Complex interactions between malnutrition; infection and immunity: relevance to HIV/AIDS infection

ABSTRACT

Various grades of protein-energy malnutrition; usually complicated by concurrent micronutrient deficiencies; occur extensively in Nigerian populations who are consequently; immunologically compromised. The affected individuals present with marked tissue depletion of the antioxidant nutrients; including glutathione ((-glutamyl-cysteinyl-glycine) and its enzymes. HIV infection in deprived subjects intensifies the nutritional deficits and further enhances cellular oxidative stress. The latter; by modifying the functions of such transcription factors as NF-9B; contributes to HIV replication and acceleration of disease progression. In the HIV-infected individual who is usually anorexic; the marshalling of nutrient resources from endogenous sources to promote optimal immune function is of high importance; but this is compromised in the malnourished. The importance of good nutrition in HIV management in Nigeria is not diminished by the advent of antiretroviral drugs; whose metabolic effects on underprivileged; malnourished subjects are yet to be carefully characterized