Association of serum lipid levels with HIV serostatus, specific antiretroviral agents, and treatment regimens

Pathophysiology and Clinical Management of Dyslipidemia in People Living with HIV: Sailing through Rough Seas

Infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) represent one of the greatest health burdens worldwide. The complex pathophysiological pathways that link highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) and HIV infection per se with dyslipidemia make the management of lipid disorders and the subsequent increase in cardiovascular risk essential for the treatment of people living with HIV (PLHIV). Amongst HAART regimens, darunavir and atazanavir, tenofovir disoproxil fumarate, nevirapine, rilpivirine, and especially integrase inhibitors have demonstrated the most favorable lipid profile, emerging as sustainable options in HAART substitution. To this day, statins remain the cornerstone pharmacotherapy for dyslipidemia in PLHIV, although important drug-drug interactions with different HAART agents should be taken into account upon treatment initiation. For those intolerant or not meeting therapeutic goals, the addition of ezetimibe, PCSK9, bempedoic acid, fibrates, or fish oils should also be considered. This review summarizes the current literature on the multifactorial etiology and intricate pathophysiology of hyperlipidemia in PLHIV, with an emphasis on the role of different HAART agents, while also providing valuable insights into potential switching strategies and therapeutic options.

Association of HIV and HCV Infection With Carotid Artery Plaque Echomorphology in the MACS/WIHS Combined Cohort Study

BACKGROUND

HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are associated with increased risk of carotid artery atherosclerotic plaque and stroke. We examined associations of HIV- and HCV-related factors with echomorphologic features of carotid artery plaque.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study included participants from the MACS (Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study)/WIHS (Women's Interagency HIV Study) Combined Cohort Study who underwent high-resolution B-mode carotid artery ultrasound. Plaques were characterized from 6 areas of the right carotid artery. Poisson regression controlling for demographic and cardiometabolic risk factors determined adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) and 95% CIs for associations of HIV- and HCV-related factors with echomorphologic features.

RESULTS

Of 2655 participants (65% women, median age 44 [interquartile range, 37-50] years), 1845 (70%) were living with HIV, 600 (23%) were living with HCV, and 425 (16%) had carotid plaque. There were 191 plaques identified in 129 (11%) women with HIV, 51 plaques in 32 (7%) women without HIV, 248 plaques in 171 (28%) men with HIV, and 139 plaques in 93 (29%) men without HIV. Adjusted analyses showed that people with HIV and current CD4+ count <200 cells/µL had a significantly higher prevalence of predominantly echolucent plaque (aPR, 1.86 [95% CI, 1.08-3.21]) than those without HIV. HCV infection alone (aPR, 1.86 [95% CI, 1.08-3.19]) and HIV-HCV coinfection (aPR, 1.75 [95% CI, 1.10-2.78]) were each associated with higher prevalence of predominantly echogenic plaque. HIV-HCV coinfection was also associated with higher prevalence of smooth surface plaque (aPR, 2.75 [95% CI, 1.03-7.32]) compared with people without HIV and HCV.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV with poor immunologic control, as well as HCV infection, either alone or in the presence of HIV, were associated with different echomorphologic phenotypes of carotid artery plaque.

Incidence of Hyperlipidemia among Adults Initiating Antiretroviral Therapy in the HIV Outpatient Study (HOPS), USA, 2007-2021

Current U.S. guidelines recommend integrase strand transfer inhibitor (INSTI)-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) as initial treatment for people with HIV (PWH). We assessed long-term effects of INSTI use on lipid profiles in routine HIV care. We analyzed medical record data from the HIV Outpatient Study's participants in care from 2007 to 2021. Hyperlipidemia was defined based on clinical diagnoses, treatments, and laboratory results. We calculated hyperlipidemia incidence rates and rate ratios (RRs) during initial ART and assessed predictors of incident hyperlipidemia by using Poisson regression. Among 349 eligible ART-naïve PWH, 168 were prescribed INSTI-based ART (36 raltegravir (RAL), 51 dolutegravir (DTG), and 81 INSTI-others (elvitegravir and bictegravir)) and 181 non-INSTI-based ART, including 68 protease inhibitor (PI)-based ART. During a median follow-up of 1.4 years, hyperlipidemia rates were 12.8, 22.3, 22.7, 17.4, and 12.6 per 100 person years for RAL-, DTG-, INSTI-others-, non-INSTI-PI-, and non-INSTI-non-PI-based ART, respectively. In multivariable analysis, compared with the RAL group, hyperlipidemia rates were higher in INSTI-others (RR = 2.25; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.29-3.93) and non-INSTI-PI groups (RR = 1.89; CI: 1.12-3.19) but not statistically higher for the DTG (RR = 1.73; CI: 0.95-3.17) and non-INSTI-non-PI groups (RR = 1.55; CI: 0.92-2.62). Other factors independently associated with hyperlipidemia included older age, non-Hispanic White race/ethnicity, and ART without tenofovir disoproxil fumarate. PWH using RAL-based regimens had lower rates of incident hyperlipidemia than PWH receiving non-INSTI-PI-based ART but had similar rates as those receiving DTG-based ART, supporting federal recommendations for using DTG-based regimens as the initial therapy for ART-naïve PWH.

Prevalence and characteristics of metabolic syndrome and its components among adults living with and without HIV in Nigeria: a single-center study

BACKGROUND

Persons living with HIV (PLHIV) now live longer due to effective combination antiretroviral therapy. However, emerging evidence indicates that they may be at increased risk for some cardiometabolic disorders. We compared the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its component disorders between persons living with and without HIV in Nigeria.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional analysis of baseline data from a prospective cohort study of non-communicable diseases among PLHIV along with age- and sex-matched persons without HIV (PWoH) at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital Nigeria. We collected sociodemographic and clinical data, including anthropometric measures and results of relevant laboratory tests. MetS was defined using a modification of the third report of the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel (NCEP ATP III) criteria.

RESULTS

Of the 440 PLHIV and 232 PWoH, women constituted 50.5% and 51.3% respectively. The median age of the PLHIV was 45 years while that of the PWoH was 40 years. The prevalence of MetS was 30.7% (95% CI: 26.4%, 35.2%) and 22.8% (95% CI: 17.6%, 28.8%) among the PLHIV and PWoH respectively (P = 0.026). Independent associations were found for older age (P < 0.001), female sex (P < 0.001), family history of diabetes (P < 0.001), family history of hypertension (P = 0.013) and alcohol use (P = 0.015). The prevalence of component disorders for PLHIV versus PWoH were as follows: high blood pressure (22.3% vs 20.3%), prediabetes (33.8% vs 21.1%), diabetes (20.5% vs 8.2%), high triglycerides (24.5% vs 17.2%), low HDL-Cholesterol (51.1% vs 41.4%), and abdominal obesity (38.4% vs 37.1%). Adjusting for age and sex, prediabetes, diabetes, and low HDL-Cholesterol were significantly associated with HIV status. Duration on antiretroviral therapy, protease inhibitor-based regimen, CD4 count, and viral load were associated with some of the disorders mostly in unadjusted analyses.

CONCLUSION

We found a high burden of MetS and its component disorders, with significantly higher prevalence of dysglycemia and dyslipidemia among PLHIV as compared to PWoH. Integration of strategies for the prevention and management of MetS disorders is needed in HIV treatment settings.

HIV infection and cardiovascular disease have both shared and distinct monocyte gene expression features: Women's Interagency HIV study

Persistent inflammation contributes to the development of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as an HIV-associated comorbidity. Innate immune cells such as monocytes are major drivers of inflammation in men and women with HIV. The study objectives are to examine the contribution of circulating non-classical monocytes (NCM, CD14dimCD16+) and intermediate monocytes (IM, CD14+CD16+) to the host response to long-term HIV infection and HIV-associated CVD. Women with and without chronic HIV infection (H) were studied. Subclinical CVD (C) was detected as plaques imaged by B-mode carotid artery ultrasound. The study included H-C-, H+C-, H-C+, and H+C+ participants (23 of each, matched on race/ethnicity, age and smoking status), selected from among enrollees in the Women's Interagency HIV Study. We assessed transcriptomic features associated with HIV or CVD alone or comorbid HIV/CVD comparing to healthy (H-C-) participants in IM and NCM isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells. IM gene expression was little affected by HIV alone or CVD alone. In IM, coexisting HIV and CVD produced a measurable gene transcription signature, which was abolished by lipid-lowering treatment. In NCM, versus non-HIV controls, women with HIV had altered gene expression, irrespective of whether or not they had comorbid CVD. The largest set of differentially expressed genes was found in NCM among women with both HIV and CVD. Genes upregulated in association with HIV included several potential targets of drug therapies, including LAG3 (CD223). In conclusion, circulating monocytes from patients with well controlled HIV infection demonstrate an extensive gene expression signature which may be consistent with the ability of these cells to serve as potential viral reservoirs. Gene transcriptional changes in HIV patients were further magnified in the presence of subclinical CVD.

