USEFULNESS OF TRANSTHYRETIN (TTR) AND RETINOL BINDING PROTEIN (RBP) DETERMINATION IN PATIENTS HIV+/AIDS

Nutritional disorders are presented in patients HIV+/AIDS. We analyze the levels of specific plasma fractions of potential utility in the assessment of nutritional status. Transthyretin (TTR) and Retinol Binding Protein (RBP) plasma levels, were determined in 55 patients between 26–44 years old (29 HIV+ and 26 AIDS), with antiretroviral treatment (HAART), by quantitative radial inmunodiffussion on plates (The Binding Site Limited, UK). Results(mg/dL) expressed as X+ SD were : TTR : HIV+ : :34.1±8.9; AIDS :29.5±8.9; RBP : HIV+ : 8.0± 2.6; AIDS : 7.9±1.6. No statistical differences, in both specific fractions, were observed between groups. Results of whole population (HIV+/AIDS) were: TTR :31.9±9.1, RBP :7.9±2.1. The 16.4% of patients shows TTR levels lower than 20 mg/dL, values related to protein deficiency status; the 20% of population presents values higher than reference range (20–40 mg/dL). The 45,5 % of the group with CD4<200 cel/mL presents the lowest values of TTR. It proves the compromised nutritional status, simultaneously with the infection. Moreover, the 50.9% shows plasma RBP levels higher than reference values (4–8 mg/dL). These short‐lived proteins are very promissory in the evaluation of the nutritional status; nevertheless, in the studied patients, metabolic disorders caused by stress, would increase its concentration. By the other hand, the results point out the importance to incorporate the determination of TTR in the periodic nutritional control of these patients. Supported by UBA(B060)