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Udah DC, Bakarey AS, Anetor GO, Omabe M, Edem VF, Ademowo OG, Anetor JI. Increased cancer risk in HIV-infected individuals occupationally exposed to chemicals: Depression of p53 as the key driver. PLOS GLOBAL PUBLIC HEALTH 2024; 4:e0002841. [PMID: 39042631 PMCID: PMC11265661 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgph.0002841] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/25/2024]
Abstract
The growing exposure to occupational chemicals and the spread of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection are major global health issues. However, there is little data on the carcinogenic risk profile of HIV-infected individuals who have been occupationally exposed to chemical mixtures. This study therefore investigated the levels of cancer risk biomarkers in HIV-infected individuals exposed to occupational chemicals, exploring the relationship between apoptotic regulatory and oxidative response markers as a measure of cancer risk. Study participants (mean age 38.35±0.72 years) were divided into four groups according to their HIV status and occupational chemical exposure: 62 HIV-positive exposed (HPE), 66 HIV-positive unexposed (HPU), 60 HIV-negative exposed (HNE), and 60 HIV-negative unexposed (HNU). Serum p53, β-cell lymphoma-2 (bcl2), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured using standard methods. Clusters of differentiation 4 (CD4+) T-lymphocytes were enumerated using flow cytometry. Serum p53 and bcl2 levels in HPE (0.91±0.11ng/ml and 122.37±15.77ng/ml) were significantly lower than HNU (1.49±0.15ng/ml and 225.52±33.67ng/ml) (p < 0.05), respectively. Wildtype p53 and bcl2 were positively and significantly correlated with 8-OHdG (r = 0.35, p<0.001; r = 0.36, p<0.001) and SOD (r = 0.38, p<0.001; r = 0.39, p<0.001). After controlling for gender, age, BMI, and cigarette smoking, both HIV status and SOD activity were significantly associated with wildtype p53 and bcl2 (p < 0.05). Malondialdehyde was significantly higher in the HPE (0.72 ± 0.01 mg/ml) than in the HNE (0.68 ± 0.01 mg/ml) and HNU (0.67 ± 0.01 mg/ml) groups (p < 0.05). The HPE group showed significantly lower CD4 counts than the HNE and HNU groups. Individuals who are HIV-infected and occupationally exposed to chemicals have a constellation of depressed immunity, elevated oxidative stress, and loss of tumour suppressive functions, which together intensify cancer risk, providing valuable scientific and public health bases for preventive measures in this vulnerable population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald C. Udah
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Laboratory for Toxicology and Micronutrient Metabolism, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- JSI Research & Training Institute Inc. (JSI), Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Adeleye S. Bakarey
- Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Gloria O. Anetor
- Department of Public Health Science, Faculty of Health Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Abuja, Nigeria
| | - Maxwell Omabe
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Biomedical Science, Faculty of Health Science, Ebonyi State University, Nigeria
| | - Victory F. Edem
- Department of Immunology, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - Olusegun G. Ademowo
- Institute for Advanced Medical Research and Training, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
| | - John I. Anetor
- Department of Chemical Pathology, Laboratory for Toxicology and Micronutrient Metabolism, College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