Sex Differences in Non-AIDS Comorbidities Among People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Women are grossly underrepresented in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinical and translational research. This is concerning given that people with HIV (PWH) are living longer, and thus accumulating aging-related non-AIDS comorbidities (NACMs); emerging evidence suggests that women are at higher risk of NACM development and progression compared with men. It is widely recognized that women vs men have greater immune activation in response to many viruses, including HIV-1; this likely influences sex-differential NACM development related to differences in HIV-associated chronic inflammation. Furthermore, many sociobehavioral factors that contribute to aging-related NACMs are known to differ by sex. The objectives of this review were to (1) synthesize sex-stratified data on 4 NACMs among PWH: bone disease, cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, and neurocognitive impairment; (2) evaluate the characteristics of key studies assessing sex differences in NACMs; and (3) introduce potential biological and psychosocial mechanisms contributing to emerging trends in sex-differential NACM risk and outcomes among PWH.

Hepatic expression of cholesterol regulating genes favour increased circulating low-density lipoprotein in HIV infected patients with gallstone disease: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND

HIV endemic populations are displaying higher incidence of metabolic disorders. HIV and the standard treatment are both associated with altered lipid and cholesterol metabolism, however gallstone disease (a cholesterol related disorder) in Sub-Saharan African populations is rarely investigated.

METHODS

This study sought to evaluate hepatic expression of key genes in cholesterol metabolism (LDLr, HMGCR, ABCA1) and transcriptional regulators of these genes (microRNA-148a, SREBP2) in HIV positive patients on antiretroviral therapy presenting with gallstones. Liver biopsies from HIV positive patients (cases: n = 5) and HIV negative patients (controls: n = 5) were analysed for miR-148a and mRNA expression using quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

Circulating total cholesterol was elevated in the HIV positive group with significantly elevated LDL-c levels(3.16 ± 0.64 mmol/L) relative to uninfected controls (2.10 ± 0.74 mmol/L; p = 0.04). A scavenging receptor for LDL-c, LDLr was significantly decreased (0.18-fold) in this group, possibly contributing to higher LDL-c levels. Transcriptional regulator of LDLr, SREBP2 was also significantly lower (0.13-fold) in HIV positive patients. Regulatory microRNA, miR-148a-3p, was reduced in HIV positive patients (0.39-fold) with a concomitant increase in target ABCA1 (1.5-fold), which regulates cholesterol efflux.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively these results show that HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy display altered hepatic regulation of cholesterol metabolizing genes, reducing cholesterol scavenging, and increasing cholesterol efflux.

Risks of cardio-vascular diseases among highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) treated HIV seropositive volunteers at a treatment centre in Lagos, Nigeria

INTRODUCTION

highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has led to a decline in HIV-induced morbidity and mortality in recent years. However, it has been opined that this has led to elevated risks of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). This study assessed the risks of CVDs among HAART experienced individuals living with HIV.

METHODS

a cross sectional study involving 196 adults consisting of 118 HAART experienced and 78 HAART naïve was conducted. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were recorded for all participants. Blood samples obtained from the volunteers were used to determine glucose, creatinine, HIV viral load, CD4 count and lipid profile using standard methods. Lipid ratios, atherogenic indices and QRISK3 risk score were calculated.

RESULTS

the median CD4 lymphocyte, mean body mass index (BMI) and HDL-c in HAART experienced participants were higher (P<0.05) than HAART naive individuals. The QRISK3 risk score and creatinine were higher (p<0.05) among HAART experienced group. In HAART experienced group, the risk of hypertension, increased low-density lipoprotein (LDL-c), atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and QRISK3 were 3.7, 2.0, 2.38 and 3.85 times (p<0.05) higher respectively than in HAART naive. Atherogenic coefficient (AC) increase was more prevalent among male (p<0.05) participants. Risk of chronic renal disease (eGFR), hypertension and CVD (as measured by QRISK3) was higher (p<0.05) among the female and older participants respectively.

CONCLUSION

the risk of CVDs and renal disease appeared to be higher among HAART experienced volunteers and older (>45 years) volunteers. The risk of renal disease appeared higher in females.

Prevalence of low high-density lipoprotein among young adults receiving antiretroviral therapy in Zambia: An opportunity to consider non-communicable diseases in resource-limited settings

Background

With the introduction of effective antiretroviral therapy (ART), people living with HIV (PLWH) are surviving longer and are at risk for developing metabolic abnormalities that contribute to cardiovascular disease (CVD). In Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there is a paucity of epidemiological data on lipid profiles among young adults receiving ART. This study aimed to estimate the prevalence of low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), a cardioprotective lipid class, and whether it differed by age among adults on ART in Livingstone, Zambia.

Methods

From April to December 2019, we conducted a cross-sectional study of 597 PLWH [n = 58 aged 18–24 years (young adults); n = 539 aged ≥25 years (adults)] on ART for ≥6 months. Data collected included demographic and lifestyle information, anthropometrics, viral load (VL), CD4 count, blood pressure, lipid profiles and fasting/random blood glucose. Clinical measures were defined as: low HDL-c [<1.0 mmol/L for men, <1.3 for women], increased waist circumference (WC) [≥94 cm for men, ≥80 cm for women], high triglycerides (TG) [≥1.7 mmol/l], and virological failure (VF) [VL ≥1000 copies/μl]. We used logistic regression to examine the association between age and low HDL-c after adjusting for multiple variables.

Results

Among the young adults, 60% (35/58) were women, median (25^th, 75^th percentile) age 21 years (18, 23), and median time on ART 116 months (60, 144). Among adults, 63% (342/539) were women, median age 46 years (40, 53) and median time on ART 108 months (60, 144). Young adults had a lower CD4 count compared to adults (median, 492 vs. 568 cells/μL, p = 0.010) and higher prevalence of VF (29% vs. 17%, p = 0.016). In young adults, prevalence of low HDL-c was significantly higher than in adults (63 vs. 38%, p<0.001). A high proportion of young adults (75%) and adults (58%) with low HDL-c were on dolutegravir (DTG)-based ART regimens. After adjusting for sex, duration on ART, WC, body mass index, ART regimen, VF, CD4 count, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure and smoking, young adults were significantly more likely than adults to have low HDL-c (odds ratio 2.93; 95% confidence interval 1.46–5.86).

Conclusion

Low HDL-c is highly prevalent among young adult with HIV in SSA independent of other risk factors for metabolic derangements. Lipid abnormalities among young PLWH may contribute to the early development of cardiovascular diseases in this population. This highlights the need to consider low HDL-c in the quest to reduce CVD risk among young adults on ART in SSA.

The Impact of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9 on the Sequential Steps of the Metastatic Process

In industrialized countries, cancer is the second leading cause of death after cardiovascular disease. Most cancer patients die because of metastases, which consist of the self-transplantation of malignant cells in anatomical sites other than the one from where the tumor arose. Disseminated cancer cells retain the phenotypic features of the primary tumor, and display very poor differentiation indices and functional regulation. Upon arrival at the target organ, they replace preexisting, normal cells, thereby permanently compromising the patient's health; the metastasis can, in turn, metastasize. The spread of cancer cells implies the degradation of the extracellular matrix by a variety of enzymes, among which the matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 is particularly effective. This article reviews the available published literature concerning the important role that MMP-9 has in the metastatic process. Additionally, information is provided on therapeutic approaches aimed at counteracting, or even preventing, the development of metastasis via the use of MMP-9 antagonists.

Cardiovascular risk and D-dimer levels in HIV-infected ART-naïve Africans

Anti-retroviral therapy (ART) has decreased morbidity and mortality in HIV-infected individuals. With the adoption of the 90-90-90 strategy prevention and control of non-communicable disease, particularly knowledge of the burden and profile of cardiovascular disease, will become increasingly important. Our study assessed cardiovascular risk among recently diagnosed HIV-infected ART-naïve patients in a first referral urban hospital in a low-income country in sub-Saharan Africa. HIV-positive ART-naïve patients were submitted to cardiovascular risk assessment, clinical history, physical examination and laboratory workout, including 12-lead electrocardiography, portable transthoracic echocardiography, glycemia, lipidemia, hemogram and D-dimers. Three years after the diagnosis their vital status and occurrence of major cardiovascular events was assessed. We recruited 70 patients, all of black ethnicity (41 females; mean age 37±10.7). CD4 levels were very low (mean 21.3 cells/mL; SD 10.4). Twenty-one (26.6%) were overweight, 13 (16.7%) were obese, 19 (20.5%) had hyperglycemia and 20 patients (25.6%) had hypercholesterolemia. The median blood pressure was 119.5/79 mmHg (IQR 107-141/67-83); 20 patients (25.6%) had hypertension. Four (5.7%) patients had signs of heart failure, and left ventricular ejection fraction was reduced in 17 (25%). High levels of circulating D-dimers were found in 44 (62.8%) patients; the mean levels were 725.9 (SD 555.1). We found high occurrence of cardiovascular risk factors, left ventricular dysfunction and evidence of a pro-coagulant state in these HIV-infected ART-naïve patients. Active cardiovascular risk screening and stratification, as well as management protocols tailored to low-income settings are needed to sustain the gains obtained with increased availability of ART in Africa.

