Global Burden of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease in People Living With HIV: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Evaluation of the effect of 48 weeks of BIC/F/TAF and DRV/c/F/TAF on platelet function in the context of rapid ART start

INTRODUCTION

The BIC-T&T study aimed to determine the efficacy of bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (BIC/F/TAF) and darunavir/cobicistat/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (DRV/c/F/TAF) at suppressing viral load in a two-arm, open-label, multi-centre, randomised trial under a UK test-and-treat setting. This sub-study aimed to evaluate potential off-target cardiovascular impact by examining ex vivo platelet function.

METHODS

Platelets were isolated by centrifugation of citrated blood from participants attending Chelsea and Westminster Hospital or St Mary's Hospital at Week 48 following enrolment. Platelet activation was assessed by real-time flow cytometry to examine integrin activation and granule release and platelet aggregation was evaluated by light transmission aggregometry. Statistical significance was determined by 2-way ANOVA with a Šidák's multiple comparisons post-test.

RESULTS

An analysis of 21 participants was performed at Week 48 (96% male and 48% white; mean (range) age was 37 (23-78) years). No difference between arms was observed in ADP-, collagen- or thrombin receptor activator for peptide (TRAP)-6-evoked platelet αIIbβ3 integrin activation, granule release or platelet aggregation in response to any of the agonists tested. Despite differences in the demographics between treatment arms, the presence of an unboosted integrase inhibitor or boosted protease inhibitor in a test-and-treat setting did not impact platelet function.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study provides no evidence of differences in downstream platelet responses between participants taking BIC/F/TAF compared to DRV/c/F/TAF following 48 wk of treatment. Further data are required to explore whether there are biologically significant off-target effects, including effects on platelets and other components of the cardiovascular system between these two test-and-treat regimens.

CLINICAL TRIAL NUMBER

NCT04653194.

Virtual adaptation of a nurse-driven strategy to improve blood pressure control among people with HIV

People with HIV are at increased risk of cardiovascular events; thus, care delivery strategies that increase access to comprehensive cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk management are a priority. We report the results of a multi-component telemedicine-based strategy to improve blood pressure control among people with HIV-Assess and Adapt to the Impact of COVID-19 on CVD Self-Management and Prevention Care in Adults Living with HIV (AAIM-High). The AAIM High strategy is a virtual adaptation of our previously published EXTRA-CVD strategy and consisted of hypertension education and six components: nurse-led care coordination (delivered by teleconference or telephone), home systolic blood pressure (SBP) monitoring, evidence-based treatment algorithms, electronic health records tools, technology coach, and communication preferences assessment. People with HIV (n = 74) with comorbid hypertension at three academic medical centers were enrolled in a single arm implementation study from January 2021 to December 2022. Over 12 months, the average patient-performed home SBP decreased by 7.7 mmHg (95% CI -11.5, -3.9). The percentage of patients at treatment goal, defined as average SBP <130 mmHg, increased from 46.0% to 72.5% at 12 months. By adapting to the growing use of telemedicine in healthcare delivery, our study effectively improved hypertension control in people with HIV through a virtual, nurse-led intervention.

Statin Therapy as Primary Prevention for Persons With HIV: A Synopsis of Recommendations From the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Antiretroviral Treatment Guidelines Panel

DESCRIPTION

REPRIEVE (Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV) showed benefits of pitavastatin as preventive therapy for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) in people with HIV (PWH). In February 2024, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Panel for the Use of Antiretroviral Agents in Adults and Adolescents with HIV (ARV Guidelines Panel) developed statin therapy recommendations for PWH. These recommendations were issued in collaboration with representatives from the American College of Cardiology (ACC), the American Heart Association (AHA), and the HIV Medicine Association (HIVMA). This synopsis summarizes the development process, the recommendations, and how they supplement the AHA/ACC/multisociety cholesterol guidelines and outlines gaps in primary prevention of ASCVD for PWH.

METHODS

The ARV Guidelines Panel convened a writing group of 10 members (6 members of the Panel with expertise in HIV-related comorbid conditions, biostatistics, and pharmacology and 4 consultants representing ACC, AHA, and HIVMA with cardiometabolic and HIV management expertise). The writing group reviewed REPRIEVE trial data, other studies evaluating the use of statins in PWH, and the AHA/ACC/multisociety cholesterol guidelines to devise recommendations. Recommendations were based on scientific evidence with a rating scheme developed since the 1998 inception of the ARV guidelines. Proposed recommendations were presented to the full ARV Guidelines Panel, rated via vote, and approved by the Panel's voting members. These recommendations were then endorsed by ACC, AHA, and HIVMA.

RECOMMENDATIONS

The ARV Guidelines Panel issued a strong recommendation for initiating statin therapy among PWH with a 10-year ASCVD risk score of 5% or higher, whose absolute benefit from statins in REPRIEVE was greatest. For patients with a 10-year ASCVD risk score below 5%, the Panel favored statins but recommended patient-clinician risk discussions considering additional HIV-related factors that can increase ASCVD risk.

Greater Accumulation of Brain White Matter Hyperintensities in People Diagnosed and Treated During Acute HIV Compared With People Without HIV

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

People living with HIV (PWH) have increased rates of ischemic stroke even after antiretroviral therapy (ART) and viral suppression. Cerebral white matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on brain MRI are associated with an increased risk of stroke and cognitive impairment. This study sought to characterize and quantify brain WMHs during acute HIV infection and after early ART initiation compared with people without HIV.

METHODS

Participants diagnosed with acute HIV infection (AHI) from the RV254/SEARCH010 cohort in Thailand and demographically matched people without HIV (PWoH) were identified. The inclusion criterion was age 18 years or older; exclusion criteria were history of psychiatric disorder, neurologic disorder, or pregnancy. Participants who had paired 3T MRI brain scans completed at enrollment and at two-year follow-up were included in the analysis. WMH data were extracted from T2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery sequences and standardized to total intracranial volume to generate an index of WMH volume change. A repeated-measures ANOVA was used to test for WMH change over time per group, and WMH change was compared with HIV disease measures and vascular comorbidities using parametric and nonparametric testing.

RESULTS

Seventy-two RV254 participants (PWH, 99% male) and 37 PWoH (100% male), with a mean age of 31 years, were included. PWH had a mean estimated duration of exposure to HIV of 21 days (SD = 9). Both groups had very low rates of vascular comorbidities. At baseline, the volume of WMHs did not differ between groups. However, there was a greater increase in WMH volume over 2 years in PWH (mean 21.6%) compared with PWoH (mean 5.8%, p = 0.004, partial η2 = 0.075, Cohen d = 0.597) despite undetectable plasma viral load. Within PWH, hypertension and higher BMI were associated with a greater increase in WMHs (p = 0.038 and p = 0.016, respectively). Greater WMH accumulation also correlated with higher baseline CD4+ T-cell count in PWH (r = 0.272, p = 0.021).

DISCUSSION

Young Thai men with AHI demonstrated greater WMH progression than PWoH over 2 years despite ART initiation and viral suppression. These data suggest that brain white matter is vulnerable to HIV during early infection, independent from vascular comorbidities or lifestyle factors. Limitations include homogeneity in sex and ethnicity and follow-up period limited to 24 months.

Balancing polypharmacy and comorbidity management: cardiovascular health

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review will discuss statin therapy for prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) among people with HIV (PWH) in the context of balancing prevention and treatment of chronic diseases with challenges related to polypharmacy.

RECENT FINDINGS

Aging PWH confront an increased risk of chronic diseases, resulting in the need for prevention and treatment of comorbidities in addition to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Paradigm-shifting data from the REPRIEVE trial demonstrated a reduction in CVD events with statin therapy among PWH at low to moderate CVD risk, prompting the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to recommend statin therapy for primary prevention of CVD in people with HIV aged 40-75 years. Statins should be initiated according to guideline recommendations for CVD prevention, and discussion of statin initiation should include consideration of concurrent medications and the potential effects of polypharmacy.

SUMMARY

Statins should be initiated for primary prevention of CVD in people with HIV age 40-75 years. The effects of polypharmacy should be considered in all aging PWH. Prevention and treatment of chronic diseases among PWH is important to reduce morbidity and mortality and promote healthy aging.

Cellular pharmacology of tenofovir alafenamide and emtricitabine in neutrophils and platelets in people with and without HIV

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have primarily focused on nucleos(t)ide reverse transcriptase inhibitor pharmacology in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and erythrocytes via dried blood spots (DBS), but not other major blood cells.

OBJECTIVES

Our objectives were to describe and compare the concentrations of tenofovir-diphosphate (TFV-DP) and emtricitabine-triphosphate (FTC-TP) in DBS, PBMCs, neutrophils, and platelets in people with HIV (PWH) and people without HIV (PWOH).

METHODS

DBS, PBMCs, neutrophils, and platelets were isolated from whole blood drawn from PWH and PWOH receiving tenofovir alafenamide and emtricitabine. TFV-DP and FTC-TP concentrations were quantified using LC-MS/MS in each cell type. Linear regression models controlled for time on drug, adherence, and time since last dose, where applicable, to determine geometric mean percent differences (95% confidence interval) by HIV status and estimated half-lives.

