Serum Malondialdehyde Levels in HPV-Negative and HPV-Positive DNA Tests in Women Infected with HIV in a Tertiary Hospital in Nigeria

BACKGROUND Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and human papillomavirus (HPV) are two major global health concerns, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa. Both viruses have been associated with increased oxidative stress, which can be quantified by measuring serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. AIM Assessing Oxidative Stress: Malondialdehyde is a biomarker for oxidative stress, which can be elevated in conditions like HIV infection. By measuring serum MDA levels, the study aims to evaluate the degree of oxidative stress in women with HIV, comparing those with and without HPV co-infection. Comparing MDA Levels in HPV Status: The study seeks to determine if there are significant differences in MDA levels between HIV-infected women who are HPV-positive and those who are HPV-negative. This could provide insights into the interaction between HPV infection and oxidative stress in the context of HIV. METHODOLOGY A total of 150 women with HIV infection who were yet to be commenced on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were enrolled, comprising 75 whom tested positive for HPV DNA and 75 tested negatives for HPV DNA test. Serum MDA levels were measured using spectrophotometry. This study employed a comparative cross-sectional approach, recruiting 150 women from LASUTH's gynaecology, colposcopy, and medical oncology clinics via convenience sampling. Fasting blood samples were collected with consent, and serum malondialdehyde levels were measured spectrophotometrically. Data Analysis: Data was analysed using statistical package of the social sciences SPSS version 29. Serum MDA levels between HPV-negative and HPV-positive groups were estimated. We also assessed the correlation between MDA levels and HPV status using regression analysis. There was a significant difference in MDA levels between HPV-negative and HPV-positive HIV-infected women. CONCLUSION Exploring serum MDA levels as a potential biomarker for cervical cancer risk assessment holds promise for improving early detection and intervention strategies. By understanding the role of oxidative stress in cervical carcinogenesis and evaluating the utility of serum MDA, healthcare professionals can develop more effective screening programs and targeted interventions to mitigate the impact of cervical cancer on women's health globally.