The Anti-Angiogenic Effects of Anti-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Drugs

The growth and metastasis of malignant tumors benefit from the formation of blood vessels within the tumor area. There, new vessels originate from angiogenesis (the sprouting of pre-existing neighboring vessels) and/or vasculogenesis (the mobilization of bone marrow-derived endothelial cell precursors which incorporate in tumor vasculature and then differentiate into mature endothelial cells). These events are induced by soluble molecules (the angiogenic factors) and modulated by endothelial cell interactions with the perivascular matrix. Given angiogenesis/vasculogenesis relevance to tumor progression, anti-angiogenic drugs are often employed to buttress surgery, chemotherapy or radiation therapy in the treatment of a wide variety of cancers. Most of the anti-angiogenic drugs have been developed to functionally impair the angiogenic vascular endothelial growth factor: however, this leaves other angiogenic factors unaffected, hence leading to drug resistance and escape. Other anti-angiogenic strategies have exploited classical inhibitors of enzymes remodeling the perivascular matrix. Disappointingly, these inhibitors have been found toxic and/or ineffective in clinical trials, even though they block angiogenesis in pre-clinical models. These findings are stimulating the identification of other anti-angiogenic compounds. In this regard, it is noteworthy that drugs utilized for a long time to counteract human immune deficiency virus (HIV) can directly and effectively hamper molecular pathways leading to blood vessel formation. In this review the mechanisms leading to angiogenesis and vasculogenesis, and their susceptibility to anti-HIV drugs will be discussed.

Comparison of calculated versus directly-measured low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol: An evaluation of ten formulas for an HIV-positive population in Sub-Saharan Africa

BACKGROUND:

Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) is a modifiable risk factor for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, therefore needs to be assessed and monitored. Direct homogeneous assays and various formulas exist to determine LDLC. We aimed to compare the directly measured LDL (dLDLC) with ten formulas for estimating LDLC.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

This was a 2-year retrospective study of fasting lipid profile results obtained from HIV-positive patients attending an outpatient clinic at the University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital, Enugu, Nigeria, using homogeneous direct assays. Estimated LDLC was determined using ten formulas. Pearson's correlation, Bland–Altman plots, and linear regression were performed. Statistical significance was P < 0.05.

RESULTS:

Three thousand four hundred and eighty-two lipid results with mean ± standard deviation (SD) dLDLC of 2.1 ± 1.1 mmol/L were included in this study. There was a strong, positive correlation between Friedewald's LDLC and dLDLC n = 3412, r = 0.84, P < 0.001, but linear regression demonstrated a proportional bias P = 0.005. Ahmadi's equation showed the worst correlation n = 3482, r = 0.35, P < 0.001, but when applied to samples with triglyceride (TG) <1.13 mmol/L (100 mg/dl), the correlation showed a strong, positive relationship n = 1395, r = 0.80, P < 0.001, and no proportional bias P = 0.86. Teerankanchana's equation was the only formula that showed no difference between its LDLC and dLDLC (n = 3482, P = 0.056). It also demonstrated strong, positive correlation (n = 3482, r = 0.84, P < 0.001) and had a mean difference ± SD of −0.68 ± 0.63.

CONCLUSION:

Teerankanchana's formula showed good correlation and minimal bias with dLDLC at all TG levels. Moreover, linear regression showed no difference in the two. It seems to be the most suitable formula for estimating LDLC in our HIV-positive population.

Association of single nucleotide polymorphisms with dyslipidemia in antiretroviral exposed HIV patients in a Ghanaian population: A case-control study

Dyslipidemia is a potential complication of long-term usage of antiretroviral therapy (ART) and also known to be associated with genetic factors. The host genetic variants associated with dyslipidemia in HIV patients on ART in Ghana have not been fully explored. The study constituted a total of 289 HIV-infected patients on stable ART for at least a year. Fasting blood was collected into EDTA tube for lipids measurement. Lipid profiles were used to define dyslipidemia based on the NCEP-ATP III criteria. HIV-infected subjects were categorized into two groups; those with dyslipidemia (cases) (n = 90; 31.1%) and without dyslipidemia (controls)(n = 199; 68.9%). Four candidate single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genes (ABCA1-rs2066714, LDLR-rs6511720, APOA5-rs662799 and DSCAML1-rs10892151) were determined. Genotyping was performed on isolated genomic DNA of study participants using PCR followed by a multiplex ligation detection reaction (LDR). The percentage of the population who had the rare homozygote alleles for rs6511720 (T/T), rs2066714 (G/G), rs10892151 (T/T) and rs662799 (G/G) among case subjects were 5.5%, 14.4%, 6.6% and 10.0% whiles 2.0% 9.1%, 6.5% and 4.0% were observed among control subjects. There were statistically significant differences in the genotypic prevalence of APOA5 (p = 0.0357) and LDLR polymorphisms (p = 0.0387) between case and control subjects. Compared to the AA genotype of the APOA5 polymorphisms, individuals with the rare homozygote genotype [aOR = 2.38, 95%CI(1.06-6.54), p = 0.004] were significantly associated with an increased likelihood of developing dyslipidemia after controlling for age, gender, treatment duration, CD4 counts and BMI. Moreover, individuals with the rare homozygous genotype of ABCA1 (G/G) [aOR = 10.7(1.3-88.7), p = 0.0280] and LDLR (rs6511720) G>T [aOR = 61.2(7.6-493.4), p<0.0001) were more likely to have high levels of total cholesterol levels. Our data accentuate the presence of SNPs in four candidate genes and their association with dyslipidemia among HIV patients exposed to ART in the Ghanaian population, especially variants in APOA5-rs662799 and LDLR rs6511720 respectively. These findings provide baseline information that necessitates a pre-symptomatic strategy for monitoring dyslipidemia in ART-treated HIV patients. There is a need for longitudinal studies to validate a comprehensive number of SNPs and their associations with dyslipidemia.

CD4 Cell Counts, Lipid Profile, and Oral Manifestations in HIV-Infected and AIDS Patients

Objectives

The present study aimed to evaluate CD4 cell counts, lipid profile, and oral manifestations in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients and their correlation with seronegative controls.

Materials and Methods

In this cross-sectional, hospital-based study, there were three groups of subjects: group A consisting of 500 healthy patients (controls), group B composed of 500 HIV-infected patients, and group C comprised of 500 AIDS patients based on their CD4 cell counts. CD4 cell counts were assessed using the CyFlow counter. Lipid profile was evaluated with the Erba EM 360 analyzer.

Results

The results were statistically significant for CD4 cell counts (P<0.001). The levels of total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoproteins (LDLs) were significantly decreased while triglycerides (TGs) and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDLs) were significantly increased in AIDS patients compared to the controls and HIV-infected patients. Various results were obtained regarding oral manifestations with different levels of significance.

Conclusion

CD4 cell counts, TC, LDLs, TGs, and VLDLs were significantly changed in HIV-infected and AIDS patients compared to the controls.

Current pharmacotherapy for the treatment of dyslipidemia associated with HIV infection

Introduction: Cardiovascular disease is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in persons with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH). The risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is higher in PWH compared to uninfected persons. Dyslipidemia is a critical link in the pathogenesis of ASCVD in PWH. Chronic inflammation associated with HIV infection may drive both dyslipidemia and ASCVD. Areas covered: The authors review the evidence for using lipid-lowering therapy in PWH and includes an overview of the utility and complexity of using statins in PWH, in particular, drug interactions, safety, and efficacy. In addition, data covering alternate therapies like omega-3 fatty acids, fibrates, niacin, ezetimibe, and PCSK-9 inhibitors are reviewed. Expert opinion: Dyslipidemia is a common problem in PWH. The risk of ASCVD is higher in PWH. Lipid-lowering therapy reduces the risk of ASCVD, but clinical endpoint trials are lacking in PWH. Statin therapy is the mainstay of primary prevention for ASCVD. The timing of when to initiate primary prevention with statins in PWH is unclear. Beyond statins, there are limited data that other lipid-lowering agents have utility in PWH. Ongoing trials like the REPRIEVE trial will inform the community about the optimal approach to lipid-lowering therapy in PWH.

