Oxidative damage is caused by free radicals–unstable and potentially damaging cells in the body linked to premature aging, illness, and disease. HIV patients are often under chronic oxidative stress.1 This heightened free radical activity is associated with the progressive development of AIDS and, specifically, the viral replication, inflammatory response, immune dysfunction, weight loss, and increased sensitivity to drug toxicities that attend the disease.2

Glutathione and glutathione peroxidase levels are extremely crucial in AIDS/HIV. These important molecules guard against oxidative stress, and can help suppress the development of viruses.3 Studies show that glutathione and glutathione peroxidase are much lower in symptomatic AIDS patients than in HIV patients without symptoms or in healthy subjects.4,5 A recent study on AIDS wasting syndrome noted that decreasing oxidative stress is a crucial component of a therapeutic protocol for HIV-infected individuals.6

The Oxidative Stress Profile evaluates the body's oxidative stress and antioxidant potential using glutathione markers, as well as free radical, hydroxyl radical, and lipid markers. It provides valuable insight into
oxidative damage associated with AIDS symptoms.

References:

1 Repetto M, Reides C, Gomez Carretero ML, Costa M, Griemberg G, Llesuy S. Clin Chim Acta
1996;255(2):107-117.

2 Pace GW, Leaf CD. The role of oxidative stress in HIV disease. Free Radic Biol Med 1995;19(4):523-528.

3 Hori K, Hatfield D, Maldarelli F, Lee BJ, Clouse KA. Selenium supplementation suppresses tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication in vitro. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 1997; 13(15):1325-1332.

4 Akerlund B, Tynell E, Bratt G, Bielenstein M, Lidman C. N-acetylecysteine treatment and the risk of toxic reactions to trimethoprim-supamethoxazole in primary Pneumocytis carinii prophylaxis in HIV-infected patients. J Infect 1997;35(2):143-147.

5 Look MP, Rockstroh JK, Rao GS, Kreuzer KA, Barton S, Lemoch H, et. al. Serum selenium, plasma glutathione (GSH) and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)-levels in asymptomatic versus symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1)-infection. Eur J Clin Nutr 1997;51(4):266 272.

6 Kaminski M, Weil S, Bland J, Jan P. AIDS wasting syndrome as an entero-metabolic disorder: the gut
hypothesis. Alt Med Rev 1998 (3): 40-53.

Call to set up a nutritional consultation so that tests can be performed and a comprehensive strategy of lifestyle, dietary modification and nutrient supplementation can be implemented to aid you in reversing this disorder.

For an appointment, contact our office at: 800-956-7083 and visit our web site www.completehealth institute.com go to lab tests and click on appropriate test for information.

Dr. Rispoli, Ph.D., L Ac. has had a clinical practice for over 20 years. Her programs work because she is so thorough in testing and providing a nutritional approach. Remember that the body can heal itself if given the proper nutrients.

The information herein is not intended as diagnosis, treatment or a cure. Should you have a medical condition please seek the advice of your medical doctor.