Evaluation of some immune and inflammatory responses in diabetes and HIV co-morbidity

• Published in: African health sciences Vol. 23; no. 1; pp. 120 - 8
• Main Authors: Chinyelu Chukwuanukwu, Rebecca, Bernice Nwosu, Ngozi, Ositadinma Ifeanyichukwu, Martin, Chinyere Nsonwu-Anyanwu, Augusta, Onochie Manafa, Patrick
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Uganda Makerere Medical School 01.03.2023
• Subjects: co-morbidity; Diabetes; HIV; glycemic control; inflammation; immune responses
• ISSN: 1680-6905; 1729-0503; 1729-0503
• DOI: 10.4314/ahs.v23i1.14

Background: Co-existence of diabetes in the HIV infected reportedly further complicates the attendant impairment of immunity and increases susceptibility to opportunistic infections. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate some immune and inflammatory parameters in HIV and type 2 diabetes (T2D) co-morbidity: Immunoglobulin M and G (IgM and IgG), Interleukin-6, CD4+ T-cells and C-reactive protein. Method: The study involved 200 subjects grouped according to their HIV and diabetes status: Group 1 ‘Diabetic HIV seropositive’( n=40), Group 2 ‘Non diabetic HIV seropositive’(n=60), Group 3 ‘Diabetic HIV seronegative’(n=50), and Group 4 ‘Control non diabetic HIV seronegative’(n=50). Blood samples were collected for testing. Results: CRP levels were significantly elevated in diabetes and HIV co-morbidity compared to other groups. IL–6 levels were significantly higher in diabetics with or without HIV infection. In addition, IL-6 was significantly elevated in individuals with poor glycemic control (HbA1c > 9.0%) compared to those with good glycemic control. IgG and IgM levels in diabetic HIV seropositive subjects were highest compared with other groups. Conclusion: The increased IL-6, CRP, IgG, IgM and decreased CD4+ T cell counts observed in co-morbidity suggest that HIV and T2D co-morbidity exacerbate the immune and inflammatory impairment observed in either disease entity. KeyWords: Diabetes; HIV; co-morbidity; immune responses; inflammation; glycemic control.