Dolutegravir, an integrase strand transfer inhibitor has been found to affect anthropometric indices. A total of 40 subjects comprising 19 male and 21 female were recruited for the study and apparently healthy sex and age matched individuals who tested sero-negative to HIV screening were used as controls. Standard weighing scale and measuring tape were used to determine body mass index (BMI) and Waist-to-Hip Ratio (WHR). Blood samples were collected and analyzed for pro inflammatory cytokines markers, specifically IL6 and TNF-α. The blood samples collected pre and six months post antiretroviral therapy were analyzed using the Anbio Fluorescence Immunoassay for IL6 detection and sandwich ELISA technique to determine the TNF-α concentration. The mean values of the BMI and WHR increased to 25.05 ± 4.2 kg/m² and 0.93 ± 0.06, respectively, after 24 weeks of treatment initiation. The mean pre-treatment values for IL6 and TNF-α were 33.44 ± 11.37 pg/ml and 122.52 ± 57.75 pg/ml, respectively, compared to 425.50 ± 111.17 pg/ml and 162.51 ± 77.26pg/ml after 24 weeks. Anthropometric indices and cytokine levels in treatment experienced patients were significantly higher compared to HIV Negative controls. The comparison of pre- and post-treatment values following Dolutegravir-based therapy revealed significant increases in BMI, WHR, and inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α). These findings suggest that the observed changes are likely due to increased adiposity, which triggers the production of pro-inflammatory immune mediators. This response is positively correlated with vascular and endothelial abnormalities, as well as oxidative stress.

Anthropometry, Antiretroviral therapy, Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy, Pro-inflammatory cytokines