Spanish scientists from the Hospital del Mar Research Institute have found that levels of the miR-21-5p biomarker, which is linked to inflammation and oxidative stress and influences the aging process, are significantly higher for people living with HIV.
To confirm this theory, a research was conducted with 32 people living with HIV and taking antiretroviral therapy and 10 people who tested negative (control group). The results were published in the Journal of Microbiology, Immunology and Infection:
- higher levels of biomarkers miR-21-5p were found in people living with HIV;
- people whose immune systems control the virus – elite HIV controllers – were in second place;
- the control group had the lowest levels.
Experts believe that it is not the side effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART) but the virus itself that is responsible for premature aging in people living with HIV. It causes long-term inflammation. Antiretroviral therapy significantly reduces its impact on the body, but cannot completely stop the inflammatory process.
Even after a year of ART, levels of circulating miR-21-5p are involved in the processes of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Experts believe that monitoring of this biomarker may serve as a valuable tool to assess the effectiveness of HIV treatment and normalize immunity.