Impact of Age on the Trace Elements Levels in Human Immunodeficiency Virus Patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (AART) Attending Federal Medical Centre Owerri, Imo State, Nigeria

Abstract

Advancing age is characterized by impaired pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic changes. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of age on trace element levels in Human Immunodeficiency Virus patients on Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). A total of 196 HIV-positive patients in the age ranges of 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, and 70-79 years old who are on HAART were recruited for the study. Determinations of HIV status and plasma trace element levels of the participants were performed using standard procedures. Results obtained from the study showed that zinc, selenium, and iron levels were most pronounced among HAART subjects in the age ranges of 20-29 and 30-39 years old, but declined in HAART subjects in the age ranges of 60-69 and 70-79 years old. In conclusion, it can be deduced from this study that HAART is most effective in younger individuals.