Association between inflammatory markers and microbial translocation in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection taking antiretroviral treatment

Background and objective: Inflammatory biomarkers are increased in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. Antiretroviral treatment (ART) improves some parameters but do not normalize them. The aim of this study is to determine those factors (including microbial translocation) associated with higher inflammation in HIV treated patients. Patients and methods: Transversal observational study. Inclusion criteria: HIV patients receiving ART with an HIV viral load (VL) < 400 copies/mL. Selection of patients: consecutively between November 2011 and January 2012. Main variable: plasma levels of interleukin 6 (IL-6) and tumour necrosis factor a (TNF-alpha). Main explanatory variable: microbial translocation markers (16S ribosomal DNA and sCD14). Patients with IL-6 or TNF-alpha levels above percentile 75 (group 1) were compared with the rest of patients (group 2). Odds ratio (OR) were determined. Results: Eighty-one patients were included (73% male, median age 45 years, 48% stage C). Twenty-six percent had chronic hepatitis C. Median CD4 cell was 493/mm(3) and 30% had detectable HIV VL. 16S ribosomal DNA was detected in 21% of patients. Factors associated with the higher levels of inflammatory markers were 16S ribosomal DNA (OR 77, P < .0001), sCD14 levels (P < .0001) and history of cardiovascular disease (OR 15, P < .01). In multivariate analysis, associations remained for 16S ribosomal DNA (OR 62, P < .0001) and previous cardiovascular disease (OR 25, P < .01). Conclusions: In patients with HIV infection receiving treatment, the higher levels of inflammatory markers are associated with microbial translocation and past cardiovascular events. (C) 2013 Elsevier Espana, S.L. All rights reserved.