Publication
Title
Is vitamin D deficiency involved in the immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome?
Author
Abstract
Background About 20-30% of persons with HIV infection, especially those living in countries with limited resources, experience an immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) after starting antiretroviral treatment. The active form of vitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, is a key player in clearance of pathogens and influences the level of inflammation and macrophage activation. Presentation of the hypothesis We hypothesize that low availability of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, either due to vitamin D deficiency or to polymorphisms in vitamin D receptor or its activating/inactivating enzymes, contributes to the appearance of IRIS. Furthermore, drug interactions with vitamin D enzymatic pathways could favour the development of IRIS. Testing the hypothesis Our hypothesis could be explored by a case-control study to assess the prevalence of vitamin D deficiency in HIV-infected patients on antiretroviral treatment who develop and do not develop IRIS. Implications of the hypothesis If the role of vitamin D in IRIS is confirmed, we would be able to screen patients at risk for IRIS by screening for vitamin D deficiency. After confirmation by means of a clinical trial, vitamin D supplementation could be a cheap and safe way to reduce the incidence of IRIS.
Language
English
Source (journal)
Aids research and therapy. - London
Publication
London : 2009
ISSN
1742-6405
DOI
10.1186/1742-6405-6-4
Volume/pages
6 (2009) , p. 4,1-4,18
Full text (Publisher's DOI)
Full text (open access)
UAntwerpen
Faculty/Department
Research group
Publication type
Subject
Affiliation
Publications with a UAntwerp address
External links
Record
Identifier
Creation 29.04.2009
Last edited 07.10.2022
To cite this reference