JAIDS Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. 40(5):581-584, DECEMBER 15TH, 2005

DOI: 10.1097/01.qai.0000187442.53708.b4

,  

PMID: 16284535

Issn Print: 1525-4135

Publication Date: December 15th, 2005


Share this on facebook   Share this on Twitter   Share this on LinkedIn   Email this article  



Print

Increased Circulating Interleukin-7 Levels in HIV-1-Infected Women

Laura Napolitano;Trevor Burt;Peter Bacchetti;Yolanda Barrón;Audrey French;Andrea Kovacs;Kathryn Anastos;Mary Young;Joseph McCune;Ruth Greenblatt;

+ Author Information


    loading  Checking for direct PDF access through Ovid

Abstract

Summary:Sex-based differences in CD4 T-cell (CD4) counts are well recognized, but the basis for these differences has not been identified. Conceivably, homeostatic factors may play a role in this process by regulating T-cell maintenance and repletion. Interleukin (IL)-7 is essential for normal T-cell production and homeostasis. We hypothesized that differences in IL-7 might contribute to sex-based differences in CD4 counts. Circulating IL-7 levels were analyzed in 299 HIV-1-infected women and men. Regression analysis estimated that IL-7 levels were 40% higher in women than in men (P = 0.0032) after controlling for CD4 count, age, and race. Given the important role of IL-7 in T-cell development and homeostasis, these findings suggest that higher IL-7 levels may contribute to higher CD4 counts in women.

Related Topics

    Related Articles

        loading  Loading Related Articles