ASSESSMENT OF ANTIOXIDANT CAPACITY, INFLAMMATION, AND DNA DAMAGE MARKERS INHUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS PATIENTS WITH ASSOCIATED COINFECTIONS ON COMBINED ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY IN LAGOS STATE

Abstract

Despite significant reductions in HIV-related morbidity and mortality due to the synergistic effects of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), approximately 1.5 million deaths from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection still occur annually. This study assessed the levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), high sensitivity C - reactive protein (hsCRP) and 8 hydroxy – 2’ deoxyguanosine (8OHdG) in HIV patients with coinfections in Lagos State. One hundred participants (n = 50 HIV patients, whle n = 50 healthy control without HIV infections) were assessed for total antioxidant capacity, high sensitive c-reactive protein and 8 hydroxy - 2 deoxyguanosine by analyzing their venous blood using standard methods. Risk behaviors included multiple sex partners (18% HIV vs. 8% control), smoking (6% HIV vs. 10% control), alcohol use (12% HIV vs. 8% control), and condom non-use (70% in both groups). HIV coinfections included HBV (12%) and HCV (4%). Most HIV diagnoses occurred in hospitals (72%). Only 6% were vaccinated against HBV. Independent sample t-test indicated no significant differences in TAC and HSCRP levels between the control and the HIV patients. In contrast, the HIV patients indicated significantly higher (p = 0.001) 8-OHdG levels compared with the control subjects. Data indicated significantly higher TAC (p = 0.046) and 8-OHdG (p < 0.001) in HIV patients coinfected with HBV compared with those without coinfection. However, no significant difference was observed in HSCRP between the two groups. Results also indicated significantly lower HSCRP (p = 0.004) in HIV patients coinfected with HBV compared with those without coinfection. On the other hand, no significant differences were observed in TAC and 8-OHdG between the two groups. Human immunodeficiency virus patients showed higher age, riskier lifestyles, and oxidative DNA damage. HBV coinfection increased TAC and 8-OHdG, while HCV coinfection reduced HSCRP, highlighting distinct biomarker profiles in coinfections.