The protein and mRNA levels of RAGE (Fig. 4e–f) were ascended after HIV-1 Tat exposure in comparison with the control group (**P < 0.01 in both Western blotting and RT-PCR), but were downregulated in the HF + HIV-1 Tat group (#P < 0.05 vs the HIV-1 Tat group in both Western blotting and qRT-PCR). The gene discussed is AGER; the disease is hydrops fetalis.