Elevated Serum Alpha-1-Antitrypsin Concentration is Associated

Association between reduced serum alpha-1 antitrypsin (α1AT) concentration and HIV infection has been reported. The possible role of α1AT in a subset of people living with HIV who achieved control over HIV-1 disease progression without treatment has not been substantiated. We thus hypothesized that increased serum concentrations of α1AT would be associated with control of HIV disease progression in the absence of highly antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We compared serum concentrations of α1AT in a cross-section of HIV-1-infected subjects naïve to HAART and yet resist progression to AIDS (HAART-) with those in whom control of disease progression was achieved by HAART (HAART+). Mean α1AT concentration was significantly higher in the HAART-group (177±17mg/100mL) compared with HAART+ (126±12 mg/100mL; p=0.018). Serum α1AT concentrations less than 100mg/100mL were found in 14% and 41% in HAARTand HAART+ group, respectively. Serum α1AT concentration and blood CD4+ T cells count in the HAARTgroup were positive correlated (R=0.426; p=0.021). Increased expression of α1AT may contribute to effective control of HIV disease progression in the absence of HAART. Our findings support the possible use of alpha-1-antitrypsin in HIV disease management.