cells and
weight of HIV seropositive subjects when compared control whereas there was no significant difference when the mean levels
of each of the drug combinations were compared with those not on antiretroviral therapies.Conclusion: Serum iron, total iron
binding capacity uric acid, CD4+ T-cells count and weight should be assessed during HIV infection and during the use of
antiretroviral therapy as these may predict HIV disease progression and treatment assessment