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Alpire MES, de Souza DV, Masutti CMDCB, Caseiro MM, Ribeiro DA. Cytogenetic changes in oral mucosa cells from individuals submitted to oral human immunodeficiency virus pre-exposure prophylaxis use. REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2023; 69:e20230961. [PMID: 37971137 PMCID: PMC10645041 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20230961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate cytogenetic changes in individuals submitted to oral human immunodeficiency virus pre-exposure prophylaxis use through the micronucleus test in oral mucosa. METHODS This study consisted of 37 individuals, of whom 17 comprised the pre-exposure prophylaxis group and 20 comprised the control group. A total of 2,000 cells per slide were analyzed for the determination of micronuclei, binucleation, nuclear buds, and cytotoxicity parameters: pyknosis, karyolysis, and karyorrhexis (KR), in a double-blind manner. The repair index was also evaluated in this setting. RESULTS In the mutagenicity parameters, the pre-exposure prophylaxis group showed increased frequencies of micronuclei (p=0.0001), binucleation (p=0.001), and nuclear buds (p=0.07). Regarding the cytotoxicity parameters, there was an increase with a statistical difference (p≤0.05) in the karyorrhexis frequency (p=0.001). Additionally, the repair system efficiency decreased in the pre-exposure prophylaxis group. CONCLUSION These results indicate that individuals undergoing pre-exposure prophylaxis use have geno- and cytotoxicity in oral mucosal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Esther Suarez Alpire
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Instituto de Saúde e Sociedade, Departamento de Biociências – Santos (SP), Brazil
| | - Daniel Vitor de Souza
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Instituto de Saúde e Sociedade, Departamento de Biociências – Santos (SP), Brazil
| | | | | | - Daniel Araki Ribeiro
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Instituto de Saúde e Sociedade, Departamento de Biociências – Santos (SP), Brazil
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Alpire MES, de Souza DV, Masutti CMDCB, Caseiro MM, Ribeiro DA. Cytogenetic changes in oral mucosal cells of human immunodeficiency virus-infected children and adolescents undergoing antiretroviral treatment. REVISTA DA ASSOCIACAO MEDICA BRASILEIRA (1992) 2023; 69:e20230397. [PMID: 37729225 PMCID: PMC10511285 DOI: 10.1590/1806-9282.20230397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to evaluate possible cytogenetic changes in children and adolescents with human immunodeficiency virus on antiretroviral therapy, through the micronucleus test in oral mucosa. METHODS This was a prospective study consisted of 40 individuals, of whom 21 comprised the human immunodeficiency virus group and 19 comprised the control group. Children and adolescents with human immunodeficiency virus were enrolled. The inclusion criteria were <18 years old and consent in participating in the study. The exclusion criteria were the presence of numerous systemic comorbidities, oral lesions, the habit of smoking, alcohol consumption, and X-rays or CT scans taken within 15 days prior to sample collection. A gentle scraping was performed on the inner portion of the jugal mucosa on both sides. A total of 2,000 cells per slide were analyzed for the determination of mutagenicity parameters as follows: micronuclei, binucleation, and nuclear buds. For measuring cytotoxicity, the following metanuclear changes were evaluated: pyknosis, karyolysis, and karyorrhexis, in a double-blind manner. The repair index was also evaluated in this setting. RESULTS The human immunodeficiency virus group showed high frequencies of micronuclei (p=0.05), binucleated cells (p=0.001), and nuclear buds (p=0.03). In the cytotoxicity parameters, represented by the cell death phases, there was an increase with statistical difference (p≤0.05) in the karyorrhexis frequency (p=0.05). Additionally, repair index was decreased in the human immunodeficiency virus group. CONCLUSION These results indicate that human immunodeficiency virus -infected individuals undergoing antiretroviral therapy have cytogenetic changes in oral mucosal cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Esther Suarez Alpire
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Institute of Health and Society, Department of Biosciences – Santos (SP), Brazil
| | - Daniel Vitor de Souza
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Institute of Health and Society, Department of Biosciences – Santos (SP), Brazil
| | | | | | - Daniel Araki Ribeiro
- Universidade Federal de São Paulo, Institute of Health and Society, Department of Biosciences – Santos (SP), Brazil
