The pathophysiology of HIV-/HAART-related metabolic syndrome leading to cardiovascular disorders: the emerging role of adipokines

Involvement of Human Cellular Proteins and Structures in Realization of the HIV Life Cycle: A Comprehensive Review, 2024

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) continues to be a global health challenge, with over 38 million people infected by the end of 2022. HIV-1, the predominant strain, primarily targets and depletes CD4+ T cells, leading to immunodeficiency and subsequent vulnerability to opportunistic infections. Despite the progress made in antiretroviral therapy (ART), drug resistance and treatment-related toxicity necessitate novel therapeutic strategies. This review delves into the intricate interplay between HIV-1 and host cellular proteins throughout the viral life cycle, highlighting key host factors that facilitate viral entry, replication, integration, and immune evasion. A focus is placed on actual findings regarding the preintegration complex, nuclear import, and the role of cellular cofactors such as FEZ1, BICD2, and NPC components in viral transport and genome integration. Additionally, the mechanisms of immune evasion via HIV-1 proteins Nef and Vpu, and their interaction with host MHC molecules and interferon signaling pathways, are explored. By examining these host-virus interactions, this review underscores the importance of host-targeted therapies in complementing ART, with a particular emphasis on the potential of genetic research and host protein stability in developing innovative treatments for HIV/AIDS.

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

BACKGROUND

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSION

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

Metabolic syndrome among people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy in Mwanza, Tanzania

BACKGROUND

HIV and antiretroviral drugs, particularly protease inhibitors and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, may increase the risk of Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) among people living with HIV (PLHIV). However, following the introduction of better drugs like dolutegravir, data on the burden of MetS are limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of MetS and associated factors among PLHIV on antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Tanzania.

METHODS

This was a cross-sectional study among PLHIV aged ≥ 18 years on antiretroviral therapy for ≥ 1 year at Bugando Medical Centre in Mwanza conducted in 2020. Demographic and healthy-lifestyle-related non-communicable disease risk factors data were collected. Additionally, data on lipid profile, blood glucose, blood pressure, and waist circumference were collected for analysis of MetS according to the International Diabetes Federation criteria. Factors associated with MetS were assessed using logistic regression. A P ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Data for 223 participants were analyzed. The mean (SD) age was 44 (± 12) years and 79.8% (178) were females. A majority 78% (174) were on a tenofovir, lamivudine,and dolutegravir regimen. About 12.1% (27) were either current or past smokers, 45.3% (101) were past alcohol drinkers, 22.9% (51) were current drinkers, 12.1% (27) reported taking ≥ 5 servings of vegetables and fruits per day and 5.8% (13) were physically inactive. The prevalence of MetS was 22.9%. The only factors that were associated with Mets were fat mass index and adequate intake of vegetables and fruits, (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.9, 95% CI 1.0, 7.9, P = 0.04) and (aOR1.2, 95% CI 1.0, 1.3, P = 0.02), respectively).

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of MetS remains high among PLHIV. Adiposity and adequate fruit and vegetable intake increased the risk. The introduction of new ART regimens shows no effect on MetS prevalence. Research is needed to understand how lifestyle changes could reduce MetS in PLHIV.

Serum adiponectin-levels are predictive of probable posttraumatic stress disorder in women

Background

Accumulative evidence indicates a role for adiponectin, a polypeptide secreted by adipose tissue, in the pathophysiology of posttraumatic disorder (PTSD) via metabolic and inflammatory pathways. This study examined adiponectin as a potential predictive biomarker for PTSD among female rape survivors.

Methods

We evaluated the relationship of baseline serum adiponectin levels to the development of probable PTSD at 3- and 6-months post rape-exposure and compared adiponectin levels between 542 rape-exposed (RE) and 593 rape-unexposed women (RUE). Probable PTSD were defined as Davidson Trauma Scale score ≥40. Data were analysed using multivariate regression models and a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model. We adjusted for clinically relevant covariates associated with PTSD, as well as adiposity indices.

Results

Participants who were in the mid-and high adiponectin tertile groups versus the lowest tertile group had a significantly reduced risk of probable PTSD among at 6 months follow-up, independent of adiposity(aOR = 0.45[0.22–1.05], p = 0.035; aOR = 0.44[0.22–0.90], p = 0.024). However, there was no effect of group (RE vs. RUE).

Limitations

Adiponectin assays were conducted on non-fasting blood samples and information on chronic medication, dietary factors and levels of physical activity were not collected. There was a high attrition rate among rape exposed participants.

