Increased Apoptosis in Lymphocytes of HIV-1 Infected Patients
Author Information
Author(s): L. F. te Velde, I. Vermes, C. Haanen, C. P. M. Reutelingsperger, C. H. H. ten Napel
Primary Institution: Medical Spectrum Twente, Hospital Group, Enschede; and University of Limburg, Maastricht, The Netherlands
Hypothesis
Is the level of early apoptotic peripheral blood lymphocytes higher in HIV-1 infected patients compared to healthy controls?
Conclusion
HIV-1 infected patients have a significantly higher percentage of early apoptotic lymphocytes compared to healthy controls.
Supporting Evidence
- The median percentage of apoptotic lymphocytes in HIV-infected patients was 16.8%, compared to 2.1% in healthy controls.
- Eleven out of twelve patients had a CD4+ count of less than 400 cells/mm3.
- All patients had CD8+ cell counts in the normal range.
Takeaway
This study found that people with HIV have more dying immune cells in their blood than healthy people.
Methodology
Flow cytometric assay was used to measure early apoptotic lymphocytes in HIV-1 infected individuals and healthy controls.
Limitations
The study involved a small sample size and was limited to a specific group of HIV-infected individuals.
Participant Demographics
Twelve HIV-1 infected individuals and ten healthy controls were included in the study.
Statistical Information
P-Value
<0.01
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
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