San Francisco Researcher Discovers Groundbreaking Treatment to Strengthen Immune Systems in HIV-Infected Patients.TORONTO -- Study Featured in Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes August Issue and Will Be Presented at 16th International World AIDS Congress on August 14th, 2006 Micronutrient mi·cro·nu·tri·ent n. A substance, such as a vitamin or mineral, that is essential in minute amounts for the proper growth and metabolism of a living organism. supplementation increases CD4 count in HIV-infected individuals on highly active antiretroviral therapy Noun 1. highly active antiretroviral therapy - a combination of protease inhibitors taken with reverse transcriptase inhibitors; used in treating AIDS and HIV drug cocktail, HAART (HAART HAART highly active antiretroviral therapy. HAART Highly active antiretroviral therapy, triple combination therapy AIDS The concurrent administration of 2 nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors–eg, AZT and 3TC, and a protease ), according to a study published in the August 15th issue of the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. These results will also be presented at the 2006 World AIDS Conference in Toronto Monday, August 14th, Session room 5 at 4:15 pm. The study, authored by Jon D. Kaiser, M.D., demonstrates that the patients adding a micronutrient supplement while taking HAART are able to increase their CD4 cell count by 24%, compared to no change in the placebo group. CD4 cells act to protect the body against viral, fungal, and protozoal infections. When an individual is HIV-infected, the virus continually kills CD4 cells. Over time, the body is unable to replace the lost cells and their number declines, making the body more susceptible to infections. With twenty years of HIV HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), either of two closely related retroviruses that invade T-helper lymphocytes and are responsible for AIDS. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is responsible for the vast majority of AIDS in the United States. treatment experience, Dr. Kaiser has investigated many antioxidant combinations. "There have been several recent clinical trials which show HIV-infected patients who begin to take micronutrient supplements have improved clinical outcomes," said Dr. Kaiser. "This most recent study proves to the medical community that micronutrient supplementation holds significant promise as a vital part of standard medical treatment for people with HIV/AIDS HIV/AIDS Human Immunodeficiency Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome ." Success of antiviral therapy to date has been limited by a wide range of debilitating de·bil·i·tat·ing adj. Causing a loss of strength or energy. Debilitating Weakening, or reducing the strength of. Mentioned in: Stress Reduction side effects. The micronutrient supplement tested was also shown to decrease one of the common side effects of antiviral therapy, peripheral neuropathy, by 42% compared to a 33% decline in the placebo group. The ability of this micronutrient formula to strengthen the immune systems of people with HIV/AIDS -- at substantially lower cost than that of antiviral medication -- could potentially stabilize the health of millions of people in the developing world until access to antiretroviral medications improves. Co-authors include Adriana M. Campa, Ph.D., Joseph P. Ondercin, PA-C PA-C Physician Assistant - Certified , Gifford S. Leoung, M.D., Richard F. Pless, Ph.D., and Marianna K. Baum, Ph.D. The study was funded by Bristol-Myers Squibb. |
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