Oxidants and Antioxidants in the Pathogenesis of HIV/AIDS

摘要

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has predominantly been considered the main cause in the progression ofacquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). However, many researchers believe that there are co-factors involvedalong the way that may play a critical role in its development. Elevated levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) have beenestablished to be present at the onset of infection. Additionally, the delayed response by the immune system uponinfection may be due to an initial depletion of antioxidants, which play a critical role in scavenging excess ROS tomaintain normal physiological conditions. This pro-oxidant/antioxidant imbalance results in a condition known asoxidative stress (OS). OS has been reported to be an integral element in the progression of many diseases, includingAIDS. Therefore, it is presumed that antioxidant treatment may provide a promising and cost-effective therapeuticapproach in treating HIV-infected individuals on a global scale.Although HIV infection presents one of the most arduous complications to humans worldwide, awareness of its origin,adverse effects, and potential treatment remain confined to a limited population. The aim of this article is to inform thereader of how AIDS developed into a global epidemic so rapidly, while emphasizing the relationship between oxidantsand antioxidants in the pathogenesis of HIV/AIDS. A basic review of reduction/oxidation (redox) reactions is provided tounderstand how such simple introductory concepts can have such profound effects on the body. This serves as an essentialbuilding block to the topics that follow: ROS, antioxidants, and OS in HIV disease. Moreover, it allows for us to betterdefine and elucidate OS as an often-overlooked link between HIV-infection and the progression of AIDS, as well aspotential antioxidant treatment.