Conclusions

Our results show that higher serum adiponectin levels are associated with reduced risk of probable PTSD over a 6-month period. This finding supports the hypothesis that serum adiponectin is a potential risk biomarker for PTSD.

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The prospective associations between adiponectin, an anti-inflammatory cytokine and development of PTSD was examined in a cohort of rape exposed women.

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Serum adiponectin levels were inversely associated with probable PTSD at 6 month among control but not rape exposed women.

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Results suggest that adiponectin may serve as a potential risk biomarker of PTSD.

The Potential of Spirulina platensis to Ameliorate the Adverse Effects of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART)

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is one of the most prevalent diseases globally. It is estimated that 37.7 million people are infected with HIV globally, and 8.2 million persons are infected with the virus in South Africa. The highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) involves combining various types of antiretroviral drugs that are dependent on the infected person’s viral load. HAART helps regulate the viral load and prevents its associated symptoms from progressing into acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Despite its success in prolonging HIV-infected patients’ lifespans, the use of HAART promotes metabolic syndrome (MetS) through an inflammatory pathway, excess production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and mitochondrial dysfunction. Interestingly, Spirulina platensis (SP), a blue-green microalgae commonly used as a traditional food by Mexican and African people, has been demonstrated to mitigate MetS by regulating oxidative and inflammatory pathways. SP is also a potent antioxidant that has been shown to exhibit immunological, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, antidiabetic, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. This review is aimed at highlighting the biochemical mechanism of SP with a focus on studies linking SP to the inhibition of HIV, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Further, we propose SP as a potential supplement for HIV-infected persons on lifelong HAART.

Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in HIV/HBV Patients - a Metabolic Imbalance Aggravated by Antiretroviral Therapy and Perpetuated by the Hepatokine/Adipokine Axis Breakdown

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is strongly associated with the metabolic syndrome and is one of the most prevalent comorbidities in HIV and HBV infected patients. HIV plays an early and direct role in the development of metabolic syndrome by disrupting the mechanism of adipogenesis and synthesis of adipokines. Adipokines, molecules that regulate the lipid metabolism, also contribute to the progression of NAFLD either directly or via hepatic organokines (hepatokines). Most hepatokines play a direct role in lipid homeostasis and liver inflammation but their role in the evolution of NAFLD is not well defined. The role of HBV in the pathogenesis of NAFLD is controversial. HBV has been previously associated with a decreased level of triglycerides and with a protective role against the development of steatosis and metabolic syndrome. At the same time HBV displays a high fibrogenetic and oncogenetic potential. In the HIV/HBV co-infection, the metabolic changes are initiated by mitochondrial dysfunction as well as by the fatty overload of the liver, two interconnected mechanisms. The evolution of NAFLD is further perpetuated by the inflammatory response to these viral agents and by the variable toxicity of the antiretroviral therapy. The current article discusses the pathogenic changes and the contribution of the hepatokine/adipokine axis in the development of NAFLD as well as the implications of HIV and HBV infection in the breakdown of the hepatokine/adipokine axis and NAFLD progression.

Khan M, Sarwar Z, Noreen S, Aftab T, M. Azeem G, Bin Abdul Malik MH, Kanwal R, Sadiqa A. Standard of Living of HIV Positive Individuals Visiting HIV Clinic Services Hospital, Lahore

HIV is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus and leads to immunosuppression, thus making an individual easily susceptible to infections.This research was conducted in the HIV Clinic at Services Hospital Lahore to assess the living standards of HIV-positive patients visiting HIV Clinic. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to assess the standard of life in HIV-positive patients visiting the HIV Clinic of Services Hospital Lahore.Methods: It was a case-series study, conducted in the HIV clinic at Services Hospital Lahore. Data was collected from patients suffering from HIV-AIDS with the help of structured questionnaires. SPSS 23 software was used to enter, compile, and analyze the data.Results: Result of this study showed that 50% of patients visiting HIV clinic Services Hospital Lahore are in the age group of 31-45 years. Male and married patients are predominant. The questionnaire had 35 questions which are transformed into 11 dimensions. Cronbach's α co-efficient were calculated for all multi-item scales and four out of eight scale.Cronbach's α for perceived health is 0.72, physical functioning is 0.79, health distress is 0.78, and cognitive function is 0.70. The total mean summary scores were also calculated. The dimensions affecting physical and mental health were added together under the summary score of physical and mental health. The added mean summary score ± SD for mental health is 55.4±11.8 and for physical health is 41.5±11.3.Conclusions: The data indicates that patients with HIV/AIDS have an overall high standard of living. The stigma is that the patients consider themselves a bit exclusive, as AIDS is considered taboo in the Pakistani Muslim community. The research shows that patients with AIDS have excellent mental health, but their physical health is a bit worse depending on the burden of disease (virus). Thus, a conclusion can be made that HIV affects a person's physical health more than their mental health.

