Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1990. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
SIGNIFICANCE OF ENDOGENOUS INTERFERON AND INTERFERON-INDUCED ENZYMES IN PATIENTS WITH AIDS
Aids and Infections of Homosexual Men. Second Edition. Ma P and Armstrong D, eds. Boston, Butterworths, p. 419-32 1989.. Unique Identifier : AIDSLINE ICDB/90659652 Preble OT; Eyster ME; Gelmann EP; Goedert JJ; AIDS Review Section, Program and Project Review Branch, Natl.; Inst. of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, NIH, Bethesda, MD
Abstract:
Initial results of tests for interferon (IFN) in patients (pts) with AIDS or prodromal illnesses showed that most homosexual pts with AIDS and each of three hemophiliacs with AIDS had significant titers of an alpha-IFN with biologic properties similar to the acid-labile alpha-IFN in pts with prototype autoimmune diseases. More recent data on the frequency and prognostic significance of circulating alpha-IFN in pts with AIDS and in members of high-risk groups are reported. Significant levels (8 IU/ml) of circulating IFN were found in less than 2% of almost 500 sera from healthy adults. In contrast, IFN was detected in approx 10% of apparently healthy, clinically asymptomatic homosexual men with a variety of past medical histories. In addition, almost 7% of otherwise healthy multitransfused pts with hemophilia A or B had elevated levels of serum IFN. Analysis of clinical records from the first group of homosexual men tested for IFN indicated that many asymptomatic pts with IFN in 1980 and 1981 progressed toward AIDS in 1982 and 1983. This and other results suggest that endogenous, acid-labile alpha-IFN may be a negative prognostic sign in homosexual men. Experiments were also done measuring levels of the enzyme 2'-5'-oligoadenylate (2-5A) synthetase to evaluate biologic response to endogenous acid-labile alpha-IFN and to therapy with exogenously administered alpha-IFN in homosexual men with AIDS. At least half the AIDS pts tested had high basal levels of 2-5A synthetase in their peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). These results are consistent with other studies demonstrating that 2-5A synthetase may be a more sensitive measure of the presence of IFN than assays of serum for antiviral activity. Some pts apparently do not respond biochemically to their endogenous IFN. This could be due to spreading HIV infection, to depletion of cells capable of responding to IFN, or to some undefined factors. Compared with PBMCs from healthy heterosexual controls, cells from both homosexual controls and homosexual pts with AIDS also were markedly deficient in their ability to respond to exogenous alpha-IFN either in vitro or in vivo with increased 2-5A synthetase. Studies on the effect of HIV infection and reactivation on responsiveness to various forms of IFN are needed. (53 Refs)
Keywords: Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome/*IMMUNOLOGY/THERAPY AIDS-Related Complex/IMMUNOLOGY Drug Evaluation Hemophilia/IMMUNOLOGY *Homosexuality Human HIV/IMMUNOLOGY Injections, Intramuscular Interferon Alfa, Recombinant/ADMINISTRATION & DOSAGE Interferon Type I/*BIOSYNTHESIS Male Prognosis 2',5'-Oligoadenylate Synthetase/*BLOOD MONOGRAPH 900430
M9040659
AEGiS presents published material, reprinted with permission and neither endorses nor opposes any material. All information contained on this website, including information relating to health conditions, products, and treatments, is for informational purposes only. It is often presented in summary or aggregate form. It is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own physician or other medical professionals. Always discuss treatment options with a doctor who specializes in treating HIV.
Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 1990. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
