Beneficial effect of macrophage activating agent NK-4 on Thai HIV-infected patients.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: We examined the effect of NK-4 (4,4'-[3-[2-(1-ethyl-4(1H)-quinolinylidene) ethylidene] propenylene] bis(-ethylquinolinium iodide)) on the clinical course of Thai HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral drugs. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Twelve subjects with CD4 count < 500/mm3 were enrolled to receive 0.5 mg of NK-4 orally once daily for 8 weeks and then twice daily during the follow-up. RESULTS: Most patients showed vitality, increased appetite, stable body-weight, increased CD4 counts and no serious adverse effects due to viral load. We suggest that the increased CD4 counts are due to the macrophage activating effect of NK-4. The patients with increased CD4 counts showed lower alpha-N-acetylgalactosaminidase (alpha-NaGalase) activity than those with decreased CD4 counts. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the macrophage activating agent NK-4, as an inexpensive and safe drug for HIV-infected patients, may play a beneficial role in the clinical treatment of HIV-infected patients.