Research Article

Evaluation of some selected Immunological and Oxidative Stress profiles of HIV Patients in Part of Southern Nigeria

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection is characterized by chronic immune activation, which plays a pivotal role in disease progression and the depletion of CD4+ T cells. This persistent activation is marked by an elevated state of immune cells, increased release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and elevated oxidative stress. This study evaluated levels of Interleukin-10 (IL-10), Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), Malondialdehyde (MDA), Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), White Blood Cell count (WBC), Percentage Lymphocyte (LYM), and Packed Cell Volume (PCV) in HIV-infected individuals undergoing HAART. Participants were categorized into three groups: Stage I HIV patients (30), Stage II HIV patients (28), and HIV-negative controls (30). Serum levels of IL-10, TNF-α, MDA, TAC, WBC, LYM, and PCV were measured and statistically analyzed across these groups. Stage I patients exhibited significantly lower IL-10 levels compared to Stage II (p=0.021), while Stage II patients had higher IL-10 levels than controls (p=0.001). TNF-α levels were elevated in Stage II compared to both Stage I and controls (p=0.000), and higher in Stage I than controls (p=0.02). MDA levels were significantly higher in both HIV-positive groups compared to controls (p<0.05), indicating increased oxidative stress. TAC levels showed no significant differences across groups. WBC counts were higher in Stage I than Stage II (p<0.05) and lower in Stage II compared to controls (p<0.05). Percentage LYM were elevated in HIV-positive individuals relative to controls (p<0.05). No significant differences in PCV values were observed among the groups. Conclusively, the findings reveal distinct immunological and oxidative stress profiles in HIV-infected individuals on HAART, varying by disease stage. Elevated IL-10 and TNF-α levels in advanced stages suggest heightened inflammatory responses. Increased MDA levels highlight persistent oxidative stress despite therapy. These insights underscore the need for continuous monitoring and tailored therapeutic strategies to optimize patient outcomes.

Authors affiliation:

Sunday Onyemaechi Okparaku: Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. & Suncare Medical Diagnostics, Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria.
Kenneth Oshiokhayamhe Iyevhobu (ORCID): Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. & Suncare Medical Diagnostics, Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria.
Gloria Okeoghene Okparaku: Suncare Medical Diagnostics, Uromi, Edo State, Nigeria.
Kennedy Oberhiri Obohwemu (ORCID): Department of Interdisciplinary Research and Statistics, PENKUP Research Institute, Birmingham, United Kingdom.
Andrew Oseghale Eigbedion (ORCID): Department of Paediatrics, Faculty of Clinical Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria. & Department of Paediatrics, Irrua Specialist Teaching Hospital, Irrua, Edo State, Nigeria.
Imade Valentine Oni (ORCID): Department of Microbiology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State, Nigeria.

How To Cite: S.O. Okparaku, K.O. Iyevhobu, G.O. Okparaku, K.O. Obohwemu, A.O. Eigbedion, I.V. Oni. Evaluation of some selected Immunological and Oxidative Stress profiles of HIV Patients in Part of Southern Nigeria. Journal of Applied Health Sciences and Medicine, 6(9):9–14, 2026. https://doi.org/10.58614/jahsm693