We demonstrated that the levels of enzymes responsible for the synthesis of glutathione (GSH) such as glutathione synthase (GSS), glutamate-cysteine ligase-catalytic subunit (GCLC), and glutathione reductase (GSR) were significantly reduced in the red blood cells (RBCs) isolated from individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and this reduction correlated with decreased levels of intracellular GSH. GSH content in RBCs can be used as a marker for increased overall oxidative stress and immune dysfunctions caused by HIV infection. Our data supports our hypothesis that compromised levels of GSH in HIV infected individuals’ is due to decreased levels of GSH-synthetic enzymes. The role of GSH in combating oxidative stress and improving the functions of immune cells in HIV patients’ indicates the benefit of an antioxidant supplement which can reduce the cellular damage and promote the functions of immune cells.

Ovarian Vein Thrombosis (OVT) is an extremely rare and uncommon thrombotic condition commonly attributed to the postpartum period. We report a case of a 30 yr old P2002 who presented with one day history of fever, chills, vomiting, abdominal and left flank pain. Patient had a preterm vaginal birth at 34 weeks gestation, four days prior to her presentation. Patient was febrile on presentation with left CVA tenderness and diffuse abdominal tenderness. Pelvic Ultrasound showed enlarged uterus 14.7cm x 10.9cm x 8.5cm consistent with a postpartum uterus, with heterogeneous endometrium 2.3 cm, no retained products and normal adnexa. CT scan with contrast showed fluid along the anterior aspect of the left anterior kidney, left psoas muscle and extending down to the left side of the uterus and extending to the region of the left renal vein which confirmed left ovarian thrombosis. A CT Chest with contrast and bilateral lower extremity Doppler ruled out pulmonary embolism and deep vein thrombosis, respectively.The patient was admitted, treated with antibiotics and therapeutic dose of low molecular weight heparin (Enoxaparin) and responded well. Patient was discharged home on oral apixaban. The clinical presentation of OVT is non-specific and can be similar to that of acute pyelonephritis. Physicians should have a high index of suspicion in postpartum patients presenting with flank pain and imaging techniques such as MRI, CT scan and ultrasound should be used to help in making the diagnosis.