Biomark Med. 2026 Feb 14:1-9. doi: 10.1080/17520363.2026.2628972. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Low-grade inflammation remains a clinical concern in virally suppressed people living with HIV-1 (PWH). Identifying reliable biomarkers is essential for monitoring inflammation-related risk.
METHODS: This exploratory cross-sectional study evaluated NF-κB p65 as a biomarker in 60 virally suppressed HIV-1 infected individuals and 60 controls. NF-κB p65 and high-sensitive C-reactive protein (HS-CRP) levels were quantified. Statistical analyses were performed in R (v4.3.2) using multivariable logistic regression model, adjusting for age, gender, HS-CRP, and socio-economic status. Predictive performance was assessed using AUC, calibration, and decision curve analysis. Additional analysis includes principal component analysis (PCA), k-means clustering, and linear regression was performed.
RESULTS: NF-κB p65 levels were significantly elevated in PWH than controls (p < 0.001), while HS-CRP was not independently associated. NF-κB p65 remained the strongest predictor of low-grade inflammation (OR = 2.3, AUC = 0.816) than HS-CRP. The model demonstrated good calibration and clinical utility. PCA and k-means clustering revealed heterogenous inflammatory profiles, and NF-κB p65 showed a borderline inverse association with CD4+ T cell counts. Low SES was also linked to increased inflammation (p < 0.001).
CONCLUSION: NF-κB p65 is a promising biomarker for monitoring subclinical inflammation in virally suppressed HIV-1 infection.
PMID:41689410 | DOI:10.1080/17520363.2026.2628972
