A STUDY ON HUMAN IMMUNODEFICIENCY VIRUS-1 (HIV-1) PROTEASE INHIBITION BY EXTRACTS OF FRESH WATER MUSSEL

Human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV-1) is the cause of acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Failure in anti-AIDS treatment is observed due to the emergence of resistant viruses, cross-resistance to drugs and cell toxicity. The objective of this study is “To study the in vitro HIV-1 protease activity of fresh water mussel extract”. Live freshwater mussels (Lamellidens marginalis Li.) were collected from various places of Godavari river, Adilabad district, Andhra Pradesh. Bioactive crude extract from the animal tissue samples was extracted with using protein extraction buffer. Partially purified extract (PPE) prepared by ammonium sulphate precipitation from crude extract. The PPE tested for cytotoxicity on cultured PBMCs and was assayed for HIV-1 protease inhibitory activity. Cytotoxicity became prominent (>50% cell death) on day 4 at extracts concentration of 400 ?g/ml and higher. On day 4, >70% inhibition in protease titer was seen with extract at 100 ?g/ml.