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Immunological parameters during treatment with ditiocarb (Imuthiol).

AbstractOBJECTIVES:
To examine the effect of ditiocarb (DTC) treatment on immunological parameters of HIV infection. Immunophenotyping included CD4+ T-cell counting and the analysis of activation markers on CD8+ T cells. Anti-CD3-induced proliferation and anti-CD3-mediated cytotoxicity were monitored as indexes of T-cell function. In addition to the clinical evolution, HIV antigen and anti-p24 levels were monitored during treatment.
DESIGN:
In this double-blind, placebo-controlled study, 50 HIV-seropositive patients belonging to all clinical disease stages were randomized to treatment with DTC or placebo and followed for 4 months.
METHODS:
Immunophenotyping on whole blood was performed by flow cytometry, using combinations of anti-CD8 with anti-CD4, anti-HLA-DR, anti-CD38, anti-CD45RO and anti-CD57. Patient lymphocytes were freshly assayed for cytolytic capacity against OKT3-coated targets. T-cell proliferation was measured after 3 days of OKT3-stimulation.
RESULTS:
No effect was observed on CD4 and CD8+ T-cell counts or on CD8+ T-cell activation markers, except for a selective increase in HLA-DR expressing CD8 cells in the DTC-treated group. Decline in anti-CD3-induced T-cell proliferation and rise in anti-CD3-mediated T-cell cytotoxicity were observed in the DTC and placebo groups. No effect on HIV antigen and anti-p24 antibody titres was observed. The incidence of clinical complications was similar in each group.
CONCLUSION:
No beneficial immunomodulatory effect of DTC was demonstrated.
AuthorsG L Vanham, L Kestens, J Van Hoof, G Penne, R Colebunders, C Goilav, M Vandenbruaene, R el Habib, P Gigase
JournalAIDS (London, England) (AIDS) Vol. 7 Issue 4 Pg. 525-30 (Apr 1993) ISSN: 0269-9370 [Print] England
PMID8389559 (Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Clinical Trial, Phase II, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
Chemical References
  • CD3 Complex
  • Ditiocarb
Topics
  • Adult
  • CD3 Complex
  • Ditiocarb (therapeutic use)
  • Double-Blind Method
  • HIV Infections (blood, drug therapy, immunology)
  • Humans
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Leukocyte Count
  • Lymphocyte Activation (drug effects)
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets (drug effects, immunology)

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