Activity of lysosomal exoglycosidases in saliva of patients with HIV infection.

INTRODUCTION The aim of this work was to evaluate the influence of HIV infection on the catabolism of glycoconjugates in oral cavity, by determination the activity of lysosomal exoglycosidases in resting whole saliva HIV positive patients. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sample of resting whole saliva from HIV infected patients (divided into two groups, depending on lymphocyte CD4+ number in peripheral blood) and the control-HIV negative group were analyzed for exoglycosidases activity. Determinations the activities (muKat/kg of protein) of lysosomal exoglycosidases were performed according to Chatteriee et al., modified Zwierz et al. The protein content (mg/ml) was determined by the Lowry method. Statistical analysis was performed using packet Statistica 6.0. Results were expressed as the mean and SD. P values less than 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS Exoglycosidases activities were not statistically dependent on immunological status of HIV patients. We obtained insignificant increase activities of HEX, HEX A and GALp and insignificant decrease activity of HEX B along with the reduction of the CD4+ number. In both HIV positive groups the activities of HEX B were statistically lower and GALp statistically higher in comparison to the control. In the case of HEX A significant differences could be observed between patients with low immunological status and the control group. CONCLUSIONS HIV infection intensifies catabolism glycoconiugates in saliva and changes activities of HEX, its isoenzymes A and B and beta-galactosidase. It may change susceptibility the cells lining oral cavity to viral and bacterial infections.