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

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.