Daily variations of gut microbial translocation markers in ART-treated HIV-infected people

Abstract

Background Gut microbial translocation and increased intestinal barrier permeability are significant contributors to inflammatory non-AIDS co-morbidities in people living with HIV (PLWH). However, daily variations of markers of bacterial and fungal translocation along with intestinal damage are not characterized yet. Herein, we assessed the variation of these markers over 24 hours in PLWH receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in a well-controlled environment. Methods A total of 11 male ART-treated PLWH were recruited for the study. Blood samples were collected every 4 hours over 24 hours before snacks/meals from 8:00 in the morning to 8:00 the next day. All participants consumed similar meals at set times, and had a comparable amount of sleep, physical exercise and light exposure. Plasma levels of bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and fungal (1→3)-β-D-Glucan (BDG) translocation markers, along with markers of intestinal damage fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP) and regenerating islet-derived protein-3α (REG3α) were assessed by ELISA or the fungitell assay. Results Plasma levels of BDG and REG3α were stable during the day. In contrast, plasma levels of LPS and I-FABP were subject to daily variations, with the lowest levels at 12:00 and 16:00, respectively, and the highest levels at 00:00 and 4:00-8:00, respectively. Conclusions Conversely to the fungal translocation marker BDG and the gut damage marker REG3α, time of blood collection matters for the proper evaluation for LPS and I-FABP as markers for the risk of inflammatory non-AIDS co-morbidities. These insights are instrumental for orienting clinical investigations in PLWH.

Glucan rich nutrition does not increase gut translocation of beta‐glucan

“…Robust markers of microbial translocation that do not require timing and are not influenced by diet are needed to gauge levels of microbial translocation in certain patients. In a recent study measuring daily variations of microbial translocation and gut damage markers in 11 PWH receiving ART, we determined that BDG remained stable across 24 hours, including after food intake as well as during sleep, while LPS showed variations 42 …”

Potential benefit of β-glucans as adjuvant therapy in immuno-oncology: a review

“…β-glucans have been also studied as modulators of human immunodeficency virus (HIV)-associated immune dysfunction. In fact, they are involved in regulation of gut barrier permeability [18] and might be responsible for microbial translocation from the gastrointestinal tract into systemic circulation. It has been supposed an interesting role of β-glucans in the pathogenesis of non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (non-AIDS) events, but further studies are needed to explore their contribution in HIV infection and course [19][20][21].…”