AEGiS-CATIE: HIV and antioxidants

HIV and antioxidants

TreatmentUpdate77 - Vol. 7, No. 7; April 1997
Sean Hosein

Background

As a result of chemical reactions, highly active molecules called free radicals are formed. Produced under carefully controlled conditions, free radicals can be useful. Indeed, some cells of the immune system make free radicals which they use when destroying microbes. But when the production of free radicals is uncontrolled they can cause damage. Some researchers think that the bone and joint damage seen in arthritis may be due, in part, to excessive production of free radicals.

The excess production of free radicals causes a state of oxidative stress. Research suggests that people with HIV/AIDS are in a state of oxidative stress and that this may weaken the ability of the immune system control infections. To protect itself from damage due to oxidative stress the body can use antioxidants such as vitamins C and E and also beta-carotene. As well, by using minerals such as copper, manganese, selenium and zinc, the amino acids cysteine and methionine, cells can make antioxidant enzymes to protect themselves from oxidative stress. An important part of those enzymes is the compound GSH (glutathione).

GSH and vitamins

A number of research teams have documented less than normal levels of GSH in red blood cells and T cells taken from subjects with HIV/AIDS. GSH levels decrease shortly after HIV infection and "continue to decline" over time. When demand for cysetine and other nutrients is greater than the supply, the body cannot make enough GSH. Although the body can use vitamins C and E and beta-carotene to protect itself from free radicals, it may not be able to absorb enough of them given the malabsorption problems people with HIV/AIDS can develop.

Effect of oxidative stress

Results from lab experiments suggest that chronic oxidative stress can affect the immune system's fight against HIV, possibly by:

* increasing production of HIV

* weakening the immune response

* making T cells destroy themselves

* causing cells to make abnormal chemicals

* making the body more sensitive to the toxic effects of certain drugs.

Several research teams have designed studies to discover the effect of cysteine supplements such as NAC (N-acetyl-cysteine) on the body's production of GSH. Suggestions for building a nutritional programme by Lark Lands and Chester Myers are available from CATIE.

REFERENCES:

1. Pace GW and Leaf CD. The role of oxidative stress in HIV disease. Free Radical Biology and Medicine 1995;19(4):523-528.

2. Greenspan HC and Aruoma OI. Oxidative stress and apoptosis in HIV infection: a role for plant-derived metabolites with synergistic antioxidant activity. Immunology Today 1994;15(5):209-213.

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ÆGIS is made possible through unrestricted grants from Boehringer Ingelheim, Elton John AIDS Foundation, iMetrikus, Inc., the National Library of Medicine, and donations from users l This article first appeard in 1997. This material is designed to support, not replace, the relationship that exists between you and your doctor.

Copyright © 1997 - TreatmentUpdate. Reproduced with permission. Reproduction of this article (other than one copy for personal reference) must be cleared through the Editor, The Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange, 555 Richmond St. West, Suite 505, Box 1104, Toronto, ON, M5V 3B1 • Phone: 416-203-7122 • Toll Free: 1-800-263-1638 • Fax: 416-203-8284 http://www.catie.ca

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©1997. ÆGiS.