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Premeaux TA, Ndhlovu LC. Decrypting biological hallmarks of aging in people with HIV. Curr Opin HIV AIDS 2023:01222929-990000000-00054. [PMID: 37421383 DOI: 10.1097/coh.0000000000000810] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW HIV infection adds further complexity to the heterogenous process of aging. In this focused review, we examine and discuss recent advances to better elucidate mechanisms of biological aging perturbed and accelerated in the context of HIV, particularly among those with viral suppression through the benefits of antiretroviral therapy (ART). New hypotheses from these studies are poised to provide an improved understanding of multifaceted pathways that converge and likely form the basis for effective interventions toward successful aging. RECENT FINDINGS Evidence to date suggests multiple mechanisms of biological aging impact people living with HIV (PLWH). Recent literature delves and expands on how epigenetic alterations, telomere attrition, mitochondrial perturbations, and intercellular communications may underpin accelerated or accentuated aging phenotypes and the disproportionate prevalence of age-related complications among PLWH. Although most hallmarks of aging are likely exacerbated in the setting of HIV, ongoing research efforts are providing new insight on the collective impact these conserved pathways may have in the aging disease processes. SUMMARY New knowledge on underlying molecular disease mechanisms impacting people aging with HIV are reviewed. Also examined are studies that may facilitate the development and implementation of effective therapeutics and guidance on improving geriatric HIV clinical care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas A Premeaux
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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Baluku JB, Namiiro S, Namanda B, Katusabe S, Namusoke D, Nkonge R, Okecha T, Nassaazi C, Niyonzima N, Bogere N, Nuwagira E, Nabwana M, Ssekamatte P, Andia-Biraro I, Worodria W, Salata R, Mfinanga S, Gerson S, Kirenga B. Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection and cytogenetic abnormalities among people with HIV. MUTATION RESEARCH. GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2023; 888:503640. [PMID: 37188437 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2023.503640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To compare cytogenetic abnormalities among people living with HIV (PLWH) with and without previous exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) (both latent tuberculosis infection [LTBI] and active tuberculosis [TB]). METHODS Adult PLWH (≥18 years) were randomly selected at three HIV clinics in Uganda. Previous active TB was confirmed in the clinics' TB records. LTBI was defined as a positive QuantiFERON-TB Gold Plus assay. Participants' buccal mucosal exfoliated cells were examined (per 2000 cells) using the buccal micronucleus assay for chromosomal aberrations (micronuclei and/or nuclear buds), cytokinetic defects (binucleated cells), proliferative potential (normal differentiated cells and basal cell frequency) and/or cell death (condensed chromatin, karyorrhexis, pyknotic and karyolytic cells). RESULTS Among 97 PLWH, 42 (43.3%) had exposure to Mtb;16 had previous successfully treated active TB and 26 had LTBI. PLWH with exposure to Mtb had a higher median number of normal differentiated cells (1806.5 [1757.0 - 1842.0] vs. 1784.0 [1732.0 - 1843.0], p = 0.031) and fewer karyorrhectic cells (12.0 [9.0 - 29.0] vs. 18.0 [11.0 - 30.0], p = 0.048) than those without. PLWH with LTBI had fewer karyorrhectic cells than those without (11.5 [8.0 - 29.0] vs. 18.0 [11 - 30], p = 0.006). CONCLUSION We hypothesized that previous exposure to Mtb is associated with cytogenetic damage among PLWH. We found that exposure to Mtb is associated with more normal differentiated cells and less frequent karyorrhexis (a feature of apoptosis). It is unclear whether this increases the propensity for tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph Baruch Baluku
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda; Division of pulmonology, Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda.
