Contraceptive Use and Pregnancy Incidence among VOICE Participants in Uganda.
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Date
2014
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AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses,
Abstract
Background: Vitamin D (VitD) is an endogenous immunomodulator that could protect from HIV-1 infection. We recently
found that high levels of VitD and its receptor are associated
with natural resistance to HIV-1 infection; up-regulation of the
anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10, and the induction of defensins
in mucosa might be part of the mechanisms involved in this
association. However, several other molecules might be involved in this protection.
Methods: To further explore this issue, a case-control study
using samples of 58 HIV-1-exposed but seronegative (HESN)
individuals, and 59 non-exposed healthy controls (HCs) was
carried out. mRNA relative units (RU) of APOBEC3G, ELAFIN, TRIM5alfa, SAMHD1 and Catelicidin in peripheral blood
mononuclear cells (PBMCs), oral and genital mucosa were
quantified by qRT-PCR. Circulating VitD and mRNA levels of
VDR were previously reported and used for correlations.
Results: HESNs had significantly higher mRNA RU of the antiviral molecules APOBEC3G and ELAFIN in PBMCs and
SAMHD1 and Catelicidin in oral mucosa compared to HCs.
Positive correlation between VDR and ELAFIN mRNA in
PBMCs of HESNs was found.
Conclusions: These results suggest at high levels of APOBEC3G, ELAFIN, SAMHD1, and Catelicidin are associated
with natural resistance to HIV-1 infection. VitD may be upregulating the expression of ELAFIN as observed for other
anti-HIV-1 molecules. However, further studies are required to
define causal associations.
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Citation
Akello, C. A., Bunge, K. E., Nakabiito, C., Mirembe, B. G., Fowler, M. G., Mishra, A., ... & Balkus, J. E. (2014). Contraceptive Use and Pregnancy Incidence among VOICE Participants in Uganda. AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses, 30(S1), A100-A100.