ELEVATED LEVELS OF TUMOR-NECROSIS-FACTOR-ALPHA IN ZAIRIAN NEONATE PLASMAS - IMPLICATIONS FOR PERINATAL INFECTION WITH THE HUMAN-IMMUNODEFICIENCY-VIRUS

Plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF alpha) and the abili ty of plasmas to induce HIV expression in chronically infected cell li nes were measured in samples from adults, cord blood, and neonates fro m Zaire and North America. Plasma levels of TNF alpha were higher in Z airian neonates born to HIV-negative and -positive mothers than in uni nfected Zairian adults (612 vs. 128 vs. 8 pg/mL, P < .001); this dicho tomy persisted until children were 9 months old. Plasmas from neonates of HIV-negative Zairian mothers also stimulated higher levels of reve rse transcriptase from HIV-infected cell lines than did plasmas from H IV-negative Zairian adults (1339 vs. 110 cpm, P < .001). Similar patte rns were noted in plasmas from HIV-negative North American adults and neonates; however, TNF alpha levels were markedly lower, and smaller d ifferences were noted among North American adults and neonates than th ose in the Zairian cohort. Markedly elevated plasma TNF alpha levels i n Zairian neonates and infants may play a role in the pathogenesis and progression of HIV disease in this patient population.