This review delves into the intricate relationship between anemia, iron metabolism, and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), aiming to unravel the interconnected pathways that contribute to the complex interplay between these 3 entities. A systematic exploration of relevant literature was conducted, encompassing studies examining the association between anemia, iron status, and HIV infection. Both clinical and preclinical investigations were analyzed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms linking these components. Chronic inflammation, a hallmark of HIV infection, disrupts iron homeostasis, impacting erythropoiesis and contributing to anemia. Direct viral effects on bone marrow function further compound red blood cell deficiencies. Antiretroviral therapy, while essential for managing HIV, introduces potential complications, including medication-induced anemia. Dysregulation of iron levels in different tissues adds complexity to the intricate network of interactions. Effective management of anemia in HIV necessitates a multifaceted approach. Optimization of antiretroviral therapy, treatment of opportunistic infections, and targeted nutritional interventions, including iron supplementation, are integral components. However, challenges persist in understanding the specific molecular mechanisms governing these interconnected pathways. Decoding the interconnected pathways of anemia, iron metabolism, and HIV is imperative for enhancing the holistic care of individuals with HIV/AIDS. A nuanced understanding of these relationships will inform the development of more precise interventions, optimizing the management of anemia in this population. Future research endeavors should focus on elucidating the intricate molecular mechanisms, paving the way for innovative therapeutic strategies in the context of HIV-associated anemia.

Malaria and HIV are leading causes of morbidity and mortality, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Both diseases are highly endemic and have a wide geographic overlap with severe impact on pregnancy. This was a case-control study designed to evaluate the levels of interleukin -6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and their relationship with some anthropometric indices such as body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure in HIV-malaria coinfected women attending antenatal clinic at Nnamdi Azikiwe University Teaching Hospital (NAUTH), Nnewi, Nigeria. 122 pregnant women and 30 nonpregnant women (control) aged between 18 and 42 years were recruited for the study. Screening of HIV antibodies was done using a national algorithm. Peripheral malaria was determined using rapid detection and the Giemsa stain technique. Cytokines were assayed using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay technique. HIV-malaria coinfected pregnant women showed significantly higher levels of IL-6, IFN-γ, TNF-α, and blood pressure with reduced BMI value compared with HIV seronegative pregnant and nonpregnant control participants ( , respectively). The findings indicated significant cytokine imbalance which suggests an active inflammatory process and reduced cellular immunity. The increased BMI and blood pressure level observed indicate overweight and possible hypertension which could subsequently lead to preeclampsia and other adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Background: Human immune deficiency virus (HIV) has progressively been implicated with development of inflammatory disease including osteoarthritis. This study evaluated serum levels of adiponectin and leptin in women living with HIV with/without osteoarthritis who have been placed on highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) in NAUTH, Nnewi, Nigeria. Methods: Eighty eight participants aged between 18 and 65 years attending HAART unit of NAUTH, Nnewi were randomly selected and grouped thus: Group A (premenopausal HIV seropositive women with osteoarthritis), group B (postmenopausal HIV seropositive women with osteoarthritis), group C (premenopausal HIV seropositive women) and group D (postmenopausal HIV seropositive women). Five milliliters of blood sample collected from each of participants for determination of adiponectin and leptin using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. Results: Adiponectin level was significantly higher in postmenopausal HIV seropositive women with osteoarthritis compared with pre and postmenopausal HIV seropositive women without osteoarthritis (p<0.05 respectively). Similarly, leptin level was significantly higher in pre and post-menopausal HIV seropositive women with osteoartritis compared with their counterparts without osteoarthritis (p<0.05 respectively). A positive significant correlation was observed between Leptin and age in premenopausal HIV seropositive women with osteoarthritis. Also, a significant negative correlation was observed between adiponectin, age in pre and postmenopausal HIV seropositive women without osteoarthritis. Conclusions: The significant increases in adiponectin and leptin levels in pre and postmenopausal HIV seropositive women can be linked to severe inflammatory reaction due to osteoarthritis which might have been aggravated by combined effects of menopause and HIV infection.

Background: This was a cross-sectional study designed to evaluate the potential use of p24 antigen and HIV-1 protease assays in treatment monitoring of HIV-1 infection at Federal Medical Center, Lokoja Nigeria. Materials and Methods: 154 participants aged 18-64 years were randomly recruited. 40 (group A) participants on efavirenz, Lamivudine, and tenofovir, 35 (group B) participants on nevirapine, lamivudine, and zidovudine served as a test, while 79 (group C) participants not antiretroviral the

Background: Cervical Human Papillomavirus infection prevalence varies with differentenvironments. Knowledge of this will help in some cervical cancer interventions such as earlyand continuous screening. This study is aim at determining the prevalence of cervical HPVinfection among women of childbearing age attending Federal Medical Center Asaba, Nigeria.Materials and methods: A total of 99 consenting women aged between (20 -45) years wererandomly recruited and screened for HPV infection using virtual inspection by acetic acid (VIA)method. Semi-structured questionnaire was used to obtain the demographic characteristics, biodata and reproductive history of the participants. Statistical analysis was done using IBM SPSSstatistics version 21. Results: The result shows that 21(21.21%) out of 99 women thatparticipated in the study were VIA positive. 16(76.19%) out of the 21 HPV infected womenshowed cervicitis, 4(19.05%) had cervical polyps, 1 (4.16%) had invasive cervical cancer while,1(4.16%) of the participants had HPV only. Age-specific prevalence was highest among the agegroup 36 – 40 years with age groups 20 – 25 and 41-45 having the same value. Conclusions:HPV prevalence rate is high among the study population especially in women of aged between(36-40) years. Early commencement of sexual intercourse among others was associated withHPV positive. Advanced and effective method of screening is highly recommended in lowincome settings. Urgent and adequate interventions is recommended for regular HPV screeningamong women of reproductive age to reduce the spread of cervical cancer.