RESULTS

Data were available in 13 PWH (96% male) and 30 PWOH (53% male). Compared with PWOH, TFV-DP in DBS was 48.9% (15.6%, 91.9%) higher and FTC-TP in platelets was 36.3% (4.5%, 77.7%) higher; TFV-DP in platelets also trended higher [43.5% (-3.24%, 113%)]. No other cell types significantly differed by HIV status. TFV-DP and FTC-TP demonstrated the longest half-lives in neutrophils, followed by PBMCs and then platelets. After normalizing to cell volume, both drugs accumulated from greatest to least in PBMCs, neutrophils, platelets, and erythrocytes across both PWH and PWOH.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings highlight differential drug disposition across cell types that also vary by serostatus in DBS and platelets. The mechanisms and implications of these findings require additional research.

Statin use in HIV: European AIDS Clinical Society guidance for the primary prevention of cardiovascular disease

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) is an important comorbidity in people ageing with HIV. Over-representation of classic risk factors such as smoking, and other factors such as HIV infection and its therapy, which are exclusive to people with HIV, are responsible for the increased risk of developing ASCVD. The tools to estimate risk, including Systematic Coronary Risk Evaluation 2 (SCORE2), generally underestimate risk in people with HIV. The Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV (REPRIEVE) study showed that pitavastatin among people with HIV with low-to-moderate ASCVD risk significantly reduced the incidence of major adverse cardiovascular events. Following these results, the European AIDS Clinical Society recommends the use of moderate-intensity statins for people with HIV with a SCORE2 value between 5% and less than 10%, or ≥2·5% if older than 50 years with no additional listed risk factors. Moderate-intensity statins can be considered in people with HIV aged 40 years and over with a SCORE2 <5%. Although the REPRIEVE study findings are expected to have a major effect on clinical care, implementation could be hampered by the absence of adequate guidance or access to statins, concerns about tolerability and potential drug interactions, and difficulties in maintaining adherence. These key recommendations from the European AIDS Clinical Society aim to provide support in this remit.

Statin Use in Special Populations for the Prevention of Cardiovascular Disease in Adults

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Outcome benefits for HMG-CoA reductase inhibitor (statin) use in the prevention of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) are well established and yet, statins remain underutilized with only half of eligible individuals receiving them among certain vulnerable populations. This review critically examines available data to provide a summary of the current evidence for statin use in select populations.

RECENT FINDINGS

Lipid management can be more complex in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), organ transplants, metabolic dysfunction associated with steatotic liver disease (MASLD), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Statins are generally safe and effective to reduce the burden of ASCVD among these highly heterogeneous groups of patients and should be considered with careful attention to their concomitant disease state. Herein, we focus on appropriate statin use in these challenging to treat conditions, their relationship with increased ASCVD risk, and approaches to statin use for ASCVD risk reduction. Although further research is needed to define optimal therapy in select high risk groups for ASCVD prevention, statins are proven to be clinically efficacious, safe, and cost-effective for ASCVD prevention, warranting greater efforts to increase their use.

Coronary artery calcium and all-cause mortality in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

People with HIV (PWH) have greater risk of subclinical cardiovascular disease than people without HIV, but few studies have evaluated risk for mortality based on coronary artery calcium (CAC) among PWH. We aimed to determine the association between CAC and all-cause mortality among men with (MWH) and without HIV (MWOH) and if it differs by HIV serostatus.

METHODS

We performed a longitudinal analysis in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study. We included men who underwent non-contrast cardiac computed tomography. Cox regression analyses were used to examine the associations between CAC presence (Agatston score>0), and with extent of CAC (log (CAC+1)), and subsequent mortality to calculate adjusted hazard ratios [aHR]. We evaluated differences by HIV serostatus using multiplicative CAC × HIV interaction terms.

RESULTS

Among 1344 men (mean age 50 years, CAC prevalence 45.7 %, 821 [61.1 %] MWH), we observed 108 deaths (13.2 %) among MWH and 43 deaths (8.2 %) among MWOH during follow-up (median:13.4 years). CAC presence was positively associated with mortality among all participants (aHR:1.46, 95 %CI:1.02-2.10, p = 0.04) and MWH (aHR:1.62, 1.05-2.49, p = 0.03). Among MWOH, we found no significant association (aHR:1.28, 0.63-2.58, p = 0.50). The extent of CAC was associated with mortality among all participants (aHR:1.37 per SD, 1.15-1.63, p < 0.001) and MWH (aHR:1.41,1.14-1.74, p = 0.002). Among MWOH, we found no significant association (aHR:1.35, 0.98-1.85, p = 0.07). There were no significant interactions by HIV serostatus for mortality for either the presence (p = 0.35) or extent of CAC (p = 0.51).

CONCLUSIONS

CAC was positively associated with mortality in a large cohort of MWH, and the overall cohort including MWH and MWOH.

Association of prior tuberculosis with altered cardiometabolic profiles of people with HIV: A comparative cross-sectional study in Uganda

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality among people with HIV (PWH), but the influence of co-infections like tuberculosis (TB) on CVD risk remains underexplored. We aimed to compare cardiometabolic profiles of PWH with and without prior TB to determine if prior TB is associated with distinct cardiometabolic profiles.

Methods

We conducted a comparative, cross-sectional study at a tertiary hospital in Kampala, Uganda. Participants were randomly sampled PWH aged ≥ 18 years on antiretroviral therapy. Specifically, we enrolled PWH with and without prior active TB (ratio of 1:1). Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profile, and glycated hemoglobin were assessed.

Results

A total of 396 participants were enrolled (196 TB survivors and 200 controls). TB survivors had higher median FBG (5.5 vs. 5.1 mmol/l, p < 0.001) and a higher prevalence of DM (17.9 % vs. 9.5 %, p = 0.015). However, they had lower body mass index (23.0 vs. 25.1 kg/m2, p < 0.001) and waist circumference (81.0 vs. 84.0 cm, p = 0.026). TB survivors had higher HDL-c levels (1.0 vs. 0.8 mmol/l, p < 0.001), lower LDL-c levels (2.7 vs. 3.1 mmol/l, p < 0.001) and lower prevalence of dyslipidemia (81.7 % vs. 96.5 %, p < 0.001). Prior TB was independently associated with higher prevalence of elevated FBG (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 1.79, 95 % CI 1.10-2.92) and DM (aPR 2.34, 95 % CI 1.11-4.94), but decreased risk of obesity (aPR 0.42, 95 % CI 0.20-0.88).

Conclusion

TB survivors with HIV exhibit a higher risk of DM but lower risk of obesity compared to those without a history of TB, indicating a need for blood glucose monitoring among TB survivors.

Gaps in hypertension and diabetes treatment among people living with and without HIV: Findings from a prospective cohort study in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda, 2013-2023

Hypertension and diabetes are increasingly important contributors to morbidity and mortality in African countries, including among people living with HIV (PLWH) who are on lifelong antiretroviral therapy. However, local HIV care programs have historically not included management of noncommunicable diseases. The African Cohort Study enrolls PLWH and people living without HIV (PLWoH) aged 15 years and older who are receiving clinical care at 12 PEPFAR-supported health facilities in Kenya, Nigeria, Tanzania, and Uganda. Participants undergo clinical assessments and medical record review every six months. We defined hypertension as a persistently elevated systolic and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥140/90 mmHg at two consecutive 6-monthly visits or receipt of hypertension medication. We defined diabetes as a single study visit with a fasting plasma glucose ≥7.0 mmol/L and/or non-fasting plasma glucose ≥11.1 mmol/L or receipt of diabetes medication. We computed descriptive statistics for hypertension/diabetes prevalence and treatment and used random intercept models adjusted for demographic and clinical characteristics to examine predictors of untreated hypertension and diabetes. From 2013 through 2023, among 3617 participants, 692 (19.1%) met our definition of hypertension, with a prevalence of 19.5% among PLWH and 17.3% among PLWoH; 276 (39.9%) received hypertension treatment. No significant difference in untreated hypertension was found comparing PLWH with PLWoH (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.84-1.04). Among 3995 participants, 253 (6.3%) met our definition of diabetes, with a prevalence of 6.6% among PLWH and 4.7% among PLWoH; 51 (20.2%) received diabetes treatment. No significant difference in untreated diabetes was found comparing PLWH with PLWoH (aRR 1.01, 95% CI: 0.91-1.12). The high burden of untreated hypertension and diabetes among PLWH and PLWoH highlight the need for integrated non-communicable disease management within existing HIV services and strengthening of primary healthcare systems.

