Surfactant Protein D and Mannose Binding Lectin Levels in AIDS Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Jambo Kondwani C, French Neil, Zijlstra Ed, Gordon Stephen B
Primary Institution: Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Clinical Research Programme
Hypothesis
Reduced levels of collectins in BAL might result in increased susceptibility to pneumonia among AIDS patients.
Conclusion
SP-D levels are increased in lung fluid from AIDS patients but not in patients with early HIV infection, and MBL levels are not altered by HIV infection or AIDS.
Supporting Evidence
- SP-D levels were significantly higher in AIDS patients compared to normal subjects.
- MBL levels in serum were not significantly different between HIV-uninfected and HIV-infected individuals.
Takeaway
This study looked at two proteins in the lungs of AIDS patients. They found one protein was higher in AIDS patients, but the other didn't change with HIV.
Methodology
Blood and bronchoalveolar lavage samples were collected from 19 HIV-infected and 17 HIV-uninfected individuals, and levels of SP-D and MBL were measured.
Limitations
The study did not include patients on anti-retroviral therapy, and the sample size was relatively small.
Participant Demographics
19 HIV-infected individuals and 17 HIV-uninfected individuals, all with normal chest X-ray.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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