Background: Atopy is characterized by increased levels of circulating immunoglobulin E (IgE). Moreover, elevated IgE levels are frequently observed in HIV-infected individuals and are of prognostic significance in these patients. Several In vitro studies have established an association of intracellular antioxidants like glutathione with IgE production by B-lymphocytes, suggesting a regulatory role of these substances in IgE synthesis. However, in vivo data consistent with these findings have not been reported.
Methods: Total IgE levels, CD4(+)-lymphocyte count and plasma glutathione were determined in non-atopic, HIV-positive individuals.
Results: 27 HIV-positive subjects (mean age Alter +/- SD: 43 +/- 11 years, 85% males) were studied. Mean CD4(+)-lymphocyte count was 250 +/- 136/microliter. The median serum IgE level was 85.3 U/ml (Range: 3-1298 U/ml), and the mean plasma glutathione concentration was 2.08 +/- 0.7 muMol. Plasma glutathione was significantly correlated with CD4(+)-lymphocyte count (r = 0.37; p = 0.05), and was inversely related to total IgE (r = -0.46; p = 0.01).
Conclusions: Plasma glutathione and total IgE levels are negatively correlated in HIV-positive individuals. This observation supports the concept of a regulatory role of antioxidants and IgE synthesis in vivo. Further studies aiming at the possible significance of these mechanisms in atopic patients are clearly warranted.