Abstract

LUIS, D. A. de; BACHILLER, P.; IZAOLA, O.  and  EIROS BOUZA, J. M.. Relation between intake of omega 3 fatty acids and CD4 count in patients with HIV infection: a transversal study. An. Med. Interna (Madrid) [online]. 2005, vol.22, n.7, pp.323-325. ISSN 0212-7199.

Objectives: Polyunsaturated fatty acids are immunomodulatory agents. These agents could develop a main role in patients with HIV infection. The aim of our study was to analyse the relation between polyunsaturated fatty acid intake and CD4 count in HIV infected patients. Patients and methods: Forty patients with HIV infections were enrolled. In all patients, the next variables were recorded; age, sex, drugs, anthropometric evaluation (weight, height, tricipital skinfold, midarm circumference, body mass index) and a biochemical evaluation (albumin, prealbumin, trasferrin, total proteins, total lymphocytes and CD4 count). A 3 day dietary intake questionnaire was performed, too. Results: The mean age was (24 males and 16 females) 37.6 ± 9.4 years, mean weight 65.6 ± 12.2 kg and body mass index 23.2 ± 3.25. Anthropometric evaluation showed a mean tricipital skinfold of 15.1 ± 5.3 mm, midarm circumference 27.5 ± 3.1 cm. Caloric intake and macronutrient distribution were normal (carbohydrates 48%, proteins 18% and lipids 34%). Dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids was omega 3 (1.22 ± 3.1 g/day) and omega 9 (31.5 ± 11 g/day). Multivariante analysis, with CD4 count as a dependent variable, showed omega 3 intake as a independent variable (F = 6.2; p < 0.05), with an increase of 32 (IC95%: 9.86-52.14) CD4+ (count/uL) with each 1 g of omega 3 dietary intake adjusted by age, sex, and drugs. Conclusion: In patients with HIV infection, dietary intake of omega 3 fatty acids increase CD4 count.

Keywords : Polyunsaturated fatty acids; HIV infection.

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