Zinc Deficiency and Associated T-Cell Dysfunctioning among Human Immunodeficiency Virus Seropositives

Problem statement: All the nutrients in the diet play a crucial role in maintaining an optimal immune response. In both, deficient and excessive intake of nutrients can have negative consequence on the immune status and susceptibility to a variety of pathogens. Zinc is an essential micronutrient for human growth development and immune function. It plays a vital role in structure of protein and cell membrane. Zinc deficiency in biological membrane increases their susceptibility to oxidative damage and impairs T-cell function. Zinc deficiency causes serious metabolic disturbances and associated with adverse change in CMI and decrease in antibody response can be effectively observed in Immune deficient host (HIV). Approach: A total of 49 HIV patient serum sample were collected 16 HIV/AIDS male patients and 33 HIV/AIDS female patients. Serum iron concentration was analyzed by Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS). Results: The Zinc deficiency leads to various types of Sexually Transmitted Disease in male and female HIV Seropositives. Zinc has been found to regulate gene expression by acting as transcription factor. It also plays a role in cell signaling and found to influence hormone release and nerve impulse transmission. Zinc found to be essential for DNA/RNA synthesis and also for apoptotic activity. Conclusion: Zinc supplementation has been observed to improve the HIV status from malnutrition as it stimulates T-cell differentiation and maturation, stabilize the cell membrane and increase the number of circulatory T lymphocytes there by inhibit the HIV progression.