Original Research Article
Year: 2017 | Month: July | Volume: 7 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 67-71
The Effects of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy on the Activities of Some Liver Enzymes and the Concentrations of Protein and Albumin in HIV Positive Patients in Nsukka South East Nigeria
Aniagolu Miriam O1, Ugwuene Francis O2, Ikegwuonu Ifeoma C3
1Department of Chemical Pathology, 2Department of Medical Microbiology,
Enugu State University of Science and Technology (ESUT) Enugu, Nigeria.
3Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences College of Medicine University of Nigeria Enugu Campus.
Corresponding Author: Aniagolu Miriam O
ABSTRACT
Some biological changes are observed during human immuno deficiency virus (HIV) infection. Once cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4+) count decreased to 500 cells/mm3 (highly active antiretroviral therapy) (HAART) is initiated. This work tried to elucidate the effect of HAART on some of the biochemical changes caused by HIV infection. 63 subjects comprising, 20 apparently healthy control subjects and 43 HIV positive subjects ready to be placed on HAART (these subjects attended HIV clinic in Bishop Shanahan Hospital Nsukka) were recruited for the study. A known volume of blood, 10ml was collected from each subject through venepuncture prior to the initiation of HAART (basal sample) then 4 and 8 months into the administration of HAART. The activities and concentrations of the following biochemical parameters: Aspartate amino transferase (AST), Alanine, amino transferase (ALT), total protein and albumin, were determined. CD4+ count was also determined at each presentation. The results showed that CD4+ count increased significantly from baseline to 8 months into treatment (p < 0.05), ALT and AST increased from baseline to 4 months into treatment, but decreased by the 8th month, (ALT: p < 0.05) (AST: p > 0.05). Total protein and albumin increased significantly from baseline to 8 months into treatment (p < 0.05). Even though the studied parameters improved because of treatment they were still significantly different from the observations made for the healthy control subjects (p < 0.05). Hence treatment with HAART amounted to a positive prognosis for HIV/AIDS infection as it concerns liver enzymes and plasma protein and albumin.
Key words: HIV/AIDS, HAART, CD4+, AST, ALT, TOTAL PROTEIN, ALBUMIN.