Whole-protein enteral nutrition formula supplementation reduces Escherichia and improves intestinal barrier function in HIV-infected immunological nonresponders.

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (PLWH) have persistent malnutrition, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and gut microbial imbalance. The interplay between gut microbiota and nutrients is involved in the immune reconstitution of PLWH. To evaluate the effects of whole-protein enteral nutrition formula supplementation on T-cell levels, intestinal barrier function, nutritional status, and gut microbiota composition in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected immunological nonresponders (INRs) who failed to normalize CD4+ T-cell counts, with a number <350 cells/µL, a pilot study was carried out in 13 HIV-infected INRs undergoing antiretroviral therapy who received a 3-month phase supplementation of 200 mL/200 kcal/45 g whole-protein enteral nutrition formula once daily. Our primary endpoint was increased CD4+ T-cell counts. Secondary outcome parameters were changes in intestinal barrier function, nutritional status, and gut microbiota composition. We showed that CD4+ T-cell counts of HIV-infected INRs increased significantly after the 3-month supplementation. Dietary supplementation for 3 months improved the intestinal barrier function and nutritional status of HIV-infected INRs. Furthermore, the enteral nutrition formula significantly decreased the relative abundance of Escherichia at the genus level and increased the alpha diversity of gut microbiota in HIV-infected INRs. The findings demonstrated that the whole-protein enteral nutrition formula aids in reducing Escherichia and improving intestinal barrier function in HIV-infected INRs. This study provides insight into the role of nutrients in the improvement of immune reconstitution in HIV-infected INRs. This study is registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Document No. ChiCTR2000037839; http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx).

Dynamics and correlations in multiplex immune profiling reveal persistent immune inflammation in male drug users after withdrawal.

Drug withdrawal elicits immune responses that contribute to the development of withdrawal symptoms and relapse. The understanding of the immunologic dynamics after drug withdrawal is limited, precluding the finding of promising immune intervention measures. Here, we performed cytokine and multiplex immune profiling in heroin, methamphetamine (METH) and ephedrine users after withdrawal and identified the correlation between cytokines and other immune parameters. We showed that broad and strong inflammatory responses occurred at the early stage after drug withdrawal, and the inflammatory responses showed a downtrend with the extension of withdrawal time. Notably, immune dysregulation remained through and may last longer than 12 months after withdrawal in heroin and METH users. Our findings suggest that cytokines, immune cells, complement and immunoglobulin form a complex immune network that regulates immune responses after withdrawal. These data provide a reference for future scientific research and drug research and development.