olved in HIV-1/AIDS pathogenesis. Defensins are key molecules in d/or development of infection and disease. Using PCR-RFLPs, we d human β-defensin 1 (DEFB1) 5'UTR -52 G/A (rs1799946), -44 sms in three groups of women from the state of Sinaloa, located in s; ii) sex-workers; and iii) HIV-1 patients. The -52GG genotype (p= 0.023; Odds Ratio, OR= 0.49; 95% CI= 0.25-0.95), whereas thes (p= 0.013; OR= 2.03; 95% CI= 1.11−3.79, statistical power SP= = 0.017; OR= 1.60; 95% CI= 1.06−2.40), -20AA genotype (p= 0.047; otype with respect to healthy blood donors (p= 0.000012; OR= 5.82; rs (p= 0.019; OR= 2.18; 95% CI= 1.07-4.46). Conversely, the ACG patients (p= 0.009; OR= 0.55; 95% CI= 0.34-0.89). In addition, the viral load (p= 0.015), whereas AGA, AGG and GGA haplotypes were s (p= 0.004, 0.046, and 0.029, respectively). These findings associate Mexican women for the first time.HIV-1 resistance, AIDS, sex-workers. tion d is gly, to nce lthally 220 Abstract: Immunologic and genetic factors are involved in HIV-1/AIDS pathogenesis. Defensins are key molecules in innate immunity that participate in the control and/or development of infection and disease. Using PCR-RFLPs, we determined the association between HIV-1/AIDS and human β-defensin 1 (DEFB1) 5'UTR -52 G/A (rs1799946), -44 C/G (rs1800972), and -20 G/A (rs11362) polymorphisms in three groups of women from the state of Sinaloa, located in the Northwest region of Mexico: i) healthy blood donors; ii) sex-workers; and iii) HIV-1 patients. The -52GG genotype was more frequent in blood donors than in patients (p= 0.023; Odds Ratio, OR= 0.49; 95% CI= 0.25-0.95), whereas the -52GA genotype was significantly higher in patients (p= 0.013; OR= 2.03; 95% CI= 1.11−3.79, statistical power SP= 98.8%), as well as the frequencies of -20A allele (p= 0.017; OR= 1.60; 95% CI= 1.06−2.40), -20AA genotype (p= 0.047; OR = 2.02; 95% CI= 0.93−4.33) and the ACA haplotype with respect to healthy blood donors (p= 0.000012; OR= 5.82; 95% CI= 2.33-16.43, SP= 99.89%) and sex-workers (p= 0.019; OR= 2.18; 95% CI= 1. 07-4.46). Conversely, the ACG haplotype was higher in healthy blood donors than in patients (p= 0.009; OR= 0.55; 95% CI= 0.34-0.89). In addition, the -44CC genotype was associated with a low plasma viral load (p= 0.015), whereas AGA, AGG and GGA haplotypes were more prevalent in individuals with high CD4 counts (p= 0.004, 0.046, and 0.029, respectively). These findings associate DEFB1 5'UTR polymorphisms with HIV-1/AIDS in Mexican women for the first time.

C-C chemokine receptor type 5 (CCR5) is known for its role as a co-receptor for HIV-1 infection. Some individuals possess a 32 bp deletion, known as Delta-32 allele which has been reported to confer resistance to HIV-1 infection. In order to estimate the distribution of Delta-32 allele of CCR5 gene, 1034 mestizo individuals from the Northwest of Mexico, including 385 HIV-1-infected individuals, 472 healthy controls and 177 uninfected female sex workers; were examined by allele-specific PCR. There was no statistically significant difference in the frequency of Delta-32 allele between HIV-1 positive and healthy individuals (OR= 1.1, p= 0.6). However, we found a significantly reduced prevalence of CCR5 Delta-32 heterozygous genotype in female patients (OR= 0.084, 95% CI= 0.011 - 0.630, p= 0.002), as well as in allele frequency, compared to male patients. Furthermore, we observed an inverse relationship between allele frequency and the risk of HIV-1 transmission and AIDS progression among female healthy controls, sex workers and HIV-1 infected groups. Our findings support previous data showing Delta-32 as a genetic protective factor against HIV-1 infection in Mexican women, as well as in women from other populations.

<b><i>Objective:</i></b> To evaluate the association of the stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF1)-3′A polymorphism to HIV-1 infection, CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts, and viral load levels in a northwestern Mexican population. <b><i>Methods:</i></b> We investigated allele and genotype frequencies of the SDF1-3′A polymorphism in 634 mestizo individuals from Northwest Mexico (204 HIV-1 infected persons, 256 uninfected blood donors, and 174 uninfected female sex workers) by the PCR- RFLP method and compared them using a &#x03C7;² test. We also searched for correlations between the polymorphism and CD4+ T lymphocyte and viral load counts. <b><i>Results:</i></b> No differences were observed in the frequencies of alleles and genotypes between patients and controls. However, in female patients we found a significantly increased prevalence of both the A allele and GA heterozygous genotype compared to male patients, female blood donors, and female sex workers. <b><i>Conclusion:</i></b> Here we describe the association of the SDF1-3′A polymorphism with HIV-1 infection only in women, but not to CD4+ T-lymphocyte categories, viral load levels in patients with HIV-1/AIDS, or to exposure levels in female sex workers.

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