Abstract | OBJECTIVES: 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.
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Authors | G L Vanham, L Kestens, J Van Hoof, G Penne, R Colebunders, C Goilav, M Vandenbruaene, R el Habib, P Gigase |
Journal | AIDS (London, England)
(AIDS)
Vol. 7
Issue 4
Pg. 525-30
(Apr 1993)
ISSN: 0269-9370 [Print] England |
PMID | 8389559
(Publication Type: Clinical Trial, Clinical Trial, Phase II, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
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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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