Oxidative stress in hepatitis C virus–human immunodeficiency virus co-infected patients

Introduction and objectives: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) co-infection generates sustained inflammation with increased reactive oxygen species production. The pathogenic impact of systemic oxidative stress is known to influence drug treatment and follow-up. The aim of this case–control study was to compare the redox status in HCV–HIV co-infected with respect to HIV-infected individuals and to explore the relation between redox and HIV follow-up variables. Patients or materials and methods: Blood samples were drawn from 330 individuals divided into three groups: HIV, HCV–HIV and presumable healthy subjects. Redox, hematological, hemochemical, immunologic and virological indexes were determined. Results: Both HIV groups had significant differences in global indexes of damage and antioxidant status (p