Drug-drug interactions when treating HIV-related metabolic disorders

Introduction: Drug-drug interactions (DDI) between antiretroviral drugs and drugs for the treatment of metabolic disturbances in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLWH) have represented a problem of paramount importance in the recent times. The problem has been mainly driven by sharing common metabolizing pathways. This problem has classically been worsened by the frequent use of pharmacokinetic boosters to enhance protease inhibitors and some integrase inhibitors plasma levels. Areas covered: This article focuses on the interactions between antiretroviral drugs and those drugs used to treat metabolic disturbances which frequently appear in PLWH. These include dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, hyperuricemia, and finally, drugs for the treatment of overweight and clinical obesity. References from PubMed, Embase, or Web of Science, among others, were reviewed. Expert opinion: The advent of safer drugs, in terms of DDI, in the antiretroviral and the metabolic field,such as non-boosted antiretrovirals and drugs with divergent metabolizing paths. Besides, learning by the caregivers on how to decrease and manage DDI, together with the extensive use of online updated DDI databases, has undoubtedly minimized the problem. The foreseeable increase in the burden of HIV-associated comorbidities and their associated treatments anticipates further complexities in the management of DDI in PLWH.

Approaches to Improve the Surveillance, Monitoring, and Management of Noncommunicable Diseases in HIV-Infected Persons: Viewpoint

Low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) are undergoing an epidemiological transition, in which the burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) is rising and mortality will shift from infectious diseases to NCDs. Specifically, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, renal diseases, chronic respiratory diseases, and cancer are becoming more prevalent. In some regions, particularly sub-Saharan Africa, the dual HIV and NCD epidemics will pose challenges because their joint burden will have adverse effects on the quality of life and will likely increase global inequities. Given the austere clinical infrastructure in many LMICs, innovative models of care delivery are needed to provide comprehensive care in resource-limited settings. Improved data collection and surveillance of NCDs among HIV-infected persons in LMICs are necessary to inform integrated NCD-HIV prevention, care, and treatment models that are effective across a range of geographic settings. These efforts will preserve the considerable investments that have been made to prevent the number of lives lost to HIV, promote healthy aging of persons living with HIV, and contribute to meeting United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Evaluation of Oral Antiretroviral Drugs in Mice With Metabolic and Neurologic Complications

Antiretroviral (ART) drugs has previously been associated with lipodystrophic syndrome, metabolic consequences, and neuropsychiatric complications. ART drugs include three main classes of protease inhibitors (PIs), nucleoside analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs). Our previous work demonstrated that a high risk of hyperlipidemia was observed in HIV-1-infected patients who received ART drugs in Taiwan. Patients receiving ART drugs containing either Abacavir/Lamivudine (Aba/Lam; NRTI/NRTI), Lamivudine/Zidovudine (Lam/Zido; NRTI/NRTI), or Lopinavir/Ritonavir (Lop/Rit; PI) have the highest risk of hyperlipidemia. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Aba/Lam (NRTI/NRTI), Lam/Zido (NRTI/NRTI), and Lop/Rit (PI) on metabolic and neurologic functions in mice. Groups of C57BL/6 mice were administered Aba/Lam, Lam/Zido, or Lop/Rit, orally, once daily for a period of 4 weeks. The mice were then extensively tested for metabolic and neurologic parameters. In addition, the effect of Aba/Lam, Lam/Zido, and Lop/Rit on lipid metabolism was assessed in HepG2 hepatocytes and during the 3T3-L1 preadipocyte differentiation. Administration with Aba/Lam caused cognitive and motor impairments in mice, as well as their metabolic imbalances, including alterations in leptin serum levels. Administration with Lop/Rit also caused cognitive and motor impairments in mice, as well as their metabolic imbalances, including alterations in serum levels of total cholesterol, and HDL-c. Treatment of mice with Aba/Lam and Lop/Rit enhanced the lipid accumulation in the liver, and the decrease in AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) phosphorylation and/or its downstream target acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) protein expression. In HepG2 hepatocytes, Aba/Lam, Lam/Zido, and Lop/Rit also enhanced the lipid accumulation and decreased phosphorylated AMPK and ACC proteins. In 3T3-L1 pre-adipocyte differentiation, Aba/Lam and Lop/Rit reduced adipogenesis by decreasing expression of transcription factor CEBPb, implicating the lipodystrophic syndrome. Our results demonstrate that daily oral administration of Aba/Lam and Lop/Rit may produce cognitive, motor, and metabolic impairments in mice, regardless of HIV-1 infection.

Noncommunicable diseases among HIV-infected persons in low-income and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis

OBJECTIVE

To appropriately identify and treat noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) among persons living with HIV (PLHIV) in low-and-middle-income countries (LMICs), it is imperative to understand the burden of NCDs among PLHIV in LMICs and the current management of the diseases.

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

METHODS

We examined peer-reviewed literature published between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2016 to assess currently available evidence regarding HIV and four selected NCDs (cardiovascular disease, cervical cancer, depression, and diabetes) in LMICs with a focus on sub-Saharan Africa. The databases, PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane Review, and Scopus, were searched to identify relevant literature. For conditions with adequate data available, pooled estimates for prevalence were generated using random fixed effects models.

RESULTS

Six thousand one hundred and forty-three abstracts were reviewed, 377 had potentially relevant prevalence data and 141 were included in the summary; 57 were selected for quantitative analysis. Pooled estimates for NCD prevalence were hypertension 21.2% (95% CI 16.3-27.1), hypercholesterolemia 22.2% (95% CI 14.7-32.1), elevated low-density lipoprotein 23.2% (95% CI 15.2-33.6), hypertriglyceridemia 27.2% (95% CI 20.7-34.8), low high-density lipoprotein 52.3% (95% CI 35.6-62.8), obesity 7.8% (95% CI 4.3-13.9), and depression 24.4% (95% CI 12.5-42.1). Invasive cervical cancer and diabetes prevalence were 1.3-1.7 and 1.3-18%, respectively. Few NCD-HIV integrated programs with screening and management approaches that are contextually appropriate for resource-limited settings exist.

CONCLUSION

Improved data collection and surveillance of NCDs among PLHIV in LMICs are necessary to inform integrated HIV/NCD care models. Although efforts to integrate care exist, further research is needed to optimize the efficacy of these programs.

Lower High-Density Lipoproteins Levels During Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection Are Associated With Increased Inflammatory Markers and Disease Progression

Introduction

High-density lipoproteins (HDL) are responsible for the efflux and transport of cholesterol from peripheral tissues to the liver. In addition, HDL can modulate various immunological mechanisms, including the inflammatory response. Inflammasomes are multiprotein complexes that have been reported to be activated during human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection, thus contributing to immune hyperactivation, which is the main pathogenic mechanism of HIV-1 progression. However, the relationship between HDL and inflammasomes in the context of HIV-1 infection is unclear. Therefore, this research aims to explore the association between HDL and the components of the inflammatory response during HIV-1 infection.

Methodology

A cross-sectional study, including 36 HIV-1-infected individuals without antiretroviral treatment and 36 healthy controls matched by sex and age, was conducted. Viral load, CD4+ T-cell counts, serum HDL, and C-reactive protein (CRP) were quantified. Serum cytokine levels, including IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18, were assessed by ELISA. The inflammasome-related genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells were determined by quantitative real-time PCR.

Results

HIV-1-infected individuals showed a significant decrease in HDL levels, particularly those subjects with higher viral load and lower CD4+ T-cell counts. Moreover, upregulation of inflammasome-related genes (NLRP3, AIM2, ASC, IL-1β, and IL-18) was observed, notably in those HIV-1-infected individuals with higher viral loads (above 5,000 copies/mL). Serum levels of IL-6 and CRP were also elevated in HIV-1-infected individuals. Significant negative correlations between HDL and the mRNA of NLRP3, AIM2, ASC, IL-1β, and IL-18, as well as viral load and CRP were observed in HIV-1-infected individuals. Likewise, a significant positive correlation between HDL and CD4+ T-cell counts was found.

Conclusion

In summary, our results indicate that HDL might modulate the expression of several key components of the inflammasomes during HIV-1 infection, suggesting a novel role of HDL in modifying the inflammatory state and consequently, the progression of HIV-1 infection.

Association of a 3' untranslated region polymorphism in proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 with HIV viral load and CD4+ levels in HIV/hepatitis C virus coinfected women

OBJECTIVE

To assess variation in genes that regulate cholesterol metabolism in relation to the natural history of HIV infection.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis of the Women's Interagency HIV Study.

METHODS

We examined 2050 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in 19 genes known to regulate cholesterol metabolism in relation to HIV viral load and CD4 T-cell levels in a multiracial cohort of 1066 antiretroviral therapy-naive women.

