EVALUATION OF SERUM AMYLOID A LEVEL IN COMPARISON WITH C- REACTIVE PROTEIN AS INFLAMMATORY MARKERS IN SUBJECTS WITH HIV INFECTION

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has been associated with high oxidative stress in HIV patients. The disparity in antioxidant-oxidant levels in HIV patients favours viral replication and disease progression. Serum amyloid A (SAA) is a plasma proteins known as acute phase proteins that increase during systemic inflammation. This study was aimed to compare serum amyloid A and C-reactive protein as inflammatory markers in subject with HIV infection. A total of fifty (50) HIV subjects and thirty (30) age and sex matched controls were recruited into this case control study. 5ml of venous blood was collected from each subject and control using ante-cubital veins. Plasma sample collected was dispensed into appropriate sample bottles. The analysis of inflammatory biomarkers (SAA, CRP) and oxidative stress biomarkers (SOD, MDA, CAT, GPx and H2O2) was determined using standard laboratory procedures. Statistical analysis of data was done appropriately and P value less than 0.05 considered significant. The mean levels of MDA (3.20±0.62µmol/L ) and H2O2 (4.83±1.38µmol/L) were significantly higher in HIV subjects when compared to non-HIV subjects while the mean levels of SOD, GPx and CAT were significantly lower. Also, the mean CRP and SAA were higher in HIV subjects when compared with the control group. Spearman correlation showed significant positive correlation between CRP and (MDA=0.021 and GPx=0.034 ). Findings from this study, revealed an increase in inflammatory protein markers (CRP and SAA), lipid peroxidation makers, and a decrease in antioxidant status. The increase in inflammatory protein markers, lipid peroxidation, and decrease in antioxidant indicators showed an increase in inflammation and oxidative stress in the HIV participants' body system.