Effects of Mycobacterium avium complex-infection treatment on cytokine expression in human immunodeficiency virus-infected persons: Results of AIDS Clinical Trials Group Protocol 853

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1-infected persons with newly diagnosed Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) bacteremia were enrolled in an 8- week study to determine whether treatment of MAC infection is associated with decreases in plasma tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels. Blood specimens were obtained for quantitative MAC cultures and to determine plasma levels of HIV RNA, TNF-α, and other proinflammatory cytokines. MAC levels decreased by 1.75 log at week 4 (P = .008) and by 2.48 log at week 8 (P = .001). Plasma TNF-α decreased by 0.15 log at week 4 (P = .042) and by 0.40 log at week 8 (P = .027). Plasma interleukin (IL)-6 decreased by 0.56 log at week 8 (P = .039). There were nonsignificant trends (P < .10) for plasma levels of IL-1β and HIV RNA to decrease at week 8. Nonsignificant decreases in plasma levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, ID-6, and HIV RNA were also seen in those individuals who remained on stable antiretroviral therapy throughout the 8 weeks of the study.