The Potentials of Fas Receptors and Ligands in Monitoring HIV-1 Disease in Children in Yaoundé, Cameroon

Abstract

Objective: Difficulties in systematically monitoring HIV viral load in resource-limited settings prompt the search for alternate approaches. The authors aimed at assessing the correlation between the plasma levels of soluble forms of Fas receptors (Fas) and Fas ligands (FasL) with standard indicators of HIV disease progression in children. Methods: Twenty-two HIV-1-positive children were enrolled in Yaounde. CD4 counts, CD4% counts, plasma levels of Fas, FasL, and HIV-1 RNA levels were assayed. Results: The correlation coefficients ( P values) between FasL levels and each of HIV-1 viral load, CD4 counts, and CD4% were, respectively, .56 (.01), −.29 (.18), and .30 (.18). On the other hand, the respective correlation coefficients ( P values) with Fas levels were .12 (.60), −.30 (.18), and −.29 (.19). Conclusion: The significant correlation between levels of HIV-1 viral load and FasL suggests that the latter needs to be further studied as a potential biomarker to monitor HIV-1 disease progression in children in resource-limited setting.