Effect of Probiotic Yogurt Supplementation on Intestinal Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in HIV-Positive Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy: Randomized Controlled Trials in 24 and 48 Weeks

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) have been associated with high oxidative stress in HIV patients. The disparity in antioxidant levels and secondary inflammation due to intestinal bacterial translocation in people living with HIV is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality associated with HIV infection. Using a simple 1: 1 randomization, Efavirens (EFV) and Lopinavir (LPV) -treated antiretroviral (ARV) -treated patients were additionally supplemented with probiotic yogurt and then followed for 48 weeks and evaluated at inclusion, at mid- and at the end of the course, by the determination of markers: immunological (CD4), virological (viral load), inflammatory (soluble Hs CRP, CD14 and CD163) and oxidative stress [Superoxide dismuthase (SOD, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Zinc]. The results confirm that HIV infection induces inflammation by a very significant increase in sCD14, sCD163 and HsCRP; and a collapse of the antioxidant protective system characterized by decreased levels of SOD, GPx, and Zinc. At weeks 24 and 48, a significant reversal of markers of inflammation and oxidative stress was observed under the ART + Probiotic Yogurt arm. Only the value of Zinc remained at a subnormal rate. All patients in the same arm had their undetected viral load since week 24. Although probiotic yogurt supplementation with ART has a significant impact on immunologic, virologic, inflammatory and oxidative stress markers compared to ARV only, it should be associated with Zinc for an optimal evolution of seropositive patients.