| | - Sharon Namiiro
- Department of internal Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Brenda Namanda
- Division of pulmonology, Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Shamim Katusabe
- Division of pulmonology, Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | - Reagan Nkonge
- Division of pulmonology, Kiruddu National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda
| | | | | | | | | | - Edwin Nuwagira
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Uganda
| | - Martin Nabwana
- Makerere University-Johns Hopkins University Research Collaboration, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Phillip Ssekamatte
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Irene Andia-Biraro
- Department of internal Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - William Worodria
- Makerere University Lung Institute, Kampala, Uganda; Department of internal Medicine, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Robert Salata
- Department of Medicine, UH Cleveland Medical Center, USA
| | - Sayoki Mfinanga
- National Institute for Medical Research, Muhimbili Center, Tanzania
| | - Stanton Gerson
- School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, USA
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Ellwanger JH, Kulmann-Leal B, Ziliotto M, Chies JAB. HIV Infection, Chromosome Instability, and Micronucleus Formation. Viruses 2023; 15:155. [PMID: 36680195 PMCID: PMC9867034 DOI: 10.3390/v15010155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Genome integrity is critical for proper cell functioning, and chromosome instability can lead to age-related diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Chromosome instability is caused by multiple factors, including replication stress, chromosome missegregation, exposure to pollutants, and viral infections. Although many studies have investigated the effects of environmental or lifestyle genotoxins on chromosomal integrity, information on the effects of viral infections on micronucleus formation and other chromosomal aberrations is still limited. Currently, HIV infection is considered a chronic disease treatable by antiretroviral therapy (ART). However, HIV-infected individuals still face important health problems, such as chronic inflammation and age-related diseases. In this context, this article reviews studies that have evaluated genomic instability using micronucleus assays in the context of HIV infection. In brief, HIV can induce chromosome instability directly through the interaction of HIV proteins with host DNA and indirectly through chronic inflammation or as a result of ART use. Connections between HIV infection, immunosenescence and age-related disease are discussed in this article. The monitoring of HIV-infected individuals should consider the increased risk of chromosome instability, and lifestyle interventions, such as reduced exposure to genotoxins and an antioxidant-rich diet, should be considered. Therapies to reduce chronic inflammation in HIV infection are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Henrique Ellwanger
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology (PPGBM), Laboratory of Immunobiology and Immunogenetics, Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
| | | | | | - José Artur Bogo Chies
- Postgraduate Program in Genetics and Molecular Biology (PPGBM), Laboratory of Immunobiology and Immunogenetics, Department of Genetics, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre 91501-970, Brazil
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Desquiret-Dumas V, D’Ottavi M, Monnin A, Goudenège D, Méda N, Vizeneux A, Kankasa C, Tylleskar T, Bris C, Procaccio V, Nagot N, Van de Perre P, Reynier P, Molès JP. Long-Term Persistence of Mitochondrial DNA Instability in HIV-Exposed Uninfected Children during and after Exposure to Antiretroviral Drugs and HIV. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10081786. [PMID: 35892686 PMCID: PMC9331317 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10081786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children show impaired health outcomes during childhood. A high rate of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) instability was reported in the blood of HEU at birth. We aimed to explore the relationship between these health outcomes and mtDNA deletions over time in a case series of 24 HEU children. MtDNA instability was assessed by deep sequencing and analyzed by eKLIPse-v2 algorithm at three time points, namely birth, 1 year, and 6 years of age. Association between mtDNA deletion and health outcomes, including growth, clinical, and neurodevelopmental parameters, were explored using univariate statistical analyses and after stratification with relevant variables. HEU children were selected with an equal male:female ratio. An elevated number of mtDNA deletions and duplications events was observed at 7 days’ post-partum. Median heteroplasmy increased at one year of life and then returned to baseline by six years of age. The mtDNA instability was acquired and was not transmitted by the mother. No risk factors were significantly associated with mtDNA instability. In this small case series, we did not detect any association between any health outcome at 6 years and mtDNA instability measures. A significant effect modification of the association between the duration of maternal prophylaxis and child growth was observed after stratification with heteroplasmy rate. Genomic instability persists over time among HEU children but, despite its extension, stays subclinical at six years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valérie Desquiret-Dumas
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University Hospital of Angers, F-49000 Angers, France; (V.D.-D.); (D.G.); (C.B.); (V.P.); (P.R.)
- UMR MITOVASC, CNRS 6015, INSERM U1083, University of Angers, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Morgana D’Ottavi
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Montpellier, University of Antilles, F-34394 Montpellier, France; (M.D.); (A.M.); (A.V.); (N.N.); (P.V.d.P.)
| | - Audrey Monnin
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Montpellier, University of Antilles, F-34394 Montpellier, France; (M.D.); (A.M.); (A.V.); (N.N.); (P.V.d.P.)
| | - David Goudenège
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University Hospital of Angers, F-49000 Angers, France; (V.D.-D.); (D.G.); (C.B.); (V.P.); (P.R.)
