Redox status alterations in Cuban HIV patients: The impact of aging and antiretroviral therapy

Context: Pro-oxidant mechanisms play a critical role in the pathogenesis of HIV infection, and both antiretroviral therapy (ART) and aging have been implicated in exacerbating systemic oxidative stress. Aims: To characterize plasma redox status in HIV-infected Cuban patients receiving ART, with comparisons between individuals younger and older than 50 years of age, as well as with age- and sex-matched HIV-negative controls. Methods: A case–control study was conducted involving 120 participants divided into four groups: HIV-positive patients aged <50 and ≥50 years, and HIV-negative controls in the same age ranges. Biomarkers of oxidative stress, hematological and biochemical parameters, and markers of HIV progression were evaluated using standardized assays. Results: HIV-positive individuals exhibited significantly elevated markers of oxidative damage and altered antioxidant responses compared to controls (p < 0.05), with more pronounced imbalances observed in the ≥50 age group. Among HIV-positive participants over 50, 66% demonstrated simultaneous alterations across multiple redox biomarkers. No significant correlations were found between oxidative stress indicators and CD4⁺ T-cell counts, viral load, or other clinical parameters (p > 0.05), which remained within normal reference ranges across all groups. Conclusions: Aged HIV-infected patients under ART showed marked redox imbalance, suggesting reduced antioxidant capacity and increased oxidative damage. These findings support the inclusion of redox monitoring as a component of clinical assessment in older individuals living with HIV.