The heart of the matter: modeling HIV-associated cardiovascular comorbidities in nonhuman primate models

With the advent of antiretroviral therapy (ART) that effectively suppresses HIV replication, and reduced AIDS progression, the clinical spectrum of HIV infection has dramatically changed. Currently, the people living with HIV (PLWH) who receive ART have a nearly normal prognostic of survival, yet they still experience higher morbidity and mortality than age-matched uninfected subjects. The higher risk of death in PLWH is linked to persistence of residual systemic inflammation and T-cell activation. These factors contribute to accelerated aging and higher incidence of HIV-associated non-AIDS conditions, thereby presenting new diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. This new shifting paradigm of HIV infection associates a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD), such as stroke, acute myocardial infarction and sudden cardiac death, in stark contrast to the reduced incidence of opportunistic infections. The incidence of acute myocardial infarction and coronary disease is several folds higher in PLWH than in the general population. Study of United States (US) death certificates listing HIV infection shows that the deaths from CVD doubled between 1996 and 2006. CVD will become an even more prominent comorbidity considering that more than 50% of PLWH in the US are over 50 years old, an age that more frequently associates CVD, and cardiovascular complications are more frequent in urban African-Americans and Hispanics, which are disproportionately affected by HIV. Therefore, reducing the overall risk of these complications will become the primary challenge in the management of chronic HIV infection. Not surprisingly, the REPRIEVE trial showed a substantial benefit of statins to PLWH, and the current guidelines include statin administration to PLWH. Nonhuman primate (NHP) models for the cardiovascular comorbidities associated with HIV are currently available and their use for testing new therapeutic approaches aimed at countering the effects of hypercoagulability and CVD is discussed. Their use can be of tremendous help to understand the etiology, pathophysiology, and the determinants of CVD in PLWH, which are currently poorly understood. Use of the NHP models could help in dissecting the relative contribution of the virus, behavioral factors, and ART to cardiovascular risk, having the potential to help us establish new strategic approaches aimed at controlling HIV-related CVD.

Cardiovascular Outcomes After Acute Coronary Syndrome in Persons Living with HIV: A Scoping Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Over the past twenty-five years, a growing body of research has investigated outcomes after an acute coronary syndrome (ACS) event in persons with HIV (PWH). In this scoping review, we assessed the published literature on outcomes after a prior ACS event in PWH compared to persons without HIV (PWoH) in the US and Europe.

RECENT FINDINGS

Of 27 studies of secondary prevention of cardiovascular disease, 15 studies found a greater incidence of recurrent ACS, heart failure, in-stent thrombosis, revascularization, restenosis, and mortality in PWH after a prior ACS event compared to PWoH. PWH were more likely to present with STEMI, less likely to receive percutaneous coronary intervention, and more likely to exhibit an active inflammatory state. The remaining 12 studies found no significant difference in outcomes after a prior ACS event. PWH may face an increased risk of adverse outcomes after ACS that differ in presentation and management compared with PWoH. Larger observational studies are needed to assess outcomes after a prior ACS event in PWH compared to PWoH and improve clinical management.

Long-term metabolic changes with bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide or dolutegravir-containing regimens for HIV

BACKGROUND

To evaluate long-term changes in weight and metabolic parameters in people with HIV-1 (PWH) initiating first-line antiretroviral therapy.

METHODS

Analysis of two Phase 3, randomized, double-blind, active-controlled trials (1489: NCT02607930; 1490: NCT02607956). PWH received bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) or dolutegravir (DTG)-based treatment (Study 1489: dolutegravir/abacavir/lamivudine [DTG/ABC/3TC]; Study 1490: DTG + F/TAF) for 144 weeks, followed by B/F/TAF (96-week open-label extension up to Week 240). Weight and metabolic parameters were assessed through Week 144 by randomized treatment assignment. Weight changes by baseline viral load and CD4 count were evaluated in PWH receiving B/F/TAF from baseline through Week 240. Multivariate modeling explored baseline factors associated with absolute weight and weight change through Week 240 and weight gain ≥ 10% at Week 240.

RESULTS

Median weight and body mass index (BMI) increased over time with B/F/TAF (n = 628), DTG/ABC/3TC (n = 315), and DTG + F/TAF (n = 325). There were no significant differences in change in weight or BMI between the B/F/TAF and DTG + F/TAF groups or between the B/F/TAF and DTG/ABC/3TC groups at Week 144 in either trial, nor were there differences in other metabolic parameters, including incidence of treatment-emergent diabetes mellitus and hypertension through Week 144. Among PWH receiving B/F/TAF (baseline through Week 240), weight increases were greatest soon after initiating antiretroviral therapy (i.e., Weeks 0-48), particularly in participants with baseline viral load > 100,000 copies/ml and/or CD4 count < 200 cells/µl. In multivariate modeling (B/F/TAF pooled data), lower baseline CD4 count and higher HIV-1 RNA were associated with lower baseline weight and greater weight gain, but not absolute weight, from Week 48 through Week 240.

CONCLUSIONS

No significant difference in weight change from baseline to Week 144 was found between bictegravir and DTG, or between B/F/TAF and a non-TAF-containing regimen, in these two randomized trials. Furthermore, weight gain following treatment initiation was greatest in the first year of treatment and most pronounced in individuals with more advanced HIV at baseline, supporting the hypothesis that weight gain following initial treatment is linked to a "return to health" in people with advanced HIV.

Statin effects on the incidence of major non-cardiovascular disease events among a global cohort of people with HIV: a randomised controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Given the pleiotropic effects of statins beyond lipid-lowering, statins might positively impact other, non-cardiovascular diseases (non-CVDs). In this study, we prospectively assessed statin effects on non-CVD events and their incidence among people with HIV globally.

METHODS

The Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV (REPRIEVE; ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02344290) was a randomised, placebo-controlled trial of pitavastatin for CVD prevention took place from 2015 to 2023 at 145 research sites in 12 countries and is completed. In this analysis of prespecified secondary outcomes of REPRIEVE, we assessed effects of pitavastatin 4 mg daily (vs placebo) on major non-CVD events (including AIDS-defining events, non-AIDS-defining cancers, renal disease, and liver disease) and the Strategic Timing of Antiretroviral Treatment (START) trial outcome (a collective measure of morbidity including CVD among people with HIV) using Cox proportional hazards regression, stratified by sex and CD4 cell count.

FINDINGS

Among the 7769 people with HIV enrolled (3888 in the pitavastatin group and 3881 in the placebo group), 6402 participants completed the study (3201 in each group). Over a median 5·6 years (IQR 4·7-6·3) of follow-up, the incidence of major non-CVD events was 9·17 per 1000 person-years in the pitavastatin group and 9·90 per 1000 person-years in the placebo group (hazard ratio [HR], cause-specific: 0·92, 95% CI 0·76-1·13; p=0·44). The incidence of the START outcome was 15·2 per 1000 person-years in the pitavastatin and 18·3 per 1000 person-years in the placebo group (HR 0·83, 95% CI 0·71-0·97; p=0·016), driven by the effect on CVD. In the placebo group, incidences of the non-AIDS-defining cancer and CVD components of the START Trial outcome were highest (5·83 per 1000 person-years and 5·48 per 1000 person-years) whereas AIDS-defining events were less frequent (3·60 per 1000 person-years), and varied across global regions. With pitavastatin, the incidence of CVD was lower compared with placebo (3·36 per 1000 person-years), however non-AIDS-defining cancers remained high (5·40 per 1000 person-years). Non-AIDS-defining cancers were the leading cause of mortality for both groups.

INTERPRETATION

Among a global cohort of people with HIV, treatment with pitavastatin showed no major reduction in non-CVD events, including non-AIDS-defining cancers. These findings outline the limitations of statin therapy for the prevention of non-CVD, highlighting the need for other strategies for such events.

FUNDING

National Institutes of Health, Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Gilead Sciences, and ViiV Healthcare.

Immune Dysregulation in Ischemic Heart Disease Among Individuals with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) experience an elevated risk of ischemic heart disease and related cardiovascular sequelae. This is due to a combination of factors including traditional comorbidities, adverse effects of antiretroviral therapy, low-level viremia, viral coinfection, mucosal injury, and chronic immune activation and dysregulation. Understanding the underlying mechanisms, especially as they relate to inflammation, has implications for prevention, diagnostics, and therapeutics. This review highlights some of the foundational and recent literature on clinical phenotypes, diagnostic tools, and promising pharmacotherapies, along with future directions for translational research and clinical implementation.

Complex left main bifurcation PCI in a patient with dual positivity: A unique interventional approach - A case report

INTRODUCTION

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) affects over 38 million people worldwide, with 26 million receiving combined antiretroviral therapy (CART). People living with HIV (PLWH) have a 1.5- to 2-fold increased risk of cardiovascular disease, yet data on coronary revascularization remain limited. The COVID-19 pandemic, caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), further complicates the management of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) in PLWH. We present a case of an HIV-positive, COVID-19-positive patient with recurrent ACS, requiring urgent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) due to hemodynamic instability (systolic BP < 90 mm Hg) and ongoing chest pain despite optimal medical therapy.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 41-year-old male, positive for SARS-CoV-2 on RT-PCR, presented with effort angina for two months and recurrent acute chest pain for one day. The electrocardiogram (ECG) showed ST-segment elevation. Despite initial medical management, persistent chest pain and hemodynamic instability (BP 86/60 mm Hg, heart rate 110 bpm) necessitated urgent coronary angiography (CAG), revealing significant stenosis. The SYNTAX Score I for our patient was 12, which is favorable for PCI over CABG. The SYNTAX Score II predicted a 4-year mortality risk of 15.3 % for PCI vs. 5.8 % for CABG. A multidisciplinary heart team discussion favored PCI over CABG. The patient underwent double kissing crush (DK crush) bifurcation stenting with drug-eluting stents (DES), achieving TIMI III flow and resolution of symptoms.