RESULTS

Six SNPs were associated with both HIV viral load and CD4 T-cell levels at a false discovery rate of 0.01. Bioinformatics tools did not predict functional activity for five SNPs, located in introns of nuclear receptor corepressor 2, retinoid X receptor alpha (RXRA), and tetratricopeptide repeat domain 39B. Rs17111557 located in the 3' untranslated region of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) putatively affects binding of hsa-miR-548t-5p and hsa-miR-4796-3p, which could regulate PCSK9 expression levels. Interrogation of rs17111557 revealed stronger associations in the subset of women with HIV/hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection (n = 408, 38% of women). Rs17111557 was also associated with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels in HIV/HCV coinfected (β: -10.4; 95% confidence interval: -17.9, -2.9; P = 0.007), but not in HIV monoinfected (β:1.2; 95% confidence interval: -6.3, 8.6; P = 0.76) women in adjusted analysis.

CONCLUSION

PCSK9 polymorphism may affect HIV pathogenesis, particularly in HIV/HCV coinfected women. A likely mechanism for this effect is PCSK9-mediated regulation of cholesterol metabolism. Replication in independent cohorts is needed to clarify the generalizability of the observed associations.

Effect of antiretroviral therapy use and adherence on the risk of hyperlipidemia among HIV-infected patients, in the highly active antiretroviral therapy era

HIV-infected patients exposed to antiretroviral therapy (ART) have an increased risk for hyperlipidemia and cardiovascular disease. We performed a longitudinal, comprehensive, and population-based study to investigate the cumulative effect of different types of ART regimens on hyperlipidemia risk in the Taiwanese HIV/ART cohort. A total of 13,370 HIV-infected patients (2,674 hyperlipidemia and 10,696 non-hyperlipidemia patients) were recruited after matching for age, gender, and the first diagnosis date of HIV infection by using the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. Hyperlipidemia risk associated with cumulative ART use, ART adherence, and their combination was assessed. The matched hyperlipidemia group had a larger number of patients using ART and a higher incidence of comorbidities, specifically, respiratory disease and diabetes. Patients with high ART dosage and dose-dependent manner adherence, respectively, demonstrated an increased risk of hyperlipidemia. For single ART regimens, patients receiving nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI/NRTI)- containing regimen had the highest hyperlipidemia risk, followed by protease inhibitor (PI)- containing and non-NRTI- containing regimens. For combination ART regimens, patients receiving a NRTI/NRTI + PI regimen had the highest hyperlipidemia risk. An increased cumulative drug dose was observed in patients who received the PI, NRTI/NRTI, NRTI, and NNRTI regimens in the hyperlipidemia group, when compared to the non-hyperlipidemia group. In conclusion, ART cumulative use, adherence, and regimen may affect hyperlipidemia risk among HIV-infected patients in a dose-dependent manner.

Aggressive restenosis after percutaneous intervention in two coronary loci in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection

A 54-year-old black African woman, 22 years human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive, presented with an acute coronary syndrome. She was taking two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors and two protease inhibitors. Viral load and CD4 count were stable. Angiography revealed a right coronary artery lesion, which was treated with everolimus eluting stent. She also underwent balloon angioplasty to the first diagonal. She re-presented on three different occasions and technically successful coronary intervention was performed. The patient has reported satisfactory compliance with dual anti platelet therapy throughout. She was successfully treated with surgical revascularisation. The patient did not experience any clinical recurrence on follow up. This case demonstrates exceptionally aggressive multifocal and recurrent instent restenosis in a patient treated for HIV infection, raising the possibility of an association with HIV infection or potentially components of retro viral therapy.

Metabolic Disorders in HIV-Infected Adolescents Receiving Protease Inhibitors

Protease inhibitor (PI) may cause abnormal glucose metabolism, abnormal lipid metabolism, and metabolic syndrome in HIV-infected adults but less well studied in Asian adolescents. This cross-sectional study evaluated anthropometric factors, oral glucose tolerance test, and lipid profiles of perinatally HIV-infected Thai adolescents who had received PI-based antiretroviral therapy for at least 6 months. Eighty adolescents were enrolled [median (IQR) age 16.7 (14.6–18.0) years, 42 males]. Metabolic syndrome, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) were found in 8 (10%), 17 (22.1%), and 3 (3.8%) adolescents, respectively. Dyslipidemia was found in 56 (70%) adolescents, with hypertriglyceridemia being the most common type. In multivariate analysis, presence of lipohypertrophy (OR: 25.7, 95% CI: 3.2–202.8; p = 0.002) and longer duration of PI use (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00–1.08; p = 0.023) were associated with metabolic syndrome. Obesity (OR: 7.71, 95% CI: 1.36–43.7; p = 0.021), presence of lipohypertrophy (OR: 62.9, 95% CI: 4.97–795.6; p = 0.001), and exposure to stavudine for ≥6 months (OR: 8.18, 95% CI: 1.37–48.7; p = 0.021) were associated with prediabetes/T2DM, while exposure to tenofovir for ≥6 months reduced the risk (OR: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.04–0.78; p = 0.022). Metabolic disorders were commonly found in adolescents receiving PI. Careful monitoring and early intervention to modify cardiovascular risk should be systematically implemented in this population particularly those with exposure to stavudine.

Triglyceride/HDL ratio and its impact on the risk of diabetes mellitus development during ART

OBJECTIVES

Our primary aim was to study diabetes mellitus (DM) arising during combination ART (cART) and to attempt to identify associations between these cases and triglycerides (TRG) and the TRG to HDL-cholesterol (TRG/HDL) ratio. Our secondary aim was to analyse the association between DM development and hepatic fibrosis.

METHODS

This was a retrospective cohort study. Patients from the Icona Foundation study initiating first-line cART between 1997 and 2013 were selected and observed until new-onset DM or most recent clinical follow-up. The predictive value of TRG and TRG/HDL ratio levels on DM was evaluated using multivariable Poisson regression models.

RESULTS

Three-thousand, five-hundred and forty-six patients (males, 73.7%; median age, 38 years; median BMI, 23.1 kg/m(2); and hepatitis C virus antibody positive, 22.1%) were included. Of these, 80 developed DM over 13 911 person-years of follow-up (PYFU), corresponding to 5.7 cases per 1000 PYFU (95% CI = 4.6-7.1). At multivariable analysis, latest TRG/HDL ratio, when high, was associated with significant increases in DM risk [relative risk (RR) = 1.63; 95% CI = 1.32-2.01 per 10 points higher], while current TRG, in contrast, was associated with new-onset DM only at crude analysis. Advanced liver fibrosis (defined as fibrosis-4 index >3.25) was also shown to be an independent risk factor for DM (RR = 2.91; 95% CI = 1.10-7.72).

CONCLUSIONS

High TRG/HDL ratio predicted risk of new-onset DM, independently of other traditional risk factors. Furthermore, our findings suggest that advanced hepatic fibrosis, estimated using the fibrosis-4 score, could provide an additional predictor for DM.

Risk factors and assessment for cardiovascular disease among HIV-positive patients attending a Nigerian tertiary hospital

INTRODUCTION

Cardiovascular risk factors are prevalent in HIV-positive patients which places them at increased risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We aimed to determine the risk factors and risk assessment for CVD in HIV-positive patients with and without antiretroviral therapy.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study of HIV-positive patients attending the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, Nigeria. Anthropometric and blood pressure measurements were performed; fasting lipid profile, plasma glucose, homocysteine and hsCRP were determined, as well as prevalences and risk assessments. Statistical tests were used to compare the groups and p-value <0.05 was considered to be significant.

RESULTS

283 subjects were recruited for this study (100 HIV-positive treatment-naive, 100 HIV-positive treated and 83 HIV negative controls). Compared to the controls, mean (sd) values were significantly higher among HIV-treated subjects: waist circumference = 88.7 (10.4), p = 0.035; systolic bp= 124.9 (20.7), p = 0.014; glucose= 5.54 (1.7), p = 0.015; triglyceride= 2.0 (1.2), p < 0.001; homocysteine= 10.9 (8.9-16.2), p = 0.0003; while hsCRP= 2.9 (1.4-11.6), p = 0.002 and HDL-C = 0.9 (0.4), p = < 0.0001 were higher among the HIV-naïve subjects. Likewise, higher prevalences of the risk factors were noted among the HIV-treated subjects except low HDL-C (p < 0.001) and hsCRP (p = 0.03) which were higher in the HIV-naïve group. Risk assessment using ratios showed high risk for CVD especially in the HIV-naïve group. The median range for Framingham risk assessment was 1.0 - 7.5%.

CONCLUSION

Risk factors and risk assessment for CVD are increased in HIV-positive patients with and without antiretroviral therapy. Routine evaluation and risk assessment for CVD irrespective of therapy status is necessary to prevent future cardiovascular events.

