(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-12) Loots, Stanley; Glashoff, Richard H.; Ipp, Hayley; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences. Dept. of Pathology, Medical Virology.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Chronic HIV-1 infection is characterized by extensive inflammation/immune activation and also by anaemia. Macrophages and neutrophils produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) which can cause damage to surrounding cells, including erythrocytes. Damaged erythrocytes may die by apoptosis (erythroptosis) or be tagged for clearance by monocytes/ macrophages. In this study we investigated HIV-1-associated anaemia and erythroptosis in asymptomatic, untreated HIV-1 infected individuals and how it relates to oxidative stress and immune activation.