ABSTRACT
HIV patients are predisposed to the development of hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia as a result of both viral infection and HIV infection therapy, especially the protease inhibitors. Chemokines and cytokines are present at sites of inflammation and can influence the nature of the inflammatory response in atherosclerosis. We investigated the correlation between biochemical variables and beta-chemokines (MIP-1alpha and RANTES) and the apolipoprotein E genotype in HIV-infected individuals. The apolipoproteins were measured by nephelometry. Triglycerides and total cholesterol were determined by standard enzymatic procedures. The beta-chemokines were detected by ELISA. The genetic category of CCR5 and apolipoprotein E were determined by PCR amplification and restriction enzymes. Immunological and virological profiles were assessed by TCD4+ and TCD8+ lymphocyte counts and viral load quantification. Positive correlations were found between apo E and CD8+ (p = 0.035), apo E and viral load (p = 0.018), MIP-1alpha and triglycerides (p = 0.039) and MIP-1a and VLDL (p = 0.040). Negative correlations were found between viral load and CD4+ (p = 0.05) and RANTES and CD4+ (p = 0.029). The beta-chemokine levels may influence lipid metabolism in HIV-infected individuals.