ABSTRACT
A reduced intracellular state is vital to homeostatic control of cellular growth and function. Recent studies have shown that HIV infection is characterized by a state of oxidative stress associated with deficiencies in blood serum of exogenous (dietary) and endogenous antioxidants as well as overproduction of reactive free radicals. Such abnormalities may foster increased virus production and contribute to impairment of immune-cell proliferation and function. Experimental studies have demonstrated that supplementary concentrations of dietary, endogenous, and synthetic antioxidants can suppress virus replication and influence immune-cell function and survival. Antioxidants manifesting such effects are promising candidates for developing new complementary therapies for treatment of HIV/AIDS.
