Glycoprotein Profile Assessed by 1H-NMR as a Global Inflammation Marker in Patients with HIV Infection. A Prospective Study

Plasma glycoproteins are a composite biomarker of inflammation and can be detected by H-1-NMR. The aim of this study was to prospectively appraise the clinical value of plasma glycoproteins assessed by H-1-NMR in people living with HIV (PLWH). A total of 221 patients with HIV infection were recruited and studied at baseline and at 48 and 144 weeks. Patients were distributed into two groups according to baseline CD4(+) T-cell number below or above 200 cells/mu L. Patients with fewer than 200 cells/mu L were distributed into the responders and nonresponders according to antiretroviral therapy (ART) response at 144 weeks. Glycoprotein concentrations were determined by H-1-NMR arising from the protein bond N-acetylglucosamine and N-acetylgalactosamine signals (GlycA); and N-acetylneuraminic acid signal (GlycB) associated with the sugar-protein bond concentration and aggregation state (shapes (height/width)). Basal glycoprotein concentrations were higher in patients with < 200 CD4(+) T-cell/mu L (Glyc A: 1040(917.9-1199.1) vs. 950.4(845.5-1050.9), p < 0.001, and Glyc B: 521(440.3-610.3) vs. 468.6(417.9-507.0) mu mol/L, p < 0.001) being reduced by ART. The height/width (H/W) ratio was the parameter showing a better association with this clinical status. Baseline glycoproteins predict the condition of responder/nonresponder. In this study, H-1-NMR glycoproteins provide novel insights to assess inflammation status and have prognostic value in PLWH.