Baum M, Shor-Posner G, Lai S, Lai H, Perez E, Page JB; International Conference on AIDS.

Int Conf AIDS. 1998; 12: 841 (abstract no. 42337).

University of Miami, FL, USA.

OBJECTIVE: Zinc is thought to promote activity of the HIV-1 virus. This trace element is, however, essential for maintaining a healthy immune system. As zinc deficiency is prevalent in HIV/AIDS, the aim of this study was to evaluate zinc status, disease progression and HIV-1 related mortality. DESIGN: A longitudinal study was conducted over 3.5 years in 118 HIV-1 seropositive men and women who abuse drugs. METHODS: Zinc intake was examined in relation to plasma zinc levels, CD4 cell count and HIV-related mortality. A multivariate Cox model, adjusted for age, sex, race and CD4 cell count over time was used to analyze the longitudinal data. RESULTS: Eighty-six percent of the HIV-1 infected drug users consumed dietary intake below the recommended dietary allowance and 56% of the group had plasma zinc levels considered deficient (< 0.75 microgram/ml). Plasma zinc levels were positively associated (p = 0.005) with CD4 cell count, and overtly low plasma zinc was associated (p = 0.002) with advanced disease (CD4 < 200 cells/mm3). While plasma zinc has been previously described as a marker of disease progression, those with higher intake of zinc over time, exhibited significantly higher levels of plasma zinc (p < 0.0001). In addition, low dietary zinc intake (below the median of 9.34 mg/day) was significantly associated with a dramatic risk for mortality (RH = 36.97, p < 0.03). CONCLUSIONS: The significant association between dietary and plasma zinc, and poor survival in HIV-1 infection indicates that adequate amounts of dietary zinc are needed to slow disease progression. Zinc therapy in HIV+ individuals who have overtly low plasma zinc levels needs to be investigated.

Publication Types:

• Meeting Abstracts

Keywords:

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
• CD4 Lymphocyte Count
• Disease Progression
• Female
• HIV
• HIV Infections
• HIV Seropositivity
• HIV-1
• Humans
• Longitudinal Studies
• Male
• Malnutrition
• Nutritional Status
• Proportional Hazards Models
• Substance-Related Disorders
• Vitamin A Deficiency
• Zinc
• mortality

Other ID:

• 98404321

UI: 102231135

From Meeting Abstracts