Correlation between nitric oxide concentration (NO2 + NO3) in saliva and CD4+ count in HIV infected adult individuals of Mangalore, Karnataka, India

AimsTo investigate the correlation between nitric oxide concentration (NO2 + NO3) in saliva and CD4+ count in HIV infected individuals.Study designA cross-sectional study was carried out among 60 proven HIV-positive patients selected randomly from the ART centres.MethodologyTwo groups – Control (n = 30) and study group (n = 60). The study group was divided into Group I (CD4+ count >200/cu.mm) and Group II (CD4+ count<200/cu.mm). Unstimulated saliva was collected and nitric oxide (NO3+ NO3) was estimated by Griess method. Statistical analysis was performed using One-way ANOVA and Tukey's Multiple Comparison Test.ResultsThe mean level of nitric oxide (NO2 + NO3) in control group was 43.95 ± 3.64 and in Group I with CD4 >200/cu.mm and Group II with CD4 <200/cu.mm was 51.98 ± 4.08 and 59.78 ± 4.18 respectively. ‘p’ value was statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The mean difference between Control and Group I was −7.937 (P < 0.001), Control and Group II was −15.80 (P < 0.001) and Group I and Group II was −7.867 (P < 0.001) from Tukey's Multiple Comparison Test.ConclusionsFrom our study it is now evident that salivary nitric oxide (NO2 + NO3) can serve as an indicator of HIV replication and saliva shows a strong potential to perform tests that are done currently in blood.