CLINICAL DISCUSSION

Coronary revascularization in PLWH is challenging due to a 2- to 3-fold increased risk of myocardial infarction, chronic inflammation, and drug interactions. Additionally, COVID-19 further elevates thrombotic risk. The SYNTAX Score II favored PCI, and considering the patient's unstable condition, PCI was the preferred strategy over CABG to reduce perioperative risks and hospital stay. The DK crush technique is well-documented for complex bifurcation lesions, with studies showing significantly lower target lesion failure rates (4.8 %) than other techniques (10.5 %).

CONCLUSION

Managing ACS in PLWH with concurrent COVID-19 requires a multidisciplinary approach. Given the limited surgical data, PCI remains a feasible and effective strategy, particularly in hemodynamically unstable patients. Until randomized trials provide definitive guidance, PCI remains the preferred approach for urgent coronary revascularization in PLWH.

Epidemiology of Coronary Atherosclerosis Among People Living With HIV in Uganda : A Cross-Sectional Study

BACKGROUND

Data on the prevalence of coronary atherosclerotic disease (CAD) in the African region among people with and without HIV are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the prevalence of CAD in Uganda and determine whether well-controlled HIV infection is associated with increased presence or severity of CAD.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

Southwestern Uganda.

PARTICIPANTS

Ambulatory people living with HIV (PWH), aged older than 40 years, taking antiretroviral therapy for 3 or more years, and population-based, age- and sex-similar people without HIV (PWoH).

MEASUREMENTS

Participants had cardiovascular (CV) disease (CVD) risk profiling and computed tomography scanning for detection of CAD, defined as the presence of calcified or noncalcified plaque.

RESULTS

Of 630 screened, 586 (93%) met criteria and had evaluable images. Of these, 287 (49.0%) were PWH and nearly all (272 of 287 [95%]) were virologically suppressed. Mean age (57.9 vs. 57.4 years), proportion female (49%), and median CVD risk score (4.1 vs. 3.4) did not differ by HIV serostatus. The prevalence of CAD was low overall (45 of 586 [7.7%]) and among both PWH (26 of 287 [9.1%]) and PWoH (19 of 299 [6.4%]; absolute prevalence difference, 2.7% [95% CI, -1.6% to 7.0%]). Results were similar after adjustment for CVD risk factors.

LIMITATIONS

Our findings may not generalize to symptomatic populations or those with greater predicted CVD risk. The study was not powered to detect small differences in CAD prevalence between HIV subgroups. Both PWH and PWoH had similar CV risk factor profiles, but residual confounding between HIV and CAD cannot be excluded.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of CAD in Uganda was low compared with population-based cohorts from the Global North with similar CVD risk profiles and was similar between HIV serostatus subgroups. Our results suggest that CAD may not be a major cause of morbidity in Uganda.

PRIMARY FUNDING SOURCE

National Institutes of Health.

Differences in clinical characteristics between adolescents and young adults with perinatally and sexually acquired HIV in the Asia-Pacific region

INTRODUCTION

We assessed the long-term HIV-related health outcomes of young adults with perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) compared with those who acquired HIV through sexual transmission in the Asia-Pacific region.

METHODS

We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from three paediatric and adult cohorts within the International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (IeDEA) Asia-Pacific consortium. This study included data from 12 countries, collected between 1991 and 2021. Young adults with available data who had been on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for at least 1 year were included. Analyses were conducted at ages 18 and 25 years and compared by route of HIV acquisition. Factors associated with viral suppression (<200 copies/ml) at age 25 were identified using logistic regression.

RESULTS

There were 1333 individuals included at age 18 (96% with PHIV: 46% male) and 305 at age 25 (27% with PHIV; 75% male). Compared to those with sexually acquired HIV at age 18, those with PHIV had a longer median duration of ART (10 vs. 4 years, p<0.001), higher current CD4 count (606 vs. 462 cells/mm3, p = 0.001), were shorter (height 158 vs. 166 cm, p<0.001), with more hypercholesterolemia (20% vs. 5%, p = 0.031) and hypertriglyceridemia (29% vs. 6% mg/dl, p = 0.003). At age 25, differences in duration of ART (15 vs. 3 years, p<0.001), male height (165 vs. 173 cm, p = 0.009) and proportion with hypertriglyceridemia (38% vs. 15%, p = 0.002) were observed. HIV viral suppression did not vary by mode of acquisition (89% vs. 87% at age 18; 91% vs. 85% at age 25). At age 25, living in Thailand (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 6.05, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.95-18.80) and use of integrase inhibitor-based regimens (AOR 5.20, 95% CI 1.62-16.65) or protease inhibitor-based regimens (AOR 2.62, 95% CI 1.01-6.79) were associated with viral suppression.

CONCLUSIONS

Young adults with PHIV who survived to ages 18 and 25 were more likely to have stunted growth but had similar viral suppression to those with sexually acquired HIV in our regional cohorts. However, viral suppression rates remained lower for all relative to the UNAIDS goal of 95%, and measures to improve treatment outcomes are needed for young adults.

Association of prior tuberculosis with altered cardiometabolic profiles of people with HIV: A comparative cross-sectional study in Uganda

Background

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of mortality among people with HIV (PWH), but the influence of co-infections like tuberculosis (TB) on CVD risk remains underexplored. We aimed to compare cardiometabolic profiles of PWH with and without prior TB to determine if prior TB is associated with distinct cardiometabolic profiles.

Methods

We conducted a comparative, cross-sectional study at a tertiary hospital in Kampala, Uganda. Participants were randomly sampled PWH aged ≥18 years on antiretroviral therapy. Specifically, we enrolled PWH with and without prior active TB (ratio of 1:1). Anthropometric measurements, blood pressure, fasting blood glucose (FBG), lipid profile, and glycated hemoglobin were assessed.

Results

A total of 396 participants were enrolled (196 TB survivors and 200 controls). TB survivors had higher median FBG (5.5 vs. 5.1 mmol/l, p<0.001) and a higher prevalence of DM (17.9% vs. 9.5%, p=0.015). However, they had lower body mass index (23.0 vs. 25.1 kg/m2, p<0.001) and waist circumference (81.0 vs. 84.0 cm, p=0.026). TB survivors had higher HDL-c levels (1.0 vs. 0.8 mmol/l, p<0.001), lower LDL-c levels (2.7 vs. 3.1 mmol/l, p<0.001) and lower prevalence of dyslipidemia (81.7% vs. 96.5%, p<0.001). Prior TB was independently associated with higher prevalence of elevated FBG (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) 1.79, 95% CI 1.10-2.92) and DM (aPR 2.34, 95% CI 1.11-4.94), but decreased risk of obesity (aPR 0.42, 95% CI 0.20-0.88).

Conclusion

TB survivors with HIV exhibit a higher risk of DM but lower risk of obesity compared to those without a history of TB, indicating a need for blood glucose monitoring among TB survivors.

Effect of a Supervised Aerobic Exercise Training Program and Ginkgo Biloba Extract on Metabolic Parameters and Functional Capacity in HIV-Infected Subjects

Background: A remarkable increase in metabolic comorbidities occur in people living with HIV infection (PLWH). Supervised physical activity provides significant health benefits. Ginkgo biloba (GKB) extract has been reported to have a wide range of metabolic advantages. This study aimed to examine the effects of an exercise training (ET) program and a GKB extract on PLWH. Methods: This was a randomized placebo-controlled double-blind study. Twenty-eight PLWH were assigned to receive a placebo (n = 10), GKB extract (n = 10), or statins (n = 8). All patients underwent a supervised ET program 3-5 times per week. Anthropometric measurements, functional capacities, and metabolic parameters were assessed in all participants at baseline and after 12 weeks of follow-up. Results: After the 12-week intervention, body fat decreased significantly by 2-3% in all groups relative to their baseline values (p < 0.05). Total cholesterol and LDL-c were significantly decreased in the ET + statin group (p = 0.04, and p = 0.007, respectively) compared to baseline values, while HbA1c and the HOMA-IR index were significantly decreased in the ET + GKB group (p = 0.03 and p = 0.02, respectively) compared to baseline values, and a significant increase in CD4+ T cell mean was observed in the ET + placebo group (p = 0.005) compared to baseline values. A significant increase in cardiorespiratory capacity (VO2max) from their baseline values was observed in all groups (p < 0.001) after 12 weeks of intervention from their baseline values. Conclusions: Body fat and cardiorespiratory fitness significantly improved after a 12-week supervised ET program. GKB extract significantly decreased insulin resistance.

Early Structural Cardiovascular Disease, HIV, and Tuberculosis in East Africa (ASANTE): Cross-sectional study protocol for a multimodal cardiac imaging study in Nairobi, Kenya

Introduction

Persons living with HIV (PLWH) have an augmented risk of cardiovascular disease, including atherosclerosis and myocardial dysfunction, despite effective viral suppression with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Despite the majority of PLWH residing in sub-Saharan Africa, there are limited reports from the region on structural cardiovascular changes due to this residual risk.

