Reduced P53 Protein Level and Evidence of Ongoing Coagulation among HIV-Infected Persons Accessing Treatment at University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Nigeria

Aims: To assess tumour suppressing activity and ongoing coagulation among persons living with HIV infection and accessing care in the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Nigeria.

Study Design: Case-control study.

Place and Duration of Study: University of Calabar Teaching Hospital Calabar, Nigeria, between April 2018 and November 2018.

Methods: Ninety persons living with HIV infection who were attending clinics at the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital were enrolled with ninety age and sex-matched HIV seronegative individuals who served as control subjects. The blood specimen was collected from each participant for analyses of CD4 cell and full blood counts by automation, serum was used for the assays of P53 protein and D-dimer levels using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay test kits. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 22.0. Student t-test was used to compare means between test and control subjects. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare means across the HAART-naïve and two other groups on different HAART protocols. Statistical significance was drawn at a p≤ 0.05.

Results: The CD4 cell count and P53 protein level reduced while D-dimer level increased in HIV infection. Platelet count also reduced while platelet distribution width increased with the condition. While CD4 cell count improved with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy administration, D-dimer level, mean platelet volume and platelet distribution width reduced.

Conclusion: This study observed reduced tumour suppression and increased coagulation activities alongside immunosuppression in HIV infection.