Exposure of HIV-infected cells to phospholipid leads to membrane alterations and selective growth retardation

HIV and the cortisol connection: a feasible concept of the process of AIDS

Recent evidence suggests that HIV infection and the clinical and laboratory manifestations of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) are a result of the genetic influence of the virus on cellular adrenocorticotrophic hormone (ACTH) and cortisol metabolism. Recent genetic studies substantiate this view with the observation that the HIV-1 genome is linked to glucocorticoid inducibility and to glucocorticoid receptor binding, and may explain the strong ability of cortisol to enhance HIV replication. Adrenocortical hyperactivity observed in HIV-infected individuals has been found to be independent of the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, and is apparently a result of increased ACTH production by HIV. It is proposed that the HIV-induced cortisol excess is the foundation of the immunosuppression seen in AIDS, and is the basis for alternative avenues of treatment, including the use of ascorbic acid.

Interaction of phospholipids with proteins and peptides. New advances IV

1. The review deals with the newest achievements in the field of the various interactions between phospholipids and proteins and peptides. 2. Interactions are classified according to the hydrophobic, hydrophilic or mixed character of the interactive forces. 3. The effect of the interaction on the structure and biological activity of the interacting molecular assemblies is also discussed.

Bryodin, a single-chain ribosome-inactivating protein, selectively inhibits the growth of HIV-1-infected cells and reduces HIV-1 production

Bryodin, a single-chain ribosome-inactivating protein (RIP) isolated from Bryonia cretica ssp dioica (cucurbitaceae), was found to selectively inhibit the growth of persistently HIV-1-infected T lymphoma cells (KE37/1) and human lung fibroblast when used in concentrations from 2-20 micrograms/ml. Uninfected KE37/1 cells remained unaffected at the same doses of bryodin. In addition, bryodin reduced HIV production in the surviving infected cells. Two isoforms of bryodin were purified by dye ligand chromatography. Both isoforms exerted the growth-inhibiting influence and reduced HIV production. Trichosanthin, another member of the RIP family, had similar inhibitory effects on the growth of HIV-1 infected cells and on HIV-1 production. Bryodin and trichosanthin were effective in about the same dose range. No selective effects for HIV-infected cells were observed with the RIPs gelonin and ricin.