Methods and analysis

The Early Structural Cardiovascular Disease, HIV, and Tuberculosis (ASANTE) cross-sectional study will be conducted in a public hospital in Nairobi, Kenya. It will enroll 400 participants (50% female, 50% PLWH) to undergo comprehensive cardiovascular phenotyping using multimodal imaging (coronary CT angiography [CCTA], echocardiography) and banking of biological samples (whole blood, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, serum, and urine). We will define the prevalence of subclinical coronary atherosclerosis by coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and subclinical myocardial dysfunction by transthoracic echocardiography, and evaluate both traditional and non-traditional risk factors, including endemic infections such as latent tuberculosis. This study will contribute important data on phenotypes of and risk factors for HIV-associated cardiovascular disease in this under-studied region.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for the ASANTE study was granted by the University of Nairobi-Kenyatta National Hospital Ethical Review Committee, Nairobi, Kenya. Results will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Risk of Non-AIDS-Defining Events Is Lower in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)-Naive HIV Controllers Than in Normal Progressors on Suppressive ART

BACKGROUND

We aimed to compare the non-AIDS event (nADE) risk between normal progressors using antiretroviral therapy (NP-ART) and people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV, PWH) who naturally control HIV infection (HIV controllers), as well as the risk of nADE following ART in HIV controllers.

METHODS

The primary end point was the composite of cardiovascular disease, non-AIDS malignancy, or all-cause mortality, whichever came first. The role of ART in HIV controllers was assessed as a time-varying covariate.

RESULTS

We included 1007 ART-naive HIV controllers (60 of them were elite controllers), 1510 early-ART (<6 months after negative HIV test), and 15437 NP-ART (reference group), contributing 3813, 11 060, and 160 050 years of follow-up, respectively. HIV controllers had lower risk of the primary end point (hazard ratio [HR], 0.55; 95% confidence interval [CI]: .38-.81; P = .0023), all-cause mortality (adjusted HR [aHR], 0.45; 95% CI: .25-.79; P = .0054), and cardiovascular disease (aHR, 0.47; 95% CI: .22-.99; P = .046), but not non-AIDS malignancy (aHR, 0.74; 95% CI: .41-1.35; P = .33), compared with NP-ART. Among HIV controllers, each log10 lower baseline viral load further decreased the risk of a nADE (aHR, 0.54; 95% CI: .29-.99; P = .045). ART in HIV controllers did not reduce the risk of any nADE (aHR, 1.22; 95% CI: .66-2.29; P = .53).

CONCLUSIONS

HIV controllers had a lower n ADE risk than NP-ART, especially in those with low plasma viral loads. ART did not alter the nADE risk in HIV controllers. Our findings help clinicians to decide on prescribing ART in HIV controllers.

Two-fold increased risk of cardiovascular events in people with MDR HIV: a matched cohort analysis with data from the PRESTIGIO registry

BACKGROUND

Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACEs) may contribute to the high morbidity in people with four-class drug-resistant HIV (4DR-PWH).

OBJECTIVES

To explore the probability of MACEs in 4DR-PWH compared with non-4DR controls.

METHODS

This was a retrospective, propensity score-matched cohort study on 4DR-PWH (cases) and non-4DR-PWH (controls), on ART, without previous MACEs. Controls were matched with cases in a 4:1 ratio for age, sex-assigned-at-birth and ART duration. Incidence rates (IRs) and incidence rate ratio (IRR) of MACEs with 95% CIs were modelled by Poisson regression. Cumulative probabilities of the first incident MACE were estimated by Kaplan-Meier curves. A multivariable stepwise Cox proportional hazards model estimated predictors of incident MACEs among covariates with univariable P < 0.100.

RESULTS

Overall, 223 4DR-PWH and 797 non-4DR-PWH were evaluated. During a median (IQR) follow-up of 8.2 (5.4-11.1) years [1833 person-years of follow-up (PY)], 23/223 (10.3%) 4DR-PWH developed 29 MACEs, IR = 1.6 (95% CI = 1.1-2.3)/100 PY. During a median follow-up of 8.4 (5.2-11.0) years (6450 PY), 42/797 (5.3%) non-4DR controls had 45 MACEs, IR = 0.7 (95% CI = 0.5-0.9)/100 PY, IRR (4DR/non-4DR) = 2.3 (95% CI = 1.4-3.6). The cumulative probabilities of the first MACE were more than doubled in 4DR-PWH (P = 0.006). At multivariable analysis, an increased risk of MACEs was associated with 4DR status [adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) = 1.9; 95% CI = 1.0-3.4], after adjusting for age, sex-assigned-at-birth, HIV load, CD4+ nadir, total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, diabetes mellitus, statin use and baseline HCV serostatus.

CONCLUSIONS

In PWH, MDR is significantly associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular events. Prompt implementation of prevention strategies is mandatory in this fragile population.

Treatment of prehypertension among adults with HIV

OBJECTIVE

Elevated blood pressure (BP), even at prehypertensive levels, increases cardiovascular disease risk among people with HIV (PWH); yet international guidelines in low-income countries recommend treatment initiation at BP at least 140/90 mmHg. We determined the efficacy, feasibility, and acceptability of treating prehypertension in PWH in Haiti.

DESIGN

An unblinded randomized clinical trial (enrolled April 2021-March 2022) with 12-month follow-up.

SETTING

GHESKIO Centres, Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

PARTICIPANTS

Two hundred fifty adults with HIV with prehypertension (SBP 120-138 or DBP 80-89) not on medication, aged 18-65 years, virally suppressed, and without pregnancy, diabetes, or kidney disease.

INTERVENTION

Participants were randomized to treatment (amlodipine 5 mg) or control (no amlodipine unless two BP ≥140/90 mmHg).

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE

Primary outcome was mean change in SBP between intervention versus control groups from enrollment to 12 months.

RESULTS

Among 250 adults, median age was 49 years, 40.8% were women. Baseline median BP was 129/78 mmHg intervention versus 128/77 mmHg control. After 12 months, the difference in mean change between study groups for SBP was -5.9 mmHg [95% confidence interval (95% CI) -8.8 to -3.0] and for DBP was -5.5 mmHg (95% CI -7.9 to -3.2). At 12 months, 5.6% intervention and 23.0% control participants developed incident hypertension (hazard ratio 0.18; 95% CI 0.07-0.47). There were no differences in viral load suppression at 12 months or drug-related serious adverse events. Intervention acceptability was high among providers and participants in qualitative interviews.

CONCLUSION

In PWH in a resource-poor setting, prehypertension treatment was feasible, acceptable, and effective in reducing mean SBP and incident hypertension.

REGISTRATION

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT04692467.

A United States HIV provider survey of antiretroviral therapy management in people living with HIV with co-occurring conditions

INTRODUCTION

Simplified HIV treatment guidelines favor integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs). However, non-infectious comorbidities and co-occurring conditions (i.e. pregnancy) often necessitate individualized antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens. This study aimed to characterize United States HIV provider strategies for ART selection when faced with concomitant health conditions.

METHODS

A survey of US HIV providers was conducted using hypothetical patient cases. Standardized clinical case-vignettes were developed and providers were asked to select their preferred regimen. Eleven cases focused on cardiometabolic syndrome, renal dysfunction, weight gain, and pregnancy.

RESULTS

119 providers responded across all cases (with a median 57 responses [interquartile range 55.5-72] per case), and were primarily Infectious Diseases physicians in academic settings from across the continental United States. Bictegravir/tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine was most commonly prescribed for three case-scenarios of cardiometabolic disease (62.3%). Diverse regimens were recommended for a case involving weight gain, with 98.5% switching from dolutegravir plus tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine, most commonly to doravirine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/lamivudine. Dolutegravir-based regimens were selected in case-scenarios of pregnancy (77.3%), with some use of bictegravir/tenofovir alafenamide/emtricitabine (13.6%). For two case-scenarios renal disease with worsening creatinine clearance to < 30 mL/minute, many providers used lamivudine or emtricitabine in fixed-dose combination (43.3%).

CONCLUSION

This study reveals varied ART approaches for people living with HIV and non-infectious conditions, often diverging from standard regimens. While guidelines provide a framework, providers adapt treatment based on patient needs. Further research is crucial to optimize ART management in these complex situations.

Preswitch Regimens Associated With Weight Gain Among Persons With HIV who Switch to Integrase Inhibitor-Containing Regimens

Background

Weight gain associated with integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) is well documented. However, recent reports suggest that the observed weight gain among persons who switch to INSTIs may be associated with their preswitch regimen.

Methods

We conducted retrospective analyses of persons with HIV on antiretroviral therapy who switched to a second-generation INSTI-containing regimen (bictegravir/dolutegravir) at the Duke Adult Infectious Diseases Clinic (Durham, NC, USA) between 2014 and 2021. The outcome was weight change, operationalized as percent weight change, absolute weight change (kg), gaining ≥5% of preswitch weight, and gaining ≥10% of preswitch weight. The primary exposure was preswitch regimen.

Results

Our analysis included 750 persons. Cohort demographics were as follows: mean age (SD) 51 (11) years, 30% female at birth, 58% Black, 4% Hispanic ethnicity. At regimen switch, the mean CD4 count was 701 cells/mm3, and 68% had a viral load ≤20 copies/cc. Persons with preswitch regimens containing efavirenz had higher odds of gaining ≥5% body weight (odds ratio [OR], 1.62, 95% CI, 1.13-2.32) and ≥10% body weight (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.02-2.73) after regimen switch, adjusted for age, sex, race, ethnicity, and preswitch body mass index. Persons with preswitch regimens containing tenofovir disoproxil (TDF) also had higher odds of gaining ≥5% body weight (OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.17-2.30).

