Serum levels of lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide metabolites and enzymatic antioxidants in subjects infected with HIV

Background: HIV/AIDS remains a major health challenge worldwide, particularly in resource-limited settings and where rates of oxidative stress, secondary to chronic immune activation and inflammation, may exacerbate its impact. This study examines the disparity between oxidative stress indices and enzymatic antioxidant activities in individuals infected with HIV and its possible role in disease progression. Methods: A cross-sectional study was carried out in 80 individuals (50 HIV-infected and 30 controls). Serum hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were quantified by spectrophotometric methods. SPSS was used for statistical comparisons and correlation analyses. Results: The mean serum levels of MDA (3.20±0.62 µmol/L), H₂O₂ (4.83±0.63 µmol/L), and NO (36.47±5.83 µmol/L) in HIV-infected patients were significantly elevated compared to the control group, which had levels of 1.70±0.31 µmol/L, 3.34±0.28 µmol/L, and 26.83±4.14 µmol/L, respectively (p<0.001). On the other hand, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD: 1.99±0.39 U/ml, CAT: 39.66±1.38 U/L, GPx: 2.06±0.35 U/ml) were significantly reduced in HIV-infected individuals compared to controls (p<0.001). A significant positive correlation between MDA and GPx was identified (r=0.317, p=0.025). Conclusions: This study emphasizes the necessity of targeted antioxidant therapies to mitigate oxidative damage and enhance clinical outcomes in HIV-infected individuals, thereby emphasizing a critical oxidative stress imbalance.