Human Paraoxonase-1 Activity Is Related to the Number of CD4+ T-Cells and Is Restored by Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-1-Infected Individuals

Abstract EN

Background.

Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) activity is suggested to be altered in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1).

We investigated PON1 activity in individuals receiving different regimens of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

Methods.

PON1 activity was evaluated in 91 HIV-1 seronegative and 624 HIV-1 infected individuals (115 were not undergoing therapy (ART-naïve), and 509 were receiving HAART).

HIV-1 infected individuals were treated with the following: efavirenz (EFV; n=195) or nevirapine (NVP; n=95) or lopinavir/ritonavir (LOP/r; n=219).

Serum levels of total cholesterol (TC), HDL, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) fractions and the atherogenic indices (AI, TC : HDL, and LDL : HDL ratios) were determined.

Results.

PON1 activity (U/L) was lower in the ART-naïve group compared with the other groups.

PON1 activity correlated with CD4+ T-cell number of ART-naïve group (r=0,121; P=0,014).

The LOP/r group showed a reduction in HDL and an increase in AI (TC : HDL ratio) in comparison with other groups.

Conclusion.

PON1 activity was reduced in untreated individuals, but not in individuals receiving HAART.

PON1 activity correlated with the number of CD4+ T-cells.

The findings suggest that the activity of PON1 is associated with the immune status of HIV-1 infected individuals.