HIV infection is associated with reduced serum alpha-1-antitrypsin concentrations.
OBJECTIVE
Several observations suggest the presence of HIV-suppressive factors in the fluid phase of blood. Alpha-1-antitrypsin (AAT), the most abundant serine protease inhibitor in the circulation, has potent anti-HIV activity in vitro, and may function as an endogenous HIV suppressor. Therefore, we assessed serum AAT concentrations for association with HIV infection.


METHODS
In this cross-sectional study, serum AAT concentrations were measured in 66 persons with HIV infection and in 45 healthy persons (Controls). In the HIV-infected group, antiretroviral therapy (ART) use was assessed and CD4+ T cell levels and plasma HIV RNA were quantified.


RESULTS
Median AAT concentration was significantly lower in the HIV-infected group (1.64 mg/mL) in comparison with Controls (1.94 mg/mL; p=0.001). AAT reduction was most pronounced in the HIV-infected subgroup with CD4+ T cell levels > 200 cells/µL in comparison with Controls (p < 0.01). Serum AAT concentrations < 1.0 mg/mL are clinically significant, and concentrations below this level were identified in 4.5% of the HIV-infected group and in no Control subjects. No association between AAT levels and viral load or use of ART was observed in HIV-infected subjects.


CONCLUSIONS
The association between reduced serum AAT concentration and HIV infection is consistent with a role for AAT as an endogenous HIV suppressor.
Department of Medicine, Denver Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 1055 Clermont Street, Denver, CO 80220, USA.
Courtney L
CL
Bryan
K Scott
KS
Beard
Gregory B
GB
Pott
Jeremy
J
Rahkola
Edward M
EM
Gardner
Edward N
EN
Janoff
Leland
L
Shapiro
D000328:Adult; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D004797:Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin / Q000097:blood*
D000515:alpha 1-Antitrypsin