Conclusions

Preswitch regimens containing efavirenz and TDF were associated with significant weight gain after switching to INSTI-based regimens. Our findings support the hypothesis that the weight gain observed with switching to INSTI-based regimens could be driven by stopping medications with weight-suppressing properties.

PCSK9 Inhibitors - A New Hope for Dyslipidemia in HIV

Cardiovascular disease has become increasingly prevalent in the HIV population. Antiretroviral therapy and HIV itself independently increase the risk of dyslipidemia. While statins are currently the predominant therapy to treat dyslipidemia in HIV patients, drug-drug interactions and adverse drug events can limit their use. Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 inhibitors have shown promising results in preliminary trials by significantly reducing low density lipoprotein and other atherogenic lipid levels. They should be considered as an early intervention alongside statins in HIV patients with dyslipidemia.

Clinical, biological, metabolic, and immune changes associated with the use of sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors in people living with HIV

INTRODUCTION

Positive cardiovascular and renal outcomes associated with the sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor (SGLT2i) use are attributed to their anti-inflammatory properties. Persistent immune activation accounts for part of the elevated cardiovascular risk of people living with HIV (PWH), but SGLT2i impact on this population has been poorly described.

METHODS

All PWH with a history of SGLT2i treatment from May 2020 to April 2023 receiving care at Pitié-Salpêtrière Hospital (Paris, France) and with available pre- and post-treatment blood samples were included. Clinical and biological data were extracted from medical records, metabolic and immune biomarkers from cryopreserved plasma samples.

RESULTS

Most of the 20 patients with SGLT2i treatment were men (75 %), with a median [IQR] age of 59 years [55;68], receiving antiretroviral therapy for a median of 21.5 years [15.3;26.5]. Most had type 2 diabetes (95 %), chronic kidney disease (90 %), dyslipidemia (80 %), and hypertension (75 %). SGLT2i treatment was associated with a median weight loss of 3 kg, an increase in hematocrit, and decreased AST levels. LDL, HDL, oxLDL, and Lp-PLA2 levels were unaffected. SGLT2i was associated with inflammasome inhibition and with decreased circulating levels of IL-1β and IL-8. We also observed a decrease in cytokines associated with the recruitment and activation of monocytes-macrophages MCP-1, MIP-1α, MIP-1β, Eotaxin, RANTES, IL-8, and their positive feedback, IL-13/IL-4. Decreased IL-6, CRP, and sCD14 levels were not significant.

CONCLUSION

SGLT2i was associated with weight loss and a significant impact on innate immunity in PWH, with inhibition of inflammasome and monocyte-macrophage activation.

Pitavastatin Is Well-Tolerated With no Detrimental Effects on Physical Function

BACKGROUND

Little is known about the potential benefits or harms of statins on physical function among people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH).

METHODS

REPRIEVE was a double-blind randomized controlled trial evaluating pitavastatin for primary prevention of major adverse cardiovascular events in PWH. Time to complete 10 chair rises, 4-m gait speed, grip strength, and a modified short physical performance test were assessed annually for up to 5 years in the ancillary study PREPARE and analyzed using linear mixed models.

FINDINGS

Of 602 PWH, 52% were randomized to pitavastatin and 48% to placebo. Median age was 51 years; 18% were female at birth; 2% transgender; and 40% Black, and 18% Hispanic. Median PREPARE follow-up was 4.7 (4.3-5.0) years. Muscle symptoms (grade ≥3 or treatment-limiting) occurred in 5% of both groups. There was no evidence of decline in chair rise rate in either treatment group and no difference in the pitavastatin group compared to placebo (estimated difference -0.10 [95% confidence interval, -.30 to 0.10] rises/min/year; P = .31). Small declines over time were observed in other physical function tests in both treatment groups, with no apparent differences between groups.

INTERPRETATION

We observed minimal declines in physical function over 5 years of follow-up among middle-aged PWH, with no differences among PWH randomized to pitavastatin compared to placebo. This finding, combined with low prevalence of myalgias, supports the long-term safety of statin therapy on physical function, when used for primary prevention of major adverse cardiovascular events among PWH.

The Primacy of Adipose Tissue Gene Expression and Plasma Lipidome in Cardiometabolic Disease in Persons With HIV

BACKGROUND

Persons with HIV (PWH) on contemporary antiretroviral therapy (ART) are at elevated risk for developing age-related cardiometabolic diseases. We hypothesized that integrative analysis of cross-tissue, multimodal data from PWH could provide insight into molecular programming that defines cardiometabolic phenotypes in this high-risk group.

METHODS

We enrolled 93 PWH without diabetes who were virologically suppressed on contemporary ART and obtained measures of insulin resistance, glucose intolerance, and adiposity. We performed circulating lipidomics, proteomics, and metabolomics, as well as subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) bulk transcriptomics, and used multiomics factor analysis (MOFA) to perform integrative analyses of these datasets.

RESULTS

The median age was 43 years, median body mass index 30.8 kg/m2, 81% were male, and 56% were self-identified non-Hispanic White. We identified a specific MOFA factor associated with visceral adipose tissue volume (ρ = -0.43), homeostasis model assessment 2 insulin resistance score (ρ = -0.52), liver density (ρ = 0.43), and other cardiometabolic risk factors, which explained more variance in the SAT transcriptome and circulating lipidome compared with the circulating proteome and metabolome. Gene set enrichment analysis of this factor showed extracellular matrix and inflammatory pathways that primarily mapped to SAT myeloid cells and adipose progenitor cells using single-cell deconvolution. Lipidomic analysis showed that this factor was significantly enriched for triacylglycerol and diacylglycerol species.

CONCLUSIONS

Our multiomic analysis demonstrated coordinated, multitissue molecular reprogramming in virologically suppressed PWH with elevated cardiometabolic disease risk. Longitudinal studies of PWH with assessments of adipose tissue and lipid handling are necessary to understand mechanisms of cardiometabolic disease in PWH. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT04451980.

The prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in people living with HIV: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Owing to long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART), the incidence of non-HIV-related chronic diseases is increasing, and liver disease is the leading cause of increased AIDS mortality. Moreover, the prevalence of NAFLD and liver fibrosis has been reported to vary widely across regions and studies. There is no precise description of the trend and characteristics of NAFLD in PLWH. Here, we aimed to explore the prevalence and outcomes of NAFLD in people living with HIV (PLWH).

METHODS

The PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were searched on August 15, 2023, for studies that evaluated the prevalence of NAFLD or liver fibrosis among PLWH. The meta-synthesized effects of NAFLD and liver fibrosis were the primary outcomes, and potential moderators were the secondary outcomes. The meta-analysis of the combined event rate (ER) and random effects was conducted on the basis of the number of individuals with NAFLD, the number of individuals with liver fibrosis, and the total sample size.

RESULTS

Of the 3520 studies identified, 41 studies were eligible for the meta-analysis. The results revealed that the combined ERs of NAFLD and liver fibrosis were 0.38 (95% CI: 0.33-0.43, p < 0.01) and 0.25 (95% CI: 0.18-0.32, p < 0.01), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis provided empirical evidence that the prevalence of NAFLD and liver fibrosis in PLWH is greater than that in the general population, which requires sufficient attention. In the HIV population, noninvasive imaging to monitor NAFLD changes should be strengthened, and a high TG level might be an early predictive indicator for HIV-associated fatty liver disease; however, large-scale prospective clinical research data are still needed for further validation and evaluation.

Objectively Measured Physical Activity among People with and without HIV in Uganda: Associations with Cardiovascular Risk and Coronary Artery Disease

Background

Africa has a disproportionate burden of HIV-related cardiovascular disease. We aimed to describe physical activity in people living with HIV (PLHIV) and people without HIV (PWOH) in Uganda and characterize its relationship with the presence of computed tomography angiography-detected (CCTA) coronary artery disease (CAD).

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of the Ugandan Study of HIV Effects on the Myocardium and Atherosclerosis using Computed Tomography (mUTIMA-CT) cohort. From 2017-2019, physical activity in PLHIV and PWOH was assessed by accelerometry over seven days. Participants additionally underwent CCTA. Univariable and multivariable modified Poisson regression was used to analyze the relationship between physical activity and CAD presence.

Results

168 participants were analyzed. The median (IQR) age was 57 (53-58) years old and 64% were female. Males had more moderate-to-vigorous physical activity per week [68 minutes (12-144) vs. 15 minutes (0-50), P < 0.001] and less light physical activity [788 minutes (497-1,202) vs. [1,059 (730-1490), P = 0.001] compared to females, but there was no difference by HIV status. After adjusting for age, which accounted for 10% of the variation in steps taken, and sex, no significant associations were found between physical activity and coronary plaque.

Conclusion

Objectively measured physical activity was low compared to guideline recommendations, with males being somewhat more active than females and without significant differences by HIV status. Physical activity was not associated with the presence of CAD independently of age and sex.