Anti-Retroviral Therapy Increases the Prevalence of Dyslipidemia in South African HIV-Infected Patients

PURPOSE

Data on the prevalence of dyslipidaemia and associated risk factors in HIV-infected patients from sub-Saharan Africa is sparse. We performed a cross-sectional analysis in a cohort of HIV-infected South African adults.

METHODS

We studied HIV-infected patients who were either antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive or receiving non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based or protease inhibitor (PI)-based ART. Evaluation included fasting lipograms, oral glucose tolerance tests and clinical anthropometry. Dyslipidemia was defined using the NCEP ATPIII guidelines.

RESULTS

The median age of the participants was 34 years (range 19-68 years) and 78% were women. The prevalence of dyslipidemia in 406 ART-naive and 551 participants on ART was 90.0% and 85%, respectively. Low HDL-cholesterol (HDLC) was the most common abnormality [290/406 (71%) ART-naïve and 237/551 (43%) ART- participants]. Participants on ART had higher triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), LDL-cholesterol (LDLC) and HDLC than the ART-naïve group. Severe dyslipidaemia, (LDLC> 4.9 mmol/L or TG >5.0 mmol/L) was present in <5% of participants. In multivariate analyses there were complex associations between age, gender, type and duration of ART and body composition and LDLC, HDLC and TG, which differed between ART-naïve and ART-participants.

CONCLUSION

Participants on ART had higher TG, TC, LDLC and HDLC than those who were ART-naïve but severe lipid abnormalities requiring evaluation and treatment were uncommon.

Lipid Management in Human Immunodeficiency Virus

The development and use of antiretroviral medications to treat patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has dramatically changed the course of this disease from one that was fatal to a chronic and more manageable condition. Recommendations and guidelines for the general population are presented in this review with suggestions as to how they may be applied to this patient population. Issues for which there is little or no information available are noted to highlight the many gaps in our knowledge regarding diagnosis and management of dyslipidemia for patients living with HIV.

Heart failure in patients with human immunodeficiency virus: a review of the literature

Coronary artery disease represents the leading cause of death for HIV patients treated with highly active antiretroviral treatment. Besides this, an extensive amount of data related to the risk of overt heart failure and consequently of atrial fibrillation and sudden cardiac death (SCD) in this population has been reported. It seems that persistent deregulation of immunity in HIV-infected patients is a common pathway related to both of these adverse clinical outcomes. Despite the fact that atrial fibrillation and heart failure are relatively common in HIV, few data are reported about screening, diagnosis, and potential treatment of these conditions.

Lipid management in human immunodeficiency virus

The development and use of antiretroviral medications to treat patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) has dramatically changed the course of this disease from one that was fatal to a chronic and more manageable condition. Recommendations and guidelines for the general population are presented in this review with suggestions as to how they may be applied to this patient population. Issues for which there is little or no information available are noted to highlight the many gaps in our knowledge regarding diagnosis and management of dyslipidemia for patients living with HIV.

Prevalence of Dyslipidemia Among Antiretroviral-Naive HIV-Infected Individuals in China

Little is known about the epidemiological features of dyslipidemia among antiretroviral-naive HIV-infected individuals in China. We used a cross-sectional study design to estimate the prevalence of dyslipidemia in this population, and to identify risk factors associated with the presence of dyslipidemia. One thousand five hundred and eighteen antiretroviral-naive HIV-infected individuals and 347 HIV-negative subjects in China were enrolled during 2009 to 2010. Demographics and medical histories were recorded. After an overnight fast, serum samples were collected to measure lipid levels. Factors associated with the presence of dyslipidemia were analyzed by logistic regression. Mean total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) levels were lower in HIV-positive than HIV-negative subjects, but mean triglyceride (TG) was higher in HIV-positive subjects. The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia in HIV-positive and HIV-negative groups did not differ (75.6% vs. 73.7%, P = 0.580). However, the prevalence of high TC (8.4% vs. 28.2%, P < 0.001) and high LDL (8.5% vs. 62.6%, P < 0.001) was lower in HIV-positive than HIV-negative subjects, and the prevalence of high TG (33.9% vs. 17.0%, P < 0.001) and low HDL (59.6% vs. 11.2%, P < 0.001) was higher in HIV-positive than HIV-negative subjects. Logistic analysis showed that HIV positivity was significantly associated with both an increased risk of high TG and low HDL and a decreased risk of high TC and high LDL. The mean levels of TC, of LDL and of HDL showed an increasing trend with increasing CD4 count in HIV-positive subjects. Multivariable logistic regression found that lower CD4 count was significantly associated with both an increased risk of high TG and low HDL and a decreased risk of high TC in HIV-positive subjects. Among antiretroviral-naive HIV-infected Chinese adults, there was a high prevalence of dyslipidemia characterized by high TG and low HDL, which was associated with lower CD4 counts. These data support the assessment of lipid profiles before and after initiation of antiretroviral therapy regardless of age.

Why the communicable/non-communicable disease dichotomy is problematic for public health control strategies: implications of multimorbidity for health systems in an era of health transition

In today's globalized world, rapid urbanization, mechanization of the rural economy, and the activities of trans-national food, drink and tobacco corporations are associated with behavioral changes that increase the risk of chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs). These changes include less healthy diet, lower physical activity, tobacco smoking and increased alcohol consumption. As a result, population health profiles are rapidly changing. For example, the global burden of type 2 diabetes mellitus is expected to double by 2030, with 80% of adult cases occurring in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Many LMIC are undergoing rapid changes associated with developing high rates of NCD while concomitantly battling high levels of certain communicable diseases, including HIV, TB and malaria. This has population health, health systems and economic implications for these countries. This critical review synthesizes evidence on the overlap and interactions between established communicable and emerging NCD epidemics in LMIC. The review focuses on HIV, TB and malaria and explores the disease-specific interactions with prevalent NCDs in LMIC including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic renal disease, epilepsy and neurocognitive diseases. We highlight the complexity, bi-directionality and heterogeneity of these interactions and discuss the implications for health systems.

Cardiovascular disease associated with human immunodeficiency virus: a review

The cardiovascular manifestations of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection have changed significantly following the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) regimens. On one hand, HAART has altered the course of HIV disease, with longer survival of HIV-infected patients, and cardiovascular complications of HIV infection such as myocarditis have been reduced. On the other hand, HAART is associated with an increase in the prevalence of both peripheral and coronary arterial disease. As longevity increases in HIV-infected individuals, long-term effects, such as cardiovascular disease, are emerging as leading health issues in this population. In the present review article, we discuss HIV-associated cardiovascular disease, focusing on epidemiology, etiopathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis, management and therapy. Cardiovascular involvement in treatment-naive patients is still important in situations such as non-adherence to treatment, late initiation of treatment, and/or limited access to HAART in developing countries. We therefore describe the cardiovascular consequences in treatment-naive patients and the potential effect of antiretroviral treatment on their regression, as well as the metabolic and cardiovascular implications of HAART regimens in HIV-infected individuals.

HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy initiation and longitudinal changes in biomarkers of organ function

BACKGROUND

HIV is associated with end-organ diseases of aging via unclear mechanisms. Longitudinally assessing how HIV infection and ART initiation affect biomarkers of end organ function/disease could clarify these mechanisms. We investigated longitudinal changes in clinical biomarkers following 1) HIV infection and 2) ART initiation with evidence of viral suppression.

METHODS

COHORT

Veterans Aging COHORT Study Virtual COHORT (VACS VC). VACS VC is a longitudinal cohort of HIV infected (HIV+) and race-ethnicity, sex, age, and clinical site-matched uninfected Veterans enrolled in the same calendar year.

INCLUSION CRITERIA

a negative and successively positive (>six months) HIV antibody test. We used Wilcoxon signedrank tests to analyze 1) the effect of HIV infection on lipids, renal, hepatic and hematologic/cardiovascular biomarkers and 2)whether ART initiation with HIV-1 RNA<500 cpm reverts any changes back to pre-HIV levels.

RESULTS

422 Veterans had at least 1 biomarker measurement available prior to HIV infection and prior to ART initiation. 297 had at least 1 biomarker measurement available prior to HIV infection and after ART initiation with evidence of viral suppression. Mean age prior to HIV infection was 43 years. HIV infection was associated with reduction in total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, serum albumin, ALT, platelet count, hemoglobin and elevation of FIB-4 score and triglycerides. These changes occurred without significant changes in BMI. ART initiation (with HIV-1 RNA<500cpm) did not reverse alteration in triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, hemoglobin, or FIB-4 to pre-HIV infection levels.

CONCLUSIONS

HIV infection is associated with longitudinal changes in serum levels of several biomarkers of end-organ function/disease and mortality. Multiple biomarkers (triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, hemoglobin, and FIB-4 ) remain altered from levels prior to HIV infection levels even following inititiation of ART and evidence of viral suppression. These results give insights into underlying mechanisms of increased risk for aging-related chronic diseases in the context of HIV infection.

