Correlation between nitric oxide concentration (NO2 + NO3) in saliva and CD4+ count in HIV infected adult individuals of Mangalore, Karnataka, India

Abstract

a b s t r a c tAims: To investigate the correlation between nitric oxide concentration (NO 2 þ NO 3 ) in saliva and CD4þ count in HIV infected individuals. Study design: A cross-sectional study was carried out among 60 proven HIV-positive patients selected randomly from the ART centres. Methodology: Two groups e Control (n ¼ 30) and study group (n ¼ 60). The study group was divided into Group I (CD4þ count >200/cu.mm) and Group II (CD4þ count<200/cu.mm).Unstimulated saliva was collected and nitric oxide (NO 3 þ NO 3 ) was estimated by Griess method. Statistical analysis was performed using One-way ANOVA and Tukey's Multiple Comparison Test. Results: The mean level of nitric oxide (NO 2 þ NO 3 ) in control group was 43.95 ± 3.64 and in Group I with CD4 >200/cu.mm and Group II with CD4 <200/cu.mm was 51.98 ± 4.08 and 59.78 ± 4.18 respectively. 'p' value was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The mean difference between Control and Group I was À7.937 (P < 0.001), Control and Group II was À15.80 (P < 0.001) and Group I and Group II was À7.867 (P < 0.001) from Tukey's Multiple Comparison Test. Conclusions: From our study it is now evident that salivary nitric oxide (NO 2 þ NO 3 ) can serve as an indicator of HIV replication and saliva shows a strong potential to perform tests that are done currently in blood.