Importance of trace elements in the immunometabolic health of people living with HIV/AIDS: a literature review

Abstract

Trace elements (TEs) are essential for human health and for maintaining immune responses against potentially aggressive pathogens, such as the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). During the infectious process, the body needs greater amounts of TEs in order to coordinate an efficient immune response to combat the invading agent, a condition that reflects in lymphocyte proliferation and activation of the antioxidant defense system of neutrophils and macrophages. Thus, during the progression phase of a viral infection, immunomodulation of TEs such as iron, zinc, chromium, magnesium, selenium, copper, calcium, and manganese occurs, can lead to immunosuppression and increased oxidative stress. Furthermore, the adverse effects caused by the use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) trigger nutritional disorders and metabolic alterations that contribute to deficiencies in TEs, associated with compromised immune function. Therefore, this narrative literature review aims to contribute as a teaching tool on the TEs involved in the pathogenesis of HIV, by reviewing the role of TEs in the immunometabolic health of people living with HIV/AIDS.

Keywords: Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome; Antiretroviral therapy; Human immunodeficiency virus; Micronutrients; Trace elements.