title: Beta-2 microglobulin as an immunological marker to assess the progression of human immunodeficiency virus infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) defines the end stage of Human immunodeficiency viral (HIV) infection before the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). This study was carried out to assess the serum β-2 microglobulin (B2M) as a marker for progression of HIV infected patients undergoing HAART.
  
  
  METHODS
  Blood samples were collected from 50 subjects of HIV infected patients residing at semi urban area undergoing treatment at Chellam Hospital, Salem, India. Twenty five age-matched healthy subjects were taken as control group. Serum B2M level was measured by using enzyme immunoassay, absolute CD4 and CD8 counts were carried out by single platform (SP) technology using a flow cytometer. Viral RNA was measured by real time PCR. The serum LDH level and total WBC count were also measured.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Our result showed a statistically high significant increase in B2M in HIV patients on HAART non complaint group whereas absolute CD4, CD8 count, CD4/CD8 ratio and WBC count were decreased significantly when compared to control and HAART complaint group. Statistically a significant negative correlation was observed between B2M and absolute CD4, CD8 count, CD4/CD8 ratio and WBC count. B2M showed a significantly positive correlation with viral RNA and LDH values.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The increase of B2M and reduced absolute CD4, CD8 count, CD4/CD8 ratio and WBC count in HIV patients on HAART non complaint group may have a contributory role in the immune progression of HIV with interruption of HAART. B2M plays an important role in the diagnosis of HIV and might indicate HIV progression.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, Penang International Dental College, Vinayaka Mission University, Salem-636308, TamilNadu, India.
authors.forename: Pachiappan
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chitra
authors.forename: Balakrishnan
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Bakthavatsalam
authors.forename: Thayumanavan
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Palvannan
mesh_terms: D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D016516:CD4-CD8 Ratio; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000378:metabolism; D018450:Disease Progression; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase / Q000378:metabolism; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D012367:RNA, Viral / Q000378:metabolism; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000097:blood*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D012367:RNA, Viral; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin; D007770:L-Lactate Dehydrogenase