- UMR MITOVASC, CNRS 6015, INSERM U1083, University of Angers, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Nicolas Méda
- Centre MURAZ, Bobo-Dioulasso 01 B.P. 390, Burkina Faso;
| | - Amélie Vizeneux
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Montpellier, University of Antilles, F-34394 Montpellier, France; (M.D.); (A.M.); (A.V.); (N.N.); (P.V.d.P.)
| | - Chipepo Kankasa
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University Teaching Hospital, Lusaka P.O. Box 50001, Zambia;
| | - Thorkild Tylleskar
- Centre for International Health, University of Bergen, N-5020 Bergen, Norway;
| | - Céline Bris
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University Hospital of Angers, F-49000 Angers, France; (V.D.-D.); (D.G.); (C.B.); (V.P.); (P.R.)
- UMR MITOVASC, CNRS 6015, INSERM U1083, University of Angers, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Vincent Procaccio
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University Hospital of Angers, F-49000 Angers, France; (V.D.-D.); (D.G.); (C.B.); (V.P.); (P.R.)
- UMR MITOVASC, CNRS 6015, INSERM U1083, University of Angers, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Nicolas Nagot
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Montpellier, University of Antilles, F-34394 Montpellier, France; (M.D.); (A.M.); (A.V.); (N.N.); (P.V.d.P.)
| | - Philippe Van de Perre
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Montpellier, University of Antilles, F-34394 Montpellier, France; (M.D.); (A.M.); (A.V.); (N.N.); (P.V.d.P.)
| | - Pascal Reynier
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University Hospital of Angers, F-49000 Angers, France; (V.D.-D.); (D.G.); (C.B.); (V.P.); (P.R.)
- UMR MITOVASC, CNRS 6015, INSERM U1083, University of Angers, F-49000 Angers, France
| | - Jean-Pierre Molès
- Pathogenesis and Control of Chronic and Emerging Infections, INSERM, Etablissement Français du Sang, University of Montpellier, University of Antilles, F-34394 Montpellier, France; (M.D.); (A.M.); (A.V.); (N.N.); (P.V.d.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-434-35-91-07
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Analytical Assessment of the Vela Diagnostics NGS Assay for HIV Genotyping and Resistance Testing: The Apulian Experience. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23052727. [PMID: 35269868 PMCID: PMC8911269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23052727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Drug-resistance monitoring is one of the hardest challenges in HIV management. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies speed up the detection of drug resistance, allowing the adjustment of antiretroviral therapy and enhancing the quality of life of people living with HIV. Recently, the NGS Sentosa® SQ HIV Genotyping Assay (Vela Diagnostics) received approval for in vitro diagnostics use. This work is the first Italian evaluation of the performance of the Vela Diagnostics NGS platform, assessed with 420 HIV-1 clinical samples. A comparison with Sanger sequencing performance is also reported, highlighting the advantages and disadvantages of the Sentosa® NGS assay. The precision of the technology was studied with reference specimens, while intra- and inter-assay reproducibility were evaluated for selected clinical samples. Vela Diagnostics’ NGS assay reached an 87% success rate through 30 runs of analysis in a real-world clinical context. The concordance with Sanger sequencing outcomes was equal to 97.2%. Several detected mismatches were due to NGS’s superior sensitivity to low-frequency variants. A high accuracy was observed in testing reference samples. Repeatability and reproducibility assays highlighted the good performance of the NGS platform. Beyond a few technical issues that call for further optimization, the key improvement will be a better balance between costs and processing speed. Once these issues have been solved, the Sentosa® SQ HIV Genotyping Assay will be the way forward for HIV resistance testing.
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