Cytomegalovirus Antibodies and Coronary Artery Disease in People with HIV: A Cohort Study

People with HIV (PWH) have a high risk of coronary artery disease (CAD). Cytomegalovirus (CMV) co-infection is very common in PWH, but little is known about its association with CAD. We aimed to investigate if CMV IgG serostatus and concentrations are associated with CAD in PWH. From the Copenhagen Comorbidity in HIV Infection (COCOMO) Study we included PWH with coronary CT angiography (CCTA) and quantitative CMV IgG concentration measurements. We measured the stenosis grades and plaque volumes in the coronary vessels. Using multivariable regressions adjusted for traditional CAD risk factors, we investigated if CMV IgG serostatus and concentrations were associated with any atherosclerosis, obstructive CAD, or plaque volumes. We included 620 PWH of whom 586 had positive CMV serostatus, which was not associated with any atherosclerosis, obstructive CAD, or plaque volumes. A doubling of CMV IgG concentrations was associated with any atherosclerosis (OR 1.21 [95% CI: 1.06-1.39]), obstructive CAD (OR 1.31 [95% CI: 1.07-1.59]), and higher total plaque volume (1.56 [95% CI: 1.21-2.01] fold increase), but the association did not remain significant after adjustment for traditional CAD risk factors. This indicates that CMV IgG serostatus and concentrations are not independently associated with prevalent CAD in PWH.

In vitro and patient studies with platelets to explore off-target cardiovascular effects of integrase inhibitors

INTRODUCTION

People with HIV currently face a tenfold higher risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) than those without HIV. Studies have shown various off-target effects of antiretroviral treatment (ART) on the cardiovascular system, but little is known about the effects of currently used integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs) on platelets. Platelet activation is associated with increased CVD, thrombus formation, and release of proinflammatory mediators, so exploring platelet effects from currently prescribed ART may contribute to the understanding of CVD etiopathogenesis in people with HIV.

METHODS

We aimed to identify potential effects of INSTIs on platelet aggregation and activation markers from individuals without HIV after in vitro treatment with clinically relevant drug concentrations. We used bictegravir (BIC) and dolutegravir (DTG) individually or in the therapeutic drug combinations BIC/emtricitabine (FTC)/tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) or DTG/lamivudine (3TC). Additionally, we conducted a pilot study to compare platelet activity profiles from people with HIV on BIC/FTC/TAF and DTG/3TC.

RESULTS

Changes to in vitro platelet aggregation responses upon exposure to different INSTIs were observed both upon individual drug application and when using therapeutic combinations. However, these effects were not reflected in flow-cytometric evaluation of platelet degranulation. A pilot study in eight people with HIV and eight without HIV revealed no significant effects but established protocols for future patient studies.

CONCLUSION

There is currently no consistent evidence of an effect of INSTIs on platelet activation. Further study is warranted, focusing on models with more pathophysiological relevance, including extensive studies in people with HIV.

Comparing Life's Simple Seven between newly diagnosed, ART-naive people living with HIV and HIV-uninfected adults in Tanzania: clues for cardiovascular disease prevention

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) represents a major cause of premature mortality in people living with HIV (PLWH). There is a need to characterize the cardiovascular health profiles of PLWH to appropriately guide primary prevention efforts, particularly in settings like Sub-Saharan Africa, where there is a high burden of HIV and limited resources. A cross-sectional analysis was conducted on a cohort of newly diagnosed PLWH and HIV-uninfected adults recruited from three HIV clinics in Mwanza, Tanzania. Modified Life's Simple 7 definitions were applied to the cohort to compare cardiovascular health profiles between the two study groups using Poisson regressions. Pooled cohort equation (PCE) scores were also calculated to compare the distribution of CVD risk between the two groups. Our study included 995 study participants (492 PLWH, 503 HIV-uninfected). PLWH had a higher prevalence of ideal body mass index (75%), ideal blood pressure (56%), and ideal total cholesterol but a lower prevalence of ideal smoking (84%) and ideal physical activity (39%) than HIV-uninfected counterparts. PCE scores were low throughout the study population (76.5%), regardless of HIV status. Primary prevention of CVD in newly diagnosed people living with HIV in Africa may need to focus on smoking cessation and optimization of physical activity levels.

Cardiovascular disease and its risk factors among people living with HIV: A systematic review and meta-analysis

This meta-analysis aimed to quantify the latest cardiovascular disease (CVD) incidence rate and assess the impact of risk factors among people living with HIV (PLWH). We searched PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and the Cochrane Library for studies published up to September 14, 2023. To evaluate effect sizes, we employed multilevel (three-level) random-effects meta-analyses. The pooled incidence rate of CVD was 6.31 per 1000 person-years. Among the 14 risk factors analyzed, the most prevalent was a history of CVD (odds ratio [OR]=3.47), followed by age (per 10-year increase) (OR=1.79), current smoking (OR=1.76), hypertension (OR=1.57), smoking (OR=1.53), diabetes (OR=1.50), previous smoking (OR=1.30), and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (OR=1.18). However, there was no statistical significance associated with HIV-specific factors (abacavir use, efavirenz use, and CD4 nadir, etc.). The CVD incidence rate was high among PLWH, with risk factors including both conventional CVD risk factors and HCV infection. There is an urgent need for more high-quality research to better understand the effects of HIV progression and drug use.

Viremia Does Not Independently Predict Cardiovascular Disease in People With HIV: A RESPOND Cohort Study

Background

HIV viremia has been considered a cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factor, but many studies have had insufficient data on potential confounders. We explored the association between viremia and CVD after adjusting for established risk factors and analyzed whether consideration of viremia would improve CVD prediction.

Methods

Adults from RESPOND were followed from the first date with available data until the first of rigorously defined CVD, loss to follow-up, death, or administrative censoring. We first analyzed the associations between 6 measures of viremia (time-updated, before antiretroviral therapy [ART], viremia category, and measures of cumulative viremia) and CVD after adjusting for the variables in the D:A:D CVD score (age, sex/gender, smoking, family history, diabetes, recent abacavir, CD4 count, blood pressure, cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein, cumulative use of stavudine, didanosine, indinavir, lopinavir, and darunavir). We subsequently compared predictive performance with and without viremia in 5-fold internal cross-validation.

Results

A total of 547 events were observed in 17 497 persons (median follow-up, 6.8 years). Although some viremia variables were associated with CVD in univariable analyses, there were no statistically significant associations after adjusting for potential confounders, neither for measures of current viral load, pre-ART viral load, highest viremia category during ART, nor cumulative viremia (modeled both as total cumulative viremia, cumulative viremia during ART, and recent cumulative viremia). Consistently, none of the viremia variables improved prediction capacity.

Conclusions

In this large international cohort, HIV viremia was not associated with CVD when adjusting for established risk factors. Our results did not show viremia to be predictive of CVD among people with HIV.

Performance of the pooled cohort equations and D:A:D risk scores among individuals with HIV in a global cardiovascular disease prevention trial: a cohort study leveraging data from REPRIEVE

BACKGROUND

Risk estimation is an essential component of cardiovascular disease prevention among people with HIV. We aimed to characterise how well atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk scores used in clinical guidelines perform among people with HIV globally.

METHODS

In this prospective cohort study leveraging REPRIEVE data, we included participants aged 40-75 years, with low-to-moderate traditional cardiovascular risk, not taking statin therapy. REPRIEVE participants were enrolled from sites in 12 countries across Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) regions. We assessed the performance of the pooled cohort equations (PCE) risk score for ASCVD and the data-collection on adverse effects of anti-HIV drugs (D:A:D) risk score. We calculated C statistics, observed-to-expected (OE) event ratios, and Greenwood-Nam-D'Agostino goodness-of-fit (GND) statistics, overall and in subgroups by race, sex, and GBD regions (clustering low-income and middle-income countries and high-income countries). We did a recalibration for PCE risk score among people with HIV in high-income countries. REPRIEVE was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02344290.

FINDINGS

We included 3893 participants, recruited between March 26, 2015, and July 31, 2019. The median age was 50 years (IQR 45-55), with 2684 (69%) male and 1209 (31%) female participants. 1643 (42%) were Black or African American, 1346 (35%) participants were White, 566 (15%) were Asian, and 338 (9%) were recorded as other race. Overall, discrimination of the PCE risk score was moderate (C statistic 0·72 [95% CI 0·68-0·76]) and calibration was good (OE event ratio 1·11; GND p=0·87). However, calibration suggested overprediction of risk in low-income and middle-income countries and corresponding underprediction in high-income countries. When restricted to high-income countries, we found underprediction (OE event ratio >1·0) among women (2·39) and Black or African American participants (1·64). Findings were similar for the D:A:D risk score (C statistic 0·71 [0·65-0·77]; OE event ratio 0·89; p=0·68). Improved calibration of the PCE risk score in high-income countries was achieved by multiplying the original score by 2·8 in Black or African American women, 2·6 in women who were not Black or African American, and 1·25 in Black or African American men.

INTERPRETATION

Among the global cohort of people with HIV in REPRIEVE, the PCE risk score underpredicted cardiovascular events in women and Black or African American men in high-income countries and overpredicted cardiovascular events in low-income and middle-income countries. Underprediction in subgroups should be considered when using the PCE risk score to guide statin prescribing for cardiovascular prevention among people with HIV in high-income countries. Additional research is needed to develop risk scores accurate in predicting ASCVD among people with HIV in low-income and middle-income countries.

FUNDING

US National Institutes of Health, Kowa Pharmaceuticals America, Gilead Sciences, and ViiV Healthcare.

