Immune activation in HIV/HCV-infected patients is associated with low-level expression of liver expressed antimicrobial peptide-2 (LEAP-2).

ABSTRACT:

Background

Immune activation is one of the main features of HIV/Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections and has been linked to the disturbance of the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT). In chronic HIV infection, loss of GALT integrity results in translocation of microbial products and chronic immune activation. We explored the relationship between bacterial translocation and specific colonic proteins, including liver expressed antimicrobial peptide (LEAP 2) which may play a role in modulating the bacterial translocation process.

Methods

A total of 40 subjects (10 HIV/HCV, 10 HIV, 10 HCV-infected patients and 10 controls) were enrolled and underwent serum and colonic tissue sampling. The levels of immune activation were evaluated by measuring plasma sCD27, and the levels of sel

SUBMITTER: Shata MT 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3987848 | biostudies-literature | 2013 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature