Studies on Some Cytokines, CD4, Hepcidin, Iron, and Some Haematological Parameters of Patients with Pulmonary Tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Southeast, Nigeria

The research was done to evaluate the levels of IFN-γ, IL-6, IL- 10, iron status, hepcidin and haematological parameters of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis and human immunodeficiency virus in a tertiary hospital, Southeast, Nigeria. Four hundred (400) subjects aged 18-60 years were selected for this study. The participants comprised of PTB (200 subjects) and HIV (200 subjects). Whole blood of 7ml was collected from each participant; 4.5ml of blood was added to plain tubes for assay of cytokines, hepcidin and iron and 2.5ml for FBC, CD4 count and HIV screening. The cytokines and hepcidin were determined using Melsin ELISA Kits and Teco Diagnostics kits used for iron. Full blood count was determined by automation using Mindray BC-5300. The study revealed significant difference in IFN-γ (P=0.000), IL-6 (P=0.000) IL-10 (P=0.001), hepcidin (P=0.016), TIBC (P=0.005), %TSA (P=0.001), WBC (P=0.000), Neutrophils (P=0.000), Lymphocytes (P=0.000), Monocytes (,P=0.000), RBC (P=0.000), Haemoglobin (P=0.000), PCV (P=0.000), MCV (P=0.000), MCH (P=0.000), MCHC (P=0.000), Platelets (P=0.000), ESR (P=0.000) and no significant difference in CD4 (P=0.605), Iron (P=0.787),Eosinophils (P=0.724), Basophil (P=0.869) when compared between control and HIV subjects respectively. There were changes in the cytokines, hepcidin, TIBC, %TSA and haematological parameters studied in the subjects. There were increase in the levels of cytokines studied in patients with Pulmonary TB and HIV. The cytokines and hepcidin can be used as adjuncts to prognostic and diagnostic indicators as their levels decreased with increased duration of treatment of the patients.