Early-onset atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease

Recent trends indicate a concerning increase in early-onset atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) among younger individuals (men aged <55 years women aged <65 years). These findings highlight the pathobiology of ASCVD as a disease process that begins early in life and underscores the need for more tailored screening methods and preventive strategies. Increasing attention has been placed on the growing burden of traditional cardiometabolic risk factors in young individuals while also recognizing unique factors that mediate risk of pre-mature atherosclerosis in this demographic such as substance use, socioeconomic disparities, adverse pregnancy outcomes, and chronic inflammatory states that contribute to the increasing incidence of early ASCVD. Additionally, mounting evidence has pointed out significant disparities in the diagnosis and management of early ASCVD and cardiovascular outcomes based on sex and race. Moving towards a more personalized approach, emerging data and technological developments using diverse tools such as polygenic risk scores and coronary artery calcium scans have shown potential in earlier detection of ASCVD risk. Thus, we review current evidence on causal risk factors that drive the increase in early ASCVD and highlight emerging tools to improve ASCVD risk assessment in young individuals.

No accelerated progression of subclinical atherosclerosis with integrase strand transfer inhibitors compared to non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors

BACKGROUND

The role of integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTI) in the cardiovascular risk of people with HIV is controversial.

OBJECTIVES

To assess the association of INSTI to subclinical atherosclerosis progression measured with the carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT).

METHODS

Prospective study in virologically suppressed people with HIV receiving INSTI- or NNRTI-based regimens. cIMT was measured at baseline, 48 and 96 weeks. cIMT progression was analysed both as a continuous and categorical variable, defined as cIMT increase ≥ 10% and/or new carotid plaque. Adjustments through Cox proportional hazard regression and linear mixed models, and propensity score matching were conducted.

RESULTS

190 participants were recruited and 173 completed the 96 week follow-up. 107 (56.3%) were receiving an INSTI-containing, 128 (67.4%) a NNRTI-containing and 45 (23.7%) a NNRTI plus an INSTI-containing regimen. The overall median (IQR) 2-year change of cIMT was 0.029 (-0.041 to 0.124) mm; 87 (45.8%) participants experienced a cIMT increase ≥ 10%, of whom 54 (28.4%) developed a new carotid plaque. Adjusted Cox regression showed no differences between INSTI and NNRTI groups in the categorical 2-year progression of cIMT, both including or excluding participants receiving INSTI + NNRTI. Similar results were observed for the continuous cIMT increase through adjusted linear mixed models. Propensity score matching showed no significant differences in the 2 year cIMT change between treatment groups [0.049 mm (-0.031-0.103) in the INSTI group versus 0.047 mm (-0.023-0.115) in the NNRTI group; P = 0.647]. cIMT progression was associated with traditional cardiovascular risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS

INSTI-based regimens are not associated with increased progression of subclinical atherosclerosis when compared to NNRTI.

Association of T-Cell Phenotypes With Peri-Coronary Inflammation in People With and Without HIV and Without Cardiovascular Disease

BACKGROUND

Persistent immune activation is linked to elevated cardiovascular diseases in people with HIV on antiretroviral therapy. The fat attenuation index (FAI) is a measure of peri-coronary inflammation that independently predicts cardiovascular disease risk in people without HIV. Whether FAI is associated with immune activation is unknown.

METHODS

Peripheral blood T-cell activation and homing phenotypes were measured in people with HIV (n=58) and people without HIV (n=16) without known cardiovascular disease who underwent coronary computed tomography angiography and had FAI measurements. A cross-sectional analysis of an observational cohort was performed. The primary aim was to evaluate associations of T-cell activation and phenotypes with the outcome variables, FAI values of the right coronary artery and left anterior descending artery, which were assessed using multivariable regression models adjusted for age, natal sex, race, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, body mass index, and use of lipid-lowering medication.

RESULTS

T cells from people with HIV showed greater activation, as measured by cluster of differentiation (CD) 38/human leukocyte antigen - DR isotype coexpression on CD4 central memory and terminally-differentiated effector memory subsets and on CD8 effector memory (TEM), than did cells from people without HIV. Expression of the chemokine receptor C-C Chemokine Receptor 2 was reduced on CD4 central memory and TEM and CD8 TEM and terminally-differentiated effector memory subsets in people with HIV. Among all participants, PD-1 (programmed cell death 1) in CD8 central memory was associated with worsened peri-coronary inflammation of the right coronary artery, whereas perforin/granzyme B on CD8 TEM was associated with improved peri-coronary inflammation of the right coronary artery and left anterior descending artery in adjusted analyses. When accounting for HIV serostatus, CD38/human leukocyte antigen - DR isotype coexpression on CD8 central memory, TEM, and terminally-differentiated effector memory cells was associated with more peri-coronary inflammation of the left anterior descending artery.

CONCLUSIONS

The associations between T-cell activation with FAI are novel and suggest that T-cell activation may be an important driver of peri-coronary inflammation, occurring at an early stage of atherosclerosis, even before the development of clinical disease.

Association of cardiovascular disease risk with liver steatosis and fibrosis in people with HIV in low- and middle-income countries

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to understand the relationship between cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk and liver steatosis and fibrosis among people with HIV (PLWH) at least 40 years of age on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in low and middle-income countries (LMIC).

DESIGN

We used cross-sectional behavioral and clinical data collected during study enrollment visits in 2020-2022 for the Sentinel Research Network of International epidemiology Databases to Evaluate AIDS (SRN of IeDEA).

METHODS

Ten-year CVD risk was calculated using 2019 WHO nonlaboratory and laboratory models. Transient elastography was used to assess liver disease. Presence of steatosis and significant fibrosis were defined by controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) at least 248 dB/m and liver stiffness measurement (LSM) at least 7.1 kPa, respectively. Participants with viral hepatitis, hazardous alcohol consumption, and unsuppressed HIV viral load were excluded from the analysis. Logistic regression was used to estimate odds ratios, adjusting for study site, CD4 +  T cell count, stavudine and didanosine exposure, and in models stratified by sex and geographic region.

RESULTS

There were 1750 participants from nine LMIC. Median CVD risk was 3% for both nonlaboratory and laboratory-based models. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) for steatosis and significant fibrosis associated with laboratory CVD risk (≥10 vs. <5%) were OR = 1.83 [95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.21-2.76; P  = 0.004] and OR = 1.62 (95% CI = 0.85-3.07; P  = 0.14), respectively. Associations of CVD risk with steatosis were stronger in men and among participants at study sites outside Africa.

CONCLUSION

Higher CVD risk was associated with steatosis but not with significant fibrosis in PWH in our LMIC cohort.

Long-Term Clinical Outcomes After Autologous Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in 49 Individuals Living With HIV (PLWH) and Affected by High-Risk or Relapsed Lymphoma: A European Experience of Continued Relevance for PLWH

Previous reports have indicated that during the era of combination antiretroviral therapy, the major causes of morbidity and mortality in people living with HIV (PLWH) were not solely linked to HIV-related opportunistic infections but also to cancers that were difficult to manage due to HIV-related immunodeficiency. We investigated whether PLWH who underwent autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (ASCT) for lymphomas experienced significant morbidity over the past thirty years following HIV infection. We conducted a retrospective follow-up study of 49 PLWH over a 10-year period following ASCT. We collected survival data, examined the occurrence of long-term events, assessed CD4 + T-cell immune recovery, and analysed the correlation between immune recovery and the events experienced by these patients. The data confirmed the significant long-term effectiveness of ASCT, with an overall survival rate of 78% at 10 years post-ASCT. Opportunistic infections, which occurred soon after ASCT and were associated with lower CD4 + T-cell counts, were successfully managed. However, lymphoma relapse, secondary malignancies, cardiovascular disease, and bone disease, which developed years after ASCT, were major causes of morbidity and mortality in this population. Our findings highlight the need for the development and validation of specific tests to predict risk and guide effective interventions for metabolic diseases, secondary malignancies, and lymphoma relapses in PLWH treated with ASCT for lymphoma.

Interferon Upregulation Associates with Insulin Resistance in Humans

In humans, insulin resistance is a physiological response to infections developed to supply sufficient energy to the activated immune system. This metabolic adaptation facilitates the immune response but usually persists after the recovery period of the infection and predisposes the hosts to type 2 diabetes and vascular injury. In patients with diabetes, superimposed insulin resistance worsens metabolic control and promotes diabetic ketoacidosis. Pathogenic mechanisms underlying insulin resistance during microbial invasions remain to be fully defined. However, interferons cause insulin resistance in healthy subjects and other population groups, and their production is increased during infections, suggesting that this group of molecules may contribute to reduced insulin sensitivity. In agreement with this notion, gene expression profiles (transcriptomes) from patients with insulin resistance show a robust overexpression of interferon- stimulated genes (interferon signature). In addition, serum levels of interferon and surrogates for interferon activity are elevated in patients with insulin resistance. Circulating levels of interferon- γ-inducible protein-10, neopterin, and apolipoprotein L1 correlate with insulin resistance manifestations, such as hypertriglyceridemia, reduced HDL-c, visceral fat, and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance. Furthermore, interferon downregulation improves insulin resistance. Antimalarials such as hydroxychloroquine reduce interferon production and improve insulin resistance, reducing the risk for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. In addition, diverse clinical conditions that feature interferon upregulation are associated with insulin resistance, suggesting that interferon may be a common factor promoting this adaptive response. Among these conditions are systemic lupus erythematosus, sarcoidosis, and infections with severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2, human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis C virus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis.