Comparison of oxidative stress and viral load in HIV infected individuals with and without antiretroviral therapy

• Author Details:   
• Kiran Kumar M. G ^*
• Sivasubramaniyan G
• Sribal Selvarajan
• Sundaravalli Pandi

---

Background: This study investigates the relationship between oxidative stress and viral load in HIV-infected individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy (ART) compared to those not receiving ART. Oxidative stress, characterised by an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and antioxidant defences, plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of HIV and its related complications. This study aims to compare oxidative stress levels and HIV viral load in individuals receiving ART with that not on therapy, to assess the impact of ART on oxidative stress markers and HIV replication. And also to understanding the relationship between ART, oxidative stress, and viral load is crucial for evaluating the long-term biochemical effects of HIV treatment and optimizing therapeutic strategies.

Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 samples were included. The viral load was measured using real-time PCR, and the CD4 count was found using the flow cytometric technique Additionally, ELISA was used to detect the oxidative stress biomarker protein carbonyl. It is evaluated by comparing the viral load and CD4 count with and without ART, and then measuring the protein carbonyl.

Result: The study indicate that CD4 cell counts were significantly higher in HIV patients receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART), with a (p< 0>

Conclusions: The study concluded that oxidative stress is higher in HIV-1 including those who are not taking ART then the participant taking ART. Our study findings are opposite to other studies hence concluding research in a higher number of samples will help to understand the role of oxidative stress in HIV-1 individuals.

Keywords: Oxidative stress, HIV, Protein carbonyl assay.