title: Beta-carotene in HIV infection.
abstract: beta-Carotene has been reported to have an immunostimulatory effect. Recent studies suggest that beta-carotene supplementation can increase CD4 counts in HIV-infected patients. Our double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial was designed to test the efficacy of beta-carotene in raising CD4 counts in HIV-infected patients. Twenty-one HIV-seropositive patients were randomized to receive either beta-carotene, 180 mg/day or placebo for 4 weeks, and then crossed over to receive the alternative treatment for the following 4 weeks. beta-Carotene resulted in a statistically significant increase in total WBC count (p = 0.01), % change in CD4 count (p = 0.02), and % change in CD4/CD8 ratios (p = 0.02) compared to placebo. The absolute CD4 count, absolute CD4/CD8 ratio, and total and B-lymphocytes all increased on carotene and fell during placebo, but these differences did not reach statistical significance. No toxicity was observed on either treatment. beta-Carotene appears to have an immunostimulatory effect in HIV-infected patients. Further studies are needed to demonstrate whether beta-carotene has a role as adjunct therapy in treatment of HIV-infected patients.
authors.affiliation: Division of Internal Medicine, Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland 97201-3098.
authors.forename: G O
authors.initials: GO
authors.lastname: Coodley
authors.forename: H D
authors.initials: HD
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: M O
authors.initials: MO
authors.lastname: Loveless
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Folk
mesh_terms: D002338:Carotenoids / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000097:blood; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D008297:Male; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects*; D019207:beta Carotene
chemical_list: D019207:beta Carotene; D002338:Carotenoids