Aim:To assess the effect of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on CD 4 + cell count and liver enzymes in HIV-infected patients six months post-therapy based on age and sex distribution. Methods: A cohort of 200 (66 males, 134 females) consenting HAART naïve patients, aged between 16 and 65 years with confirmed cases of HIV infection (by Western blot method) at Lokoja, Nigeria having a baseline CD 4 + cell counts ≤350 cells/µL were initiated on HAART for six months. Two blood samples were collected, one at pre-HAART (baseline) and the other at post-HAART (follow-up) phase. CD 4 + cells were counted and liver enzymes levels were evaluated using the Partec® Cyflow Counter and Reflotron® Plus Auto-Analyzer, respectively. Results: The immunological outcome of 6 months HAART shows that there was slight increase (statistically, considered not significant, P>0.05) in the post-HAART mean±SEMCD 4 + cell count in the different age and sex strata investigated, when comparison was made with the pre-HAART mean±SEMCD 4 + cell count. Also, the post HAART liver function test show that the liver enzymes levels were not significantly (P>0.05) elevated when compared to the baseline values. Conclusion: Six months of HAART repleted CD 4 + cell counts of HIV-infected patients of different age and sex strata, with no risk of liver damage.

The present study was designed to determine the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, serum c reactive protein (CRP) and CD4 + T cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus in a view to assessing the complications associated with the non specific activation of CD4 + T cells. A total of 80 subjects aged between 18 and 50 years gave their consent to participate in the study. They consist of 40 known type 2 diabetes mellitus and 40 aged matched apparently healthy control subjects on routine checkup. Malondialdehyde concentration was determined by spectrophotometric method. Serum c reactive protein was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. CD4 + T cells were estimated using Partec cyflow counter. There was a significant increase in MDA concentration, CRP and CD4 + T cells in type 2 diabetes mellitus subjects when compared with the aged matched control group (P < 0.05). Type 2 diabetes mellitus causes an increased production of free radicals which is possibly linked to the complications associated with non specific activation of CD4 + T cells.

To assess the effect of stress on serum cortisol level and CD4 cell count in young male postgraduate students at Igbinedion University, a cross sectional laboratory based analysis survey was adopted for this study. A total of 104 male volunteer postgraduate students (age 22 + 7.0 years, body mass index 26 + 0.5 kg/m 2) were randomly recruited. Total white blood cell (TWBC) was determined using the Sysmex® Automated Hematology Analyzer. CD4 cell count was estimated using Partec cyflow counter. Serum cortisol level was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. It was observed that there was a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the serum cortisol level at stage A (1 st day of the semester) when compared with stage B (midway in the semester) and C (morning of the examination), while there was significant (P < 0.05) decrease in the TWBC count and CD4 cell count at A stage when compared with stage B and C. It was observed that academic stress was inhibitory of the proliferation of CD4 cells with the elevation of serum cortisol as a possible mediator.

Aim:To evaluate the effect of exercise induced stress on serum cortisol level and CD4 cells in rats. Methods: A total of 21 male albino rats weighing 100±10g were used for the study. The exercise pre-conditioning was in the form of mere swimming. Serum cortisol was evaluated using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay. CD4 cell counts were estimated using Partec Cyflow counter, Germany for the quantification of CD4 T lymphocytes. Result: It was observed that, there was a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the serum cortisol level in Group 2 when compared with Group 1 and Group 3, while there was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the CD4 cell count in Group 2 when compared with Group 1 and Group 3. Conclusion: Solitary confinement and strenuous exercise were inhibitory to the proliferation of CD4 cells with the elevation of cortisol being a possible mediator.

Aim:To assess the effect of stress of examination on serum cortisol level and CD4 cell count in young male students at Igbinedion University. Methods: A cross sectional laboratory based analysis was adopted for this study. A total of 204 male undergraduate volunteers (age 22 + 1.0 years, body mass index 23 + 0.5 kg/m 2 ) were randomly recruited for the study. Total white blood cell (TWBC) was determined using the sysmex® Automated Hematology Analyzer. CD4 cell count was estimated using Partec cyflow counter, while serum cortisol level was determined by enzyme linked immuno sorbent assay technique. Results: There was a significant increase (P < 0.05) in the serum cortisol level at Stage A (1 st day of the semester) when compared with Stage B (midway in the semester) and Stage C (morning of the examination), while there was significant decrease (P < 0.05) in the TWBC count and CD4 cell count at Stage A when compared with Stage B and Stage C. Conclusion: The stress of examination inhibits proliferation of CD4 cells with the elevation of serum cortisol as a possible mediator.