The Effect of Tenidap on Cytokines, Acute‐Phase Proteins, and Virus Load in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)‐Infected Patients: Correlation between Plasma HIV‐1 RNA and Proinflammatory Cytokine Levels

Abstract

Proinflammatory cytokines may be important in the pathogenesis of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) disease. Tenidap decreases interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) production by peripheral blood mononuclear cells and decreases IL-6 plasma levels in rheumatoid arthritis patients. In this randomized double-blind study, 43 HIV-1-infected patients received tenidap (120 mg) or placebo daily for 6 weeks and then crossed over to the alternative therapy for an additional 6 weeks. Mean entry CD4 cell count was 140/microL. Analyses were performed on cytokines, acute-phase proteins, virus load, and CD4 cell counts. With the exception of small differences in plasma TNF levels, tenidap had no significant effect on these indices. Significant correlations of plasma IL-6 and TNF levels with HIV-1 RNA were noted. Six patients discontinued tenidap due to rash. The effects of tenidap in HIV-1 infection contrast to results in arthritis patients, in whom tenidap decreased plasma levels of IL-6 and acute-phase proteins.

Stability of Plasma Levels of Cytokines and Soluble Activation Markers in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

“…Plasma samples were obtained before and at baseline and at weeks 2 and 4. The study group for which IL-6 determinations were done was drawn from the study of the effect of tenidap in HIV infection [19]. From this randomized double-blind, placebocontrolled study, only samples from the placebo group were included in the present study.…”

“…All of the assays except for one IL-6 study were done at UCLA over 4 years. Quality control procedures for our laboratory were conducted in the usual manner [19].…”

Micronutrients in HIV-positive persons receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy

“…Proinflammatory cytokine concentrations are significantly higher in HIV-positive persons than in HIV-negative persons (69). Elevated concentrations of interleukin 6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) have been associated with higher HIV viral loads (70), and TNF-␣ and interferon ␥ can inhibit myosin expression in muscle cells and induce anorexia (71,72). Elevated cytokines may also contribute to the chronic oxidative stress observed in HIVpositive persons (73), which could lead to HIV disease progression through impairment of immune function (74), enhancement of HIV replication (73), or both.…”

Utilisation de l'infliximab dans le traitement du rhumatisme psoriasique au cours de l'infection par le virus de l'immunodéficience humaine (VIH)

“…Au plan immunopathologique, le TNF alpha semble plutôt avoir une action défavorable dans l'infection par le VIH comme en témoigne son implication dans la réplication virale, dans la lymphopénie CD4 et possiblement dans certaines manifestations cliniques comme la fièvre et la cachexie [10][11][12]. Une augmentation de l'expression du TNF alpha a été observée à tous les stades de l'infection par le VIH [13].…”