Evaluation of serum levels of oxidative stress markers and Cardiovascular Risk Among Adult HIV Patients on Dolutegravirbased Therapy in Benue State, Nigeria.

Abstract

Background: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a major global health burden, with approximately 40.8 million people affected worldwide and about 1.9 million in Nigeria as of 2024. Although dolutegravir-based antiretroviral therapy (TLD) has improved patient outcomes, concerns persist regarding its association with oxidative stress and cardiovascular risk. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 adults (≥18 years) recruited from three HIV treatment centers in Benue State, Nigeria. Participants were grouped into five categories (n = 80 each): HIV-negative controls, newly diagnosed HIV-positive individuals not yet on TLD, HIV-positive individuals on TLD for <1 year, those on TLD for >1 year, and individuals switched from TLE to TLD. Serum levels of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured using colorimetric assays. Results: Antioxidant enzyme activities (GPx, SOD, CAT) decreased significantly across the groups (p < 0.0001), while MDA levels increased significantly (p < 0.0001), indicating elevated oxidative stress.Conclusion: TLD-based therapy is associated with increased oxidative stress among HIV patients in Benue State. Routinemonitoring of oxidative stress markers as markers of cardiovasculardiseases is recommended to improve long-term clinical outcomes.