Restoring Cytokine Balance in HIV-Positive Individuals with Low CD4 T Cell Counts.

HIV infects and destroys CD4+ T cells leading to a compromised immune system. In a double-blinded study, a group of HIV-infected individuals with CD4+ T cell counts below 350 cells/mm were given either an empty liposomal supplement or a liposomal glutathione (L-GSH) supplement to take over a 3-month period. Baseline measurements in HIV-positive subjects show a significant decrease in levels of interleukin (IL)-12, IL-2, and interferon (IFN)-γ, along with a substantial increase in the levels of IL-6, IL-10, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, and free radicals, compared to healthy individuals.

Data on pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-17, and IL-6 in the peripheral blood of HIV-infected individuals.

Our most recent data indicate differences in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-17, and IL-6) and malondialdehyde (MDA), a stable end-product of lipid peroxidation in the plasma samples between HIV positive individuals with low CD4 T cell counts <200 mm(3) and HIV positive individuals with CD4 T cell counts between 200 and 300 mm(3) (ee). The data lend support and provide valuable correlation between CD4 T cell counts and the levels of inflammatory cytokines in HIV positive individuals.