Utility of Plasma Level of Macromolecules to Predict Dysmetabolism and Energy Imbalance among Individuals Living with HIV at Nnewi, Nigeria
Uchenna Modestus Ezugwu
Department of Laboratory Research Services, Cambridge University Hospital, Cambridge, Cambridge Shire, United Kingdom.
Onyebuchi Desmond Chikezie *
Faculty of Medical Laboratory Science, Chemical Pathology Department, Abia State University, Abia State, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: HIV infection is well-documented to disrupt normal metabolic processes and elevate energy demands, with these effects becoming more pronounced as the disease advances. The present investigation measured circulating concentrations of Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide (NADH), Flavin Adenine Dinucleotide (FAD), Acetyl-CoA (ACA), and Adenosine Diphosphate (ADP) in a cohort of HIV-positive individuals.
Methods: A longitudinal, prospective case-controlled design was adopted, enrolling 77 HAART-naive, HIV-seropositive adults (aged 18–60 years) attending the antiretroviral treatment clinic at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria, alongside 36 HIV-seronegative healthy volunteers serving as controls. NADH, FAD, ACA, and ADP concentrations were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and overall energy balance was estimated through a validated mathematical formula. All data were analyzed with SPSS version 23.0.
Results: ACA and NADH concentrations were significantly reduced (P<0.05) in HIV-infected individuals (both HAART and Naïve groups) regardless of treatment status relative to controls. ADP and FAD levels were additionally depressed (P<0.05) in patients who had completed 12 months of HAART compared with both the pre-treatment HIV cohort and healthy controls. Calculated energy balance scores were markedly lower (P<0.05) across all HIV groups versus controls, with post-treatment patients recording the greatest significantly energy deficit compared to their treatment-naive counterparts.
Conclusion: Statistically significant alterations in key metabolic macromolecules among HIV subjects—both prior to and during antiretroviral therapy suggests metabolic disruption. These findings indicate that circulating levels of NADH, ADP, ACA, and FAD hold promise as accessible biomarkers for detecting early energy deficits and guiding nutritional or therapeutic interventions in HIV-infected populations.
Keywords: HIV, energy balance, NAD, FAD, Acetyl-coA, ADP