The functional significance of changes to peripheral cytokine levels was evaluated by exploring relationships with other blood markers; AUD-related variables (e.g., AUD onset age, lifetime alcohol consumption, days since last drink, scores on the AUD Identification Test [AUDIT], history of emergency room detoxifications/treatments, withdrawal scores); HIV-related variables (e.g., Karnofsky score, VACs Index, HIV onset age, HIV duration, CD4 cell count, CD4 cell count nadir, viral, AIDS-defining events); and general demographic variables such as body mass index (BMI) and smoking status. This evidence concerns the gene CD4 and AIDS.