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. 2025 Jan 6;14(1):34.
doi: 10.3390/pathogens14010034.

Systemic Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Complications in HIV Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Role of Type II Diabetes

Madalina-Ianca Suba  1   2 , Bogdan Hogea  3   4 , Ahmed Abu-Awwad  3   4 , Daniela Gurgus  5 , Roxana Folescu  5 , Madalina-Otilia Timircan  6   7 , Simona-Alina Abu-Awwad  6   7
Affiliations

Systemic Inflammation and Gastrointestinal Complications in HIV Patients: A Cross-Sectional Study on the Role of Type II Diabetes

Madalina-Ianca Suba et al. Pathogens. .

Abstract

(1) Background: This study aimed to assess the association between inflammatory biomarkers and gastrointestinal side effects in HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART), with a specific focus on the impact of type II diabetes. (2) Methods: A total of 320 participants were divided into three groups: 120 HIV-positive without diabetes, 80 HIV-positive with type II diabetes, and 120 controls. Biomarkers such as CRP, IL-6, and TNF-α, along with gastrointestinal symptoms, were measured before and six months after ART. (3) Results: HIV-positive patients with type II diabetes exhibited significantly elevated levels of inflammatory markers and experienced more frequent gastrointestinal side effects, particularly nausea and diarrhea. (4) Conclusions: Type II diabetes significantly worsens inflammation and gastrointestinal side effects in HIV patients on ART, suggesting the need for tailored treatment approaches.

Keywords: HIV; antiretroviral therapy; chronic inflammation; gastrointestinal side effects; inflammatory biomarkers; type II diabetes.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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