Potential immune modulatory effect of vitamin D in HIV infection: A review

Abstract

Vitamin D is a fat soluble hormone that is majorly involved in the classical function of calcium and phosphorus hemostasis and bone mineralization as well non classical functions of immune modulation in various viral and autoimmune diseases. Both innate and adaptive immunity is aided by vitamin D. Deficiency of vitamin D is not only linked with bone and muscle disorders but it has a critical role in many infectious and noninfectious diseases. A growing body of literature suggests vitamin D deficiency in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients. HIV affects 36.7 million people worldwide. Currently a valuation of 0.13 million people are infected with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in Pakistan. Various studies showed that hypovitaminosis D may aggravate the disease severity in HIV patients by compromising the immune system. Calcidiol supplementation is credibly a promising adjuvant of combination anti-retroviral therapy (cART) for the treatment of HIV by increasing CD4 T-cells and lowering the viral load. This review accentuates vitamin D's functions as an immune modulator in HIV, the effect of hypovitaminosis D in diseases severity, and its supplementation impact on the treatment of HIV infected patients.

Potential Advantages of a Well-balanced Nutrition Regimen for People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type -1

“…Vitamin D in monocytes diminishes HIV-1 risk by impeding viral entry, restricting CD4 receptor expression, and reducing monocyte proliferation. TLR8 agonists are expected to inhibit HIV-1 infection via a CAMP and vitamin D-mediated autophagy pathway in macrophages [ 164 , 165 ]. Additionally, vitamin D induces autophagy in macrophages, acting as a barrier against HIV-1 infection [ 156 ].…”

Bone Health in People Living with HIV/AIDS: An Update of Where We Are and Potential Future Strategies

“…ARV, older age, lower BMI, lower latitude and male sex may represent risk factors for low vitamin D in PLWHIV [ 82 ]. There is considerable research interest in the role of vitamin D as an immunomodulator in HIV, as it decreases inflammation, decreases bone marker turnover and improves the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism [ 83 , 84 ]. Furthermore, the decrease in vitamin D plasma levels was also found to be associated with an increase in the production of cytokines [ 85 ].…”

Prevalence and risk factors of vitamin D deficiency among living with HIV adults receiving antiretroviral treatment in tropical area: Cross-sectional study

“…The etiology of VDD in people with HIV is similar to that in the general population without HIV. However, it has been noted that several antiretroviral (ARV) drugs may contribute to the development of VDD [ 9 ]. Vitamin D metabolism involves the participation of the enzyme cytochrome P450 monooxygenase.…”