Calcitonin Receptor AluI Gene Polymorphisms in HIV-Infected Children: An Observational Study

Objectives: Calcitonin receptor (CTR) gene polymorphism is one of the important factors which contribute to the development of osteoporosisthat associated with many oral health conditions such as tooth loss, reduced jaw bone density, periodontal disease, and temporomandibular disorders. Osteoporosis has recently been described as complications of antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients. This observational study aims to investigate the distribution of CTR AluI gene polumorphism among HIV-infected children HIV Infected children on antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Methods: Blood samples were collected from HIV-infected childrenon ART in Dr. Hasan Sadikin General Hospital, Bandung West Java, Indonesia.The calcitonin receptorAluI gene polymorphisms were performed using PCR-microarray analysis.
Results: A total of 38 HIV-infected children(18 maleand 20 female), aged 6-14 yearswere enrolled in this study. All participants had received ART for a mean of 5+2 years.The frequencies of the calcitonin receptor AluI gene polymorphisms in HIV-infected childrenon ART were AA 24 (63.2%), Aa 13 (34.2 %), aa 1(2.6.%). The mean of CD4⁺T cell count was 863 ± 438 cell mm³. CD4⁺T cell counts were not associated with the CTR AluI gene polymorphisms (p>0.05).
Conclusions: These results indicate that the polymorphisms of CTR AluIgenehas been detected inHIV-infected children that may berelated to osteoporosis-associated oral health conditions, but further comprehensive studies are required.