Association of HIV and ART with cardiometabolic traits in sub-Saharan Africa: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has the highest burden of HIV in the world and a rising prevalence of cardiometabolic disease; however, the interrelationship between HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) and cardiometabolic traits is not well described in SSA populations.

Methods We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis through MEDLINE and EMBASE (up to January 2012), as well as direct author contact. Eligible studies provided summary or individual-level data on one or more of the following traits in HIV+ and HIV-, or ART+ and ART- subgroups in SSA: body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TGs) and fasting blood glucose (FBG) or glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c). Information was synthesized under a random-effects model and the primary outcomes were the standardized mean differences (SMD) of the specified traits between subgroups of participants.

Results Data were obtained from 49 published and 3 unpublished studies which reported on 29 755 individuals. HIV infection was associated with higher TGs [SMD, 0.26; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.08 to 0.44] and lower HDL (SMD, −0.59; 95% CI, −0.86 to −0.31), BMI (SMD, −0.32; 95% CI, −0.45 to −0.18), SBP (SMD, −0.40; 95% CI, −0.55 to −0.25) and DBP (SMD, −0.34; 95% CI, −0.51 to −0.17). Among HIV+ individuals, ART use was associated with higher LDL (SMD, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.14 to 0.72) and HDL (SMD, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.11 to 0.66), and lower HbA1c (SMD, −0.34; 95% CI, −0.62 to −0.06). Fully adjusted estimates from analyses of individual participant data were consistent with meta-analysis of summary estimates for most traits.

Conclusions Broadly consistent with results from populations of European descent, these results suggest differences in cardiometabolic traits between HIV-infected and uninfected individuals in SSA, which might be modified by ART use. In a region with the highest burden of HIV, it will be important to clarify these findings to reliably assess the need for monitoring and managing cardiometabolic risk in HIV-infected populations in SSA.

Quality of life in individuals living with HIV/AIDS attending a public sector antiretroviral service in Cape Town, South Africa

BACKGROUND

Health related quality of life (HRQoL) is an important outcome helping to understand the impact of antiretroviral therapy (ART). We examined and compared the HRQoL in relation to ART status among HIV-infected patients in a public sector service in Cape Town, South Africa. In addition, we aimed to examine the relationship between ART status and HRQoL according to CD4 count strata.

METHODS

A cross sectional study sample of 903 HIV-infected patients who were categorized as not receiving ART (ART-naïve) or receiving first-line ART for > 6 months (ART). HRQoL outcomes were compared in the two groups. HRQoL was assessed using the EQ-5D (five domains) and Visual Analogue Scale (EQ-5D VAS).

RESULTS

Of the total sample, 435 were categorised as ART naïve (76% women) and 468 were on ART (78% women). There were no significant associations between groups for most of the EQ-5D domains, however ART-naïve experienced a significantly greater problem with mobility than the ART group. Being ART-naïve (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 3.08 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.63- 7.89) and obese 2.78 (95% CI 1.24- 6.22) were identified as predictors for increased mobility problems in multivariate analysis. In addition, receiving ART (5.61 difference; 95% CI 2.50 - 8.72) and having some source of income (4.76; 95% CI 1.63 -7.89) were identified as predictors for a higher EQ-5D VAS score. When grouped according to CD4 count strata, there were no significant difference between groups for most of the EQ-5D domains, however the ART-naïve group indicated having significantly greater problems under the CD4 count of >500 cells/μL in the anxiety/depression domain (22.4% vs 8.8%, p = 0.018) and significantly lower EQ-5D VAS scores under the CD4 counts of ≤ 200 cells/μL (median 80 (IQR 60-90) vs 90 (IQR 80-100), p = 0.0003) and 201-350 cells/μL (median 80 (IQR 70-90) vs 90 (80-100), p = 0.0004) compared to ART group.

CONCLUSIONS

HRQoL (self-rated health state) was improved with ART use, including those with immunocompromised status, which may be relevant to the public sector ART program in South Africa.

In vivo assessment of antiretroviral therapy-associated side effects

Antiretroviral therapy has been associated with side effects, either from the drug itself or in conjunction with the effects of human immunodeficiency virus infection. Here, we evaluated the side effects of the protease inhibitor (PI) indinavir in hamsters consuming a normal or high-fat diet. Indinavir treatment increased the hamster death rate and resulted in an increase in triglyceride, cholesterol and glucose serum levels and a reduction in anti-oxLDL auto-antibodies. The treatment led to histopathological alterations of the kidney and the heart. These results suggest that hamsters are an interesting model for the study of the side effects of antiretroviral drugs, such as PIs.

Lipid-lowering effect and efficacy after switching to etravirine in HIV-infected patients with intolerance to suppressive HAART

PURPOSE

Etravirine (ETR) has shown a good lipid profile in previous studies. The aim of this study was to determine the virologic, immunologic, and lipid outcome in HIV-infected patients switching to an ETR-based antiretroviral regimen due to intolerance or toxicity.

METHODS

Observational cohort study of 125 HIV-infected patients who switched therapy to an ETR-based regimen. The lipid profile, including total triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) was compared after 24 weeks.

RESULTS

Patients changed from efavirenz (n = 34; 28%) and ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitors (PI/r; 67 cases: 21 atazanavir, 21 lopinavir, 11 fosamprenavir, 14 darunavir). Hyperlipidemia was the cause in only 22 patients (18%). At 24 weeks, a significant decrease was observed in mean TC level (-8%), LDL-C (-8%), TC:HDL ratio (-6%), and TG level (-20%). For patients receiving previously efavirenz, there was a significant reduction in TC (-23 mg/dL; -13%) and LDL-C (-25 mg/dL; -21%) levels and a trend to a better TG level (-38 mg/dL; -21%;P = .06). In the case of prior PI/r therapy, there was also a significant reduction in TC (-14 mg/dL; -6%) and TG levels (-58 mg/dL; -16%), mostly in prior lopinavir- or fosamprenavir-based therapy (TC -15%; TG -53%). Median CD4+ count increased from 513 to 621 cells/µL (P = .03), and there were only 3 cases of virologic failure (2%).

CONCLUSIONS

In patients switching to an ETR-containing regimen, there is a significant improvement of lipids and maintenance of immunologic and virologic response. This lipid-lowering effect was irrespective of the presence of previous hyperlipidemia and for patients receiving different antiretroviral drugs.

Monocytes as regulators of inflammation and HIV-related comorbidities during cART

Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) extends the lifespan and the quality of life for HIV-infected persons but does not completely eliminate chronic immune activation and inflammation. The low level of chronic immune activation persisting during cART-treated HIV infection is associated with the development of diseases which usually occur in the elderly. Although T-cell activation has been extensively examined in the context of cART-treated HIV infection, monocyte activation is only beginning to be recognized as an important source of inflammation in this context. Here we examine markers and sources of monocyte activation during cART-treated HIV infection and discuss the role of monocytes during cardiovascular disease, HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder, and innate immune aging.

Prognostic indicators for recurrent thrombotic events in HIV-infected patients with acute coronary syndromes: use of registry data from 12 sites in Europe, South Africa and the United States

AIMS

Limited data are available on prognostic indicators for HIV patients presenting with ACS.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Data on consecutive patients with HIV infection receiving standard highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) presenting with ACS between January 2001 and September 2012 were collected. Cardiac death and myocardial infarction (MI) were the primary end-points. 10,050 patients with ACS were screened, and among them a total of 201 patients (179 [89%] males and a median age of 53 [47-62] years) were included, 48% of them admitted for ST-elevation myocardial infarction and 14% having left ventricular systolic dysfunction (LVSD) at discharge. CD4+ counts less than 200 cells/mm(3) were reported in 18 patients (9%), and 136 patients (67%) were treated with nucleoside-reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI). After a median of 24 months (10-41), 30 patients (15%) died, 12 (6%) for cardiac reasons, 20 (10%) suffered a MI, 29 (15%) a subsequent revascularization, and 7 (3%) a stent thrombosis. Other than LVSD (hazard ratio=6.4 [95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.6-26: p=0.009]), the only other independent predictor of cardiac death was not being treated with NRTI (hazard ratio=9.9 [95% CI: 2.1-46: p=0.03); a CD4 cell count <200 cells/mm(3) was the only predictor of MI (hazard ratio=5.9 [95% CI: 1.4-25: p=0.016]).

CONCLUSIONS

HIV patients presenting with ACS are at significantly increased risk for cardiac death if not treated with NRTI, and at significantly increased risk of MI if their CD4 cell count is <200 cells/mm(3), suggesting that the stage of HIV disease (and lack of NRTI treatment) may contribute to cardiovascular instability.

