ZO-1 and occludin protein levels as shown in Fig. 3a and c and their mRNA levels as shown in Fig. 3b and d were downregulated following HIV-1 Tat exposure (**P < 0.01 vs the control group in both Western blotting and qRT-PCR) but were significantly upregulated in the HF + HIV-1 Tat group (#P < 0.05 or ##P < 0.01 vs the HIV-1 Tat group in both Western blotting and qRT-PCR). This evidence concerns the gene TAT and hydrops fetalis.