Co-administration of HAART and antikoch triggers cardiometabolic dysfunction through an oxidative stress-mediated pathway

Background

Antikoch and highly active anti-retroviral therapy are effective drugs in the management of tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus, respectively. However, these cocktails have been independently associated with the aetiopathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. This study investigated whether or not the co-administration of antikoch and anti-retroviral, as seen in tuberculosis/Human Immunodeficiency Virus co-infection, will produce a similar effect. Also, it evaluated the role of glutathione and adenine deaminase/xanthine oxidase/uric acid signaling in antikoch/anti-retroviral-induced cardiometabolic dysfunction.

Methods

Male rats of Wistar strain were randomized into four groups: the control, which had 0.5 mL of distilled water as a vehicle, anti-Koch-treated rats that were administered a cocktail of anti-Koch, HAART-treated rats that had a combination of anti-retroviral drugs, and anti-Koch + HAART-treated rats that had treatments as anti-Koch-treated and HAART-treated rats. The treatment was once daily and lasted for eight weeks. One way-analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s posthoc test was used to test for significance and pairwise comparisons respectively.

Results

Although no changes in body weight gain and cardiac weight were noted, it was found that antikoch and/or HAART caused insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose level. In addition, antikoch and/or HAART led to dyslipidaemia, increased atherogenic indices, and elevated cardiac injury markers. These were accompanied by increased plasma and cardiac concentrations of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, C-reactive protein, and myeloperoxidase activity, as well as suppressed activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase, and a fall in reduced glutathione level. The observed alterations were more pronounced in animals that received a combination of antikoch and HAART.

Conclusions

This study provides the first evidence that antikoch and/or HAART induce cardiometabolic dysfunction via glutathione suppression and up-regulation of adenine deaminase/xanthine oxidase/uric acid-dependent oxidative stress and inflammatory response. These events were associated with dyslipidaemia and increased atherogenic indices. This infers that regular monitoring of glucose level, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and oxido-inflammatory markers is important in patients on antikoch and/or HAART for prompt diagnosis and management of cardiometabolic disorder if it ensues.

Predictors of Metabolic Syndrome Among People Living with HIV in Gedeo-Zone, Southern-Ethiopia: A Case-Control Study

Background

Intensive access to antiretroviral therapy improved the prognosis of HIV. As a result, a non-communicable disease risk marker known as metabolic syndrome (MS) has emerged. It is a public health issue in sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. However, there is little literature on predictors of MS among people living with HIV (PLHIVs) in the study area context.

Purpose

To identify predictors of metabolic syndrome among PLHIVs, Gedeo Zone, Southern-Ethiopia.

Methods

Health institutions-based unmatched case–control study was conducted. All HIV-infected adult persons who are receiving routine care in the randomly selected two hospitals and two health centers of the Gedeo zone, southern Ethiopia were involved in the study, conducted from December 29^th, 2017, to January 22^nd, 2019. PLHIVs diagnosed with MS using ATP III criteria were considered as a case, and subjects free of MS in the survey were enrolled as controls. Binary logistic regression was employed to identify predictors of MS.

Results

A total of 633 (139 cases and 494 controls) PLHIVs were included in the study. The multivariable analysis result found that age (AOR=1.09, 95% CI (1.05–1.12)); educational status being completed secondary school (AOR=0.22, 95% CI (0.02–0.42)); occupational status being of students (AOR=0.11, 95% CI (0.24–0.51)); wealth index being in the middle quintile (AOR=0.22, 95% CI (0.06–0.79)); ART status exposed to ART (AOR=3.07, 95% CI (1.37–6.89)); total physical activity state being physically active (AOR=0.36, 95% CI (0.16–0.79)), and engaged in low levels physical activity (AOR=3.83, 95% CI (1.46–10.05)) were the factors significantly associated with MS.

Conclusion

While education, occupation, wealth index, antiretroviral therapy status, total physical activity, and lower physical activity levels were concluded by the study as modifiable predictors of metabolic syndrome, age was found as a non-modifiable independent risk of metabolic syndrome. There is a need for an ongoing effort to realize an integrated care plan that addresses both the routine care and regular screening programs to reduce the risks associated with MS and its traits in these subjects.

