Beta-carotene therapy of individuals having abnormal immunological and serological indices, and individuals having infections and diseases causing changes therein

摘要

Methods for raising or maintaining the level of T4 cells in humans having a depressed T4 cell level and particularly in humans infected with HIV are provided. In these embodiments, T4 enhancing amounts of beta-carotene are administered. Methods are also provided for lowering or maintaining the levels of neopterin and/or ₂-microglobulin in humans having elevated levels of these indices and particularly in those infected with HIV. Beta-carotene is administered, respectively, in neopterin and ₂-microglobulin therapeutically effective amounts. Also contemplated by the present invention are methods for the prevention and/or treatment of HIV infection in humans. An HIV infection preventing or an anti-HIV therapeutically effective amount of beta-carotene is administered. In another embodiment, methods are provided for preventing or treating AIDS in humans. An AIDS preventing amount or an anti-AIDS therapeutically effective amount of beta-carotene is administered.