Treinamento físico no risco de doença isquêmica cardíaca em sujeitos HIV/AIDS em uso de TARV

INTRODUÇÃO: A terapia antirretroviral combinada (TARV) foi introduzida no Brasil em 1996, como parte da política nacional de acesso gratuito aos serviços de saúde e medicamentos. Infelizmente, o seu uso contínuo tem sido associado com mudanças na distribuição da gordura corporal e com alterações metabólicas que podem aumentar a morbidade e mortalidade nesta população. O treinamento físico tem sido estudado como uma estratégia eficaz de intervenção não farmacológica para melhorar os parâmetros de aptidão física relacionados à saúde e para minimizar os efeitos indesejáveis da infecção pelo HIV e/ou o uso prolongado da TARV, no entanto, há poucos estudos sobre o treinamento físico, síndrome lipodistrófica e cardiologia.OBJETIVO: Avaliar o risco de doença isquêmica cardíaca em sujeitos HIV/AIDS em uso de TARV praticantes de treinamento concorrente com séries simples.MÉTODOS: Quatorze sujeitos foram avaliados através da circunferência abdominal, pressão arterial sistólica (PAS) e diastólica (PAD), colesterol total (CT), HDL, LDL, triglicerídeos (TG) e glicemia. Para a estimativa do risco coronariano em 10 anos utilizou-se o Escore de Framingham.RESULTADOS: A maioria dos sujeitos situou-se dentro dos valores de referência para as variáveis analisadas, exceto para os valores de LDL e TG. Treze sujeitos (92,7%) ficaram abaixo dos 10% de risco coronariano em 10 anos, e apenas um (7,3%) estava em risco moderado. Houve correlação significativa entre o tempo de treinamento e a PAS.CONCLUSÃO: Sugere-se a realização de ensaios clínicos randomizados para avaliar os mesmos desfechos deste estudo.

Association of clinical and therapeutic factors with incident dyslipidemia in a cohort of human immunodeficiency virus-infected and non-infected adults: 1994-2011

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence rate of dyslipidemia in a retrospective cohort of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and non-HIV-infected adults and to evaluate the association of incident dyslipidemia with exposure to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART).

METHODS

The study cohort included HIV-infected individuals and a matched group of non-HIV-infected individuals served through the South Carolina Medicaid database in 1994-2011. Linkage with the HIV/AIDS surveillance database provided time-varying viro-immunological status. Time-dependent proportional hazards analysis and marginal structural models were used to assess the demographic, therapeutic, and clinical factors associated with incident dyslipidemia.

RESULTS

Among 13,632 adults with a median age of 39 years, the overall incidence rate per 1000 person years of dyslipidemia was higher in cART-treated compared to cART-naïve and matched non-HIV groups (24.55 vs. 14.32 vs. 23.23, respectively). Multivariable results suggested a significantly higher risk of dyslipidemia in the cART-treated HIV-infected group [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR)=1.18; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.07-1.30] and a significantly lower risk in the cART naïve HIV-infected group (aHR=0.66; CI=0.53-0.82) compared to the control non-HIV-infected group. Marginal structural modeling suggested a significant association between incident dyslipidemia and exposure to both protease inhibitor- [adjusted rate ratio (aRR)=1.27; CI=1.08-1.49] and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor- (aRR=1.78; CI=1.19-2.66) based cART regimens. Pre-existing hypertension, obesity, and diabetes increased the risk of dyslipidemia, whereas hepatitis C virus, lower CD4(+) T cell count, and higher HIV viral load had a protective effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Incident dyslipidemia is lower in the early stages of HIV infection, but may significantly increase with cumulative exposure to cART. Viro-immunological status and underlying comorbidities have a strong association with the onset of dyslipidemia.

Lipid changes in Kenyan HIV-1-infected infants initiating highly active antiretroviral therapy by 1 year of age

BACKGROUND

Early highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is recommended for HIV-1-infected infants. There are limited data on lipid changes during infant HAART.

METHODS

Nonfasting total (TC), low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides (TG) were measured at 0, 6 and 12 months. Correlates of lipid levels and changes post-HAART were assessed using linear regression.

RESULTS

Among 115 infants, pre-HAART median age was 3.8 months, CD4% was 19% and weight-for-age Z score was -2.42. Pre-HAART median lipid levels were: TC, 108.7 mg/dL; LDL, 42.5 mg/dL; HDL, 29.4 mg/dL and TG, 186.9 mg/dL. Few infants had abnormally high TC (6.2%) or LDL (5.6%), but many had low HDL (76.5%) or high TG (69.6%). Higher pre-HAART weight-for-age and height-for-age Z scores were each associated with higher pre-HAART TC (P = 0.04 and P = 0.01) and LDL (P = 0.02 and P = 0.008). From 0 to 6 months post-HAART, TC (P < 0.0001), LDL (P < 0.0001) and HDL (P < 0.0001) increased significantly, and 23.1% (P = 0.002), 14.0% (P = 0.2), 31.3% (P < 0.0001) and 50.8% (P = 0.2) of infants had abnormally high TC, high LDL, low HDL and high TG, respectively. Changes in TC and HDL were each associated with higher gain in weight-for-age Z score (P = 0.03 and P = 0.01) and height-for-age Z score (P = 0.01 and P = 0.007). Increased change in LDL was associated with higher gain in height-for-age Z score (P = 0.03). Infants on protease inhibitor-HAART had smaller HDL increase (P = 0.004).

CONCLUSIONS

Infants had substantive increases in lipids, which correlated with growth. Increases in HDL were attenuated by protease inhibitor-HAART. It is important to determine clinical implications of these changes.

First-line antiretroviral therapy and changes in lipid levels over 3 years among HIV-infected adults in Tanzania

BACKGROUND

With the rapid rollout of antiretroviral therapy (ART) in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), there has been an increasing concern about cardiovascular risks related to ART. However, data from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected populations from this region are very limited.

METHODS

Among 6385 HIV-infected adults in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, we investigated the nonfasting lipid changes over 3 years following ART initiation and their associations with different first-line ART agents that are commonly used in SSA.

RESULTS

In the first 6 months of ART, the prevalence of dyslipidemia decreased from 69% to 54%, with triglyceride (TG) decreasing from 127 mg/dL to 113 mg/dL and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol increasing from 39 mg/dL to 52 mg/dL. After 6 months, TG returned to its baseline level and increased to 139 mg/dL at 3 years; total cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol continued to increase whereas HDL cholesterol leveled off. The prevalence of dyslipidemia increased to 73% after a 3-year follow-up. In multivariate analyses, patients on zidovudine-containing regimens had a greater reduction in TG levels at 6 months (-16.0 vs -6.3 mg/dL), and a lower increase at 3 years compared to patients on stavudine-containing regimens (2.1 vs 11.7 mg/dL, P < .001); patients on nevirapine-based regimens had a higher increase in HDL cholesterol levels at 3 years compared to those on efavirenz-based regimens (13.6 vs 9.5 mg/dL, P = .01).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the latest World Health Organization guidelines on the substitution of stavudine in first-line ART in resource-limited settings, and provide further evidence for selection of lipid-friendly ART for patients in SSA.

Impact of age on markers of HIV-1 disease

Aging is a complicated process characterized by a progressive loss of homeostasis, which results in an increased vulnerability to multiple diseases. HIV-1-infected patients demonstrate a premature aging phenotype and develop certain age-related diseases earlier in their lifespan than what is seen in the general population. Age-related comorbidities may include the development of bone disease, metabolic disorders, neurologic impairment and immunosenescence. Age also appears to have an effect on traditional markers of HIV-1 disease progression, including CD4+ T-cell count and viral load. These effects are not only a consequence of HIV-1 infection, but in many cases, are also linked to antiretroviral therapy. This review summarizes the complex interplay between HIV-1 infection and aging, and the impact that aging has on markers of HIV-1 disease.

Association of subclinical atherosclerosis with lipid levels amongst antiretroviral-treated and untreated HIV-infected women in the Women's Interagency HIV study

OBJECTIVE

We examined serum lipids in association with carotid artery intima-media thickness (CIMT) in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women.

METHODS

In 2003-4, among 1827 Women's Interagency HIV Study participants, we measured CIMT and lipids (high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), total cholesterol (TC), non-HDL-c). A subset of 520 treated HIV-infected women had pre-1997 lipid measures. We used multivariable linear regression to examine associations between lipids and CIMT.

RESULTS

In HIV-uninfected women, higher TC, LDL-c and non-HDL-c were associated with increased CIMT. Among HIV-infected women, associations of lipids with CIMT were observed in treated but not untreated women. Among the HIV-infected women treated in 2003-4, CIMT was associated both with lipids measured a decade earlier in infection, and with late lipid measurements.

CONCLUSION

Among HIV-infected women, hyperlipidemia is most strongly associated with subclinical atherosclerosis in treated women. Among treated women, the association appeared strongest early in the disease course.