Serum Vitamin E and MDA in HIV/TB Co-infected Patients in Kano State

Both HIV and Tuberculosis infections are associated with lipid peroxidation and antioxidant imbalance. Pathology of the two produce free radicals which lead to lipid peroxidation indices one of which is Malondialdehyde (MDA) and to disease progression due to CD4 cells apoptosis. The study was carried out with the objective of determining Serum MDA, Vitamin E, CD4, CD8 and lipid peroxidation index (LPI) in four different subgroups comprising of HIV, Tuberculosis and HIV/TB co-infected patients and the Controls with a view to assessing the interaction between oxidants and antioxidants in the course of HIV/TB co-infection. The higher MDA result from the subjects supports the assertion that HIV/TB co-infection is associated with increased lipid peroxidation and lower antioxidant potential. It can therefore be concluded that co-infection with Tuberculosis exacerbates oxidative stress in HIV patients, while treatment enhances their anti-oxidant status and ameliorates the oxidative stress.