Abstract

Received 12 June 2018 Revised 25 June 2018 Accepted 27 June 2018 Published online 08 July 2018 Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection remains a major public health challenge especially in sub-Sahara Africa where the prevalence is highest compared to other regions of the world. The problem of micronutrients deficiency in this region is far from being resolved and has been associated with HIV disease severity, disease progression and mortality. The purpose of this review was to highlight the roles and significance of the serum levels of metallothionein and ceruloplasmin in the homeostasis of some essential elements in HIV infected subjects. Google scholar and Pubmed search engines were used to search for relevant articles which were used for this review. In HIV infection, there is an increase in the positive acute phase proteins such as ceruloplasmin and a decrease in negative acute phase reactant such as transferrin, zinc and iron. Ceruloplasmin and metallothionein help in maintaining homeostasis of essential metals in the body such as copper, zinc and iron which aid in regulation of the immune system. Various studies have shown that there is an increase in serum ceruloplasmin levels which helps to transport copper and an increase in copper leads to a decrease in serum level of zinc thereby leading to decrease in metallothionein which is induced by zinc. Supplementation of some of these essential elements has been implemented, but cautious use of trace elements supplements is suggested. Laboratory monitoring of serum levels of these elements and proteins cannot be ignored.

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