Dietary intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids and C‐reactive protein in persons with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection

Abstract

BackgroundC‐reactive protein (CRP) has been associated with disease progression in HIV‐positive people. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) are known to be inversely related to CRP in people without HIV. We tested the hypothesis of an independent relationship between PUFA and CRP in a HIV‐positive people.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was conducted among 250 HIV‐positive people aged 20 to 60 years residing in Nepal. Serum high‐sensitivity CRP concentrations were measured by the latex agglutination nephelometry method. Dietary intake was assessed using two nonconsecutive 24‐hour dietary recalls. The relationship between PUFA and CRP were assessed using multiple regression analysis.ResultsMultivariate‐adjusted mean values of serum CRP concentrations decreased with increased intake of PUFA. The mean values of serum CRP concentrations in the first, second, and third tertiles of PUFA were 1.73 mg/L, 1.32 mg/L, and 1.26 mg/L, respectively (P for trend=0.11). The mean values of serum CRP concentrations in the first, second, and third tertiles of PUFA in women were 1.93 mg/L, 1.62 mg/L, and 1.09 mg/L, respectively (P for trend=0.04). No clear association was seen between PUFA and CRP in men.ConclusionThe higher intakes of PUFA may have a beneficial role against inflammation in HIV‐positive people.Source of research support: Grant‐in‐Aid for Young Scientists (B) (22790581), Japan.