Cystatin C as a new biomarker of renal dysfunction in HIV-1 infected patients – preliminary report

SummaryBackgroundHIV-1 infection and ARV therapy can cause progressive renal dysfunction. The aim of our study was to evaluate serum cystatine C (Cys-C) concentration and their possible relationships with the degree of renal injury in HIV-1 infected patients with or without antiretroviral therapy.Material and MethodsStudy was performed in 34 HIV(+) and 17 HIV(-) individuals. In 20 already treated HIV(+) Cys-C concentration was measured once; in the rest: before, after 3 and 9 months of HAART. Serum Cys-C concentration was measured by ELISA. Plasma urea and creatinine levels were measured. Creatine clearance was calculated by Cockroft-Gault formula.ResultsSerum Cys-C concentration in untreated and treated HIV(+) patients was significantly higher than in control group (441.94 ±121.62 and 513.10 ±94.12 v. 309.9 ±49.4 ng/ml, p < 0.001, respectively). After 3 months of HAART Cys-C concentration decreased to 379.74 ±42.15 ng/mL, and after 9 months increased to 384.52 ±41.23 ng/mL. Conclusion. Cys-C serum concentration is elevated in HIV-1-infected patients. Its decrease during the initial phase of ARV treatment suggests possible association with HIV viremia. HAART is associated with progressive increase of serum Cys-C concentration.