Correlation of Haematological Parameters with TNF-α and Interleukin (IL-6) in Seropositive HIV Patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) and HAART Naïve Patients

Abstract

Objective: This study sought to establish the correlation between haematological parameters and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and also to compare the effects of these cytokines in HIV/AIDS patients on HAART and HAART naïve. Place and Duration of Study: Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi from June to November 2014 Methods: HIV patients’ on HAART (n=50) and HAART naïve HIV (n=50) patients and the control group (n=50) were recruited for the study. Venous blood was drawn from each of the participant into K3 EDTA tubes. XS-500i automatic blood cell analyzer (Sysmex Corporation Co., Ltd., Japan) was used to determine the blood parameters and ELISA Assay Kit (Greenstone Swiss Company limited, China) was used to determine TNF-α and IL-6 levels. Results: This present study observed Hgb of 14.36 ± 0.20 g/dl in control group, 12.26 ± 0.28 g/dl and 12.13 ± 0.27 g/dl in on-HAART and HAART naïve group, RBC of 5.07 ± 0.08×106/μl in control, 4.20 ± 0.09×106/μl and 4.226 ± 0.09×106/μl in on-HAART and HAART naïve group. IL-6 levels of 17.66(13.00 - 24.10) ng/L and TNF-α levels of 318.3(123.0 - 497.9) ng/L. Conclusion: There was a negative correlation between some haematological parameters and the inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6). This could be the basis for the continuous reduction in the level of blood parameters which is likely to result in haematological abnormalities such as anaemia, thrombocytopenia amongst others.