Premium
Mucosal Serpin A1 and A3 Levels in HIV Highly Exposed Sero‐Negative Women are Affected by the Menstrual Cycle and Hormonal Contraceptives but are Independent of Epidemiological Confounders
Author(s) -
Rahman Syeda,
Rabbani Rasheda,
Wachihi Charles,
Kimani Joshua,
Plummer Francis A.,
Ball Terry B.,
Burgener Adam
Publication year - 2013
Publication title -
american journal of reproductive immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.071
H-Index - 97
eISSN - 1600-0897
pISSN - 1046-7408
DOI - 10.1111/aji.12014
Subject(s) - serpin , menstrual cycle , confounding , hormone , immunology , bacterial vaginosis , estrogen , epidemiology , medicine , physiology , luteal phase , biology , endocrinology , gynecology , biochemistry , gene
Objective Serpins (serine protease inhibitors) are associated with protection against HIV infection. Here, we characterized mucosal serpin expression in the genital tract of HIV highly exposed sero‐negative ( HESN ) women meeting our epidemiological definition of HIV resistance in relation to epidemiological variables. Methods Cervicovaginal lavage ( CVL ) fluid and plasma were collected from 84 HIV ‐resistant, 54 HIV ‐uninfected, and 66 HIV ‐infected female commercial sex workers. Serpin A 1 and A 3 concentrations were measured by ELISA and compared with clinical information. Results Mucosal serpin A 1 was elevated during proliferative phase over secretory phase ( P = 0.017*), while A3 remained similar ( P = 0.25). Plasma and mucosal serpin A 1/ A 3 levels were not associated with each other and appeared compartment specific ( r = 0.21, r = 0.056). Serpin A1/A3 expression did not associate with age ( r = 0.009, r = −0.06), duration of sex work ( r = 0.13, r = −0.10), clients per day ( r = −0.11, r = −0.02), concurrent STI s ( P = 0.36, P = 0.15), but was lower in women using hormonal contraceptives ( P = 0.034, P = 0.008). Mucosal serpin A 1/ A 3 levels in HIV ‐infected individuals were not significantly different with disease status as determined by plasma CD 4 + T ‐cell counts ( P = 0.94, P = 0.30). Conclusion This study shows the relationship of serpins to the menstrual cycle and hormonal contraceptives, as well as their independence to epidemiological sexual confounders. This information provides a broader understanding of innate components of the mucosal immune system in women.