Effect of propolis on immunological, inflammatory and oxidative stress biomarkers in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) following antiretroviral treatment

Abstract

One of the current challenges in the study of HIV/aids is a better understanding of the chronic inflammation that infected-people present, because the immune activation persists even using antiretroviral therapy (cART), and patients suffer not only with immunodeficiency, but mainly with immunesenescence. These mechanisms contribute to the development of non-aids comorbidities, such as cardiovascular disease, renal or hepatic impairment, bone abnormalities, cancer, among others diseases which indeed reflect the major causes of death in this population. Despite the undoubted benefits of cART, its prolonged use and start earlier and earlier, indicates the need of interventions that could reduce its harmful effects, such as toxicity, oxidative stress and dyslipidemia, which accelerate the onset of non-aids comorbidities. Propolis is a bee product exhibiting several properties - immunomodulatory, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiviral. In this clinical trial we aim to verify the immune and metabolic profiles of HIV-infected individuals using cART therapy, simultaneously or not with propolis intake daily for three months. Some inflammatory, microbial translocation and oxidative stress biomarkers will be also evaluated in such patients. If our hypothesis about the beneficial effects of propolis is confirmed, this will be an important step for implementing new approaches with the "Unified Health System", to a better quality of life and survival of this population.