Circulating cytokines in pulmonary tuberculosis according to HIV status and dietary iron content
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
10-1-2009
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) serology, dietary iron and serum concentrations of markers of T-helper type (Th) 1 and Th-2 immune pathways in the setting of tuberculosis (TB). METHODS: A total of 49 patients with pulmonary TB in rural Zimbabwe, 32 of whom were HIV-positive, were evaluated at presentation and over 10 weeks of anti-tuberculosis treatment. RESULTS: Interleukin (IL) 12 and neopterin, Th-1 markers, were both elevated at presentation in 92% of the subjects. In contrast, only 23% had elevation of the Th-2 marker, IL-4. Neopterin and IL-6 concentrations decreased over 10 weeks of treatment (P ≤ 0.005), but IL-12 and NO2/NO3 increased (P ≤ 0.012). IL-12 and neopterin concentrations were higher in HIV-positive subjects compared to HIV-negative subjects (P < 0.0001), while IL-4 concentrations were lower (P = 0.001). Patients were classified as having high vs. normal dietary iron based on the consumption of iron-rich traditional beer. IL-12 and NO2/NO3 concentrations were lower with high dietary iron (P ≤ 0.002). HIV-positive individuals with high dietary iron had lower neopterin concentrations compared to HIV-positive individuals with low dietary iron (P < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Increased iron in pulmonary TB may lead to attenuation of the Th-1 immune response, especially with HIV seropositivity. Iron status may be an important but under-evaluated risk factor in the course of TB and HIV infection. © 2009 The Union.
Recommended Citation
Gordeuk, Victor R.; Moyo, V. M.; Nouraie, M.; Gangaidzo, I. T.; Murphree, N. L.; Gomo, Z. A.R.; Boelaert, J. R.; and Weiss, G., "Circulating cytokines in pulmonary tuberculosis according to HIV status and dietary iron content" (2009). The Center For Sickle Cell Disease Faculty Publications. 129.
https://dh.howard.edu/sicklecell_fac/129
