HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) affects 1.1 million American’s and 18% of that number doesn’t even know they are infected. HIV is often sexually transmitted through sexual intercourse and IV drug use. The number of documented cases seems to increase drastically world-wide yearly since the 1980’s. There is no cure for HIV or Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS). Cost effective treatments are needed to meet the needs of a growing patient population.
Genistein, found in flemingia vestita and soybeans, has recently shown promise in inhibiting SDF-1 mediated chemotaxis and HIV infection of resting CD4 T cells. The process uses genistein, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor, in an actin-ligand reaction to trigger chemotaxis of the already infected cells and halting HIV infection to enter the resting CD4 T cells. Genistein was tested against 2 other tyrosine kinase inhibitors, Sunitimib and AG1478, which Sunitimib did inhibit further HIV infection of resting CD4 T cells. Genistein was further successfully studied in 3 Rhesus monkeys that received 10 mg/kg for 12 weeks without adverse effect.
This study may not be the cure for a new age of HIV patients, however, using compounds found in natural sources such as plants could develop new biologic medications. The increased need for economically affordable cures for epidemic numbers can use agricultural sources to provide laboratory pharmaceuticals with the answer to HIV and even prostate cancer. Genistein has promising effects on prostate and other cancers as well. It is important that we continue to use our natural resources that are easily produced and refined for various needs and conserve life’s quality in all aspects.
Shannon Lain
http://www. huffingtonpost.com/2013/08/02/soybean-hiv-treatment-genistein-_n_3672193.html