_1778830081 20260515072801000 Editor editor.jddt@gmail.com Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research Universal Journal of Pharmaceutical Research Univ J Pharm Res 2456-8058 2831-5235 05 15 2026 Enosakhare Asemota Deborah Akpeku Christopher Ogar Osamagbe Aiyudubie Asemota Dennis Akongfe Abunimye Emmanuel Ifeanyi Obeagu Background and aims: HIV infection is associated with alterations in iron metabolism and transcription factors such as GATA1. This study evaluated GATA1 protein, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), and transferrin saturation (TSAT) of HIV-infected subjects in University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Subjects and methods: A total of 90 participants were recruited, comprising 45 HIV-infected subjects on HAART and 45 apparently healthy HIV negative Individuals as controls. Four milliliters of venous blood were collected from each participant and dispensed into plain tubes for serum separation. Serum samples were analyzed for GATA 1 Protein, Iron parameters (Serum Iron (SI), Total iron-binding capacity (TIBC), Unsaturated iron-binding capacity (UIBC), and Transferrin saturation (TSAT) were using Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and colorimetric methods. Statistical analyses, including Student’s t-test, Analysis of Variance and Pearson’s correlation were performed using SPSS version 22 with significance set at p<0.05. Results: Serum iron levels were markedly elevated in HIV subjects (183.11±46.59 µg/dl) compared with controls (106.33±25.41 µg/dl; p<0.001). Conversely, UIBC (231.11±32.63 µg/dl vs. 327.53±36.76 µg/dl; p<0.001) and TIBC (414.13±19.14 µg/dl vs. 433.09±24.01 µg/dl; p<0.001) were significantly reduced in HIV subjects. TSAT was substantially higher in HIV-infected participants (43.88± 9.38%) compared to controls (24.64±6.29%; p<0.001). GATA1 protein levels showed no significant difference between groups (0.78±1.57 ng/ml vs. 0.69±2.21 ng/ml; p=0.243). Conclusion: HIV-infected individuals on HAART demonstrated significant alterations in iron metabolism, particularly higher serum iron and transferrin saturation, alongside reduced TIBC and UIBC which suggest dysregulation of Iron homeostasis. Although GATA 1 protein level did not differ significantly, these findings suggest that HIV infection may influence erythropoiesis and iron regulation independent of GATA1 protein.                   Peer Review History: Received 5 February 2026;   Reviewed 8 March 2026; Accepted  13 April; Available online 15 May 2026 Academic Editor: Dr. DANIYAN Oluwatoyin Michael, Obafemi Awolowo University, ILE-IFE, Nigeria, toyinpharm@gmail.com Reviewers: Dr. Taiwo O Elufioye, University of Ibadan, Nigeria, toonitaiwo@yahoo.com Dr. Vanina Doris Edo’o, University of Yaounde I, Yaounde, Cameroun, vanina_edoo@yahoo.com 05 15 2026 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0 10.22270/ujpr.v11i2.1531 https://ujpronline.com/index.php/journal/article/view/1531 https://ujpronline.com/index.php/journal/article/download/1531/2125 https://ujpronline.com/index.php/journal/article/download/1531/2125 https://ujpronline.com/index.php/journal/article/download/1531/2126 https://ujpronline.com/index.php/journal/article/download/1531/2150