FGF21 and its Relationship with Inflammatory and Metabolic Parameters in HIV Patients after Antiretroviral Treatment

BACKGROUND

Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) serum levels are associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in HIV patients.

OBJECTIVE

To quantify FGF21 levels in HIV patients using antiretroviral therapy (ART) and to analyze a possible association between serum FGF21 levels and lipid profile, levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and atherogenic risk factors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty patients with HIV infection, who received ART in a scheme consisting of Tenofovir/Emtricitabine+Lopinavir/Ritonavir, were enrolled in this study. The serum levels of FGF21, inflammatory parameters (IL-6 and IL-1β), glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and insulin were determined at baseline and after 36 weeks of treatment. The homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the atherogenic risk factor were also calculated.

RESULTS

After 36 weeks, serum FGF21 levels decreased significantly (p=0.011), whereas IL-6 levels (r=0.821, p=0.0001) and the CD4+ T cell count (r=0.446, p=0.048), showed a positive correlation with the decrease in FGF21 levels. There was an increase in total cholesterol (r=-0.483, p=0.031), LDL (r=-0.496, p=0.026), VLDL (r=-0.320, p=0.045), and the atherogenic index factor (r=-0.539, p=0.014), these values showed a negative correlation with FGF21 levels.

CONCLUSION

The decrease of serum FGF21 levels due to ART is associated with the alteration in lipid profile and an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. These variations are predictors of inflammatory status in HIV patients using antiretroviral therapy.

Plasma proteomics reveals markers of metabolic stress in HIV infected children with severe acute malnutrition

HIV infection affects up to 30% of children presenting with severe acute malnutrition (SAM) in Africa and is associated with increased mortality. Children with SAM are treated similarly regardless of HIV status, although mechanisms of nutritional recovery in HIV and/or SAM are not well understood. We performed a secondary analysis of a clinical trial and plasma proteomics data among children with complicated SAM in Kenya and Malawi. Compared to children with SAM without HIV (n = 113), HIV-infected children (n = 54) had evidence (false discovery rate (FDR) corrected p < 0.05) of metabolic stress, including enriched pathways related to inflammation and lipid metabolism. Moreover, we observed reduced plasma levels of zinc-α-2-glycoprotein, butyrylcholinesterase, and increased levels of complement C2 resembling findings in metabolic syndrome, diabetes and other non-communicable diseases. HIV was also associated (FDR corrected p < 0.05) with higher plasma levels of inflammatory chemokines. Considering evidence of biomarkers of metabolic stress, it is of potential concern that our current treatment strategy for SAM regardless of HIV status involves a high-fat therapeutic diet. The results of this study suggest a need for clinical trials of therapeutic foods that meet the specific metabolic needs of children with HIV and SAM.

Association of the polymorphisms of the genes APOC3 (rs2854116), ESR2 (rs3020450), HFE (rs1799945), MMP1 (rs1799750) and PPARG (rs1801282) with lipodystrophy in people living with HIV on antiretroviral therapy: a systematic review

The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review to identify data reported in the literature concerning the association of APOC3 (rs2854116), ESR2 (rs3020450), HFE (rs1799945), MMP1 (rs1799750) and PPARG (rs1801282) polymorphisms with lipodystrophy in people living with HIV (PLWHIV) on antirretroviral therapy. The research was conducted in six databases and the studies were selected in two steps. First, a search was undertaken in the following electronic databases: PubMed, Science Direct, Medline, World Wide Science, Directory of Open Access Journals, Scielo, Lilacs and Medcarib. The titles and abstracts of 24,859 articles were read to select those that match the elegibilty criteria. Five papers that addressed the association of HAART, lipodystrophy and polymorphisms were selected for the review. There was no association between the polymorphisms of the genes APOC3 and PPARG and lipodystrophy. Another study described an association between the variant allele (G) of HFE and protection concerning the development of lipoatrophy (0.02) when compared with the reference allele (C). On the other hand, the variant allele (T) of the ESR2 gene was associated with the development of lipoatrophy (p = 0.007) when compared with the reference allele (C). In addition, the genotype and the variant allele of the gene MMP1 (2G) were associated with lipodystrophy in PLWHIV on HAART (p = 0.0002 and p = 0.0008, respectively). Therefore, further studies with other populations, involving PLWHIV on HAART are necessary to better understand the role of genetic markers, which may be involved in a predisposition to lipodystrophy.

Chronic Disease Onset Among People Living with HIV and AIDS in a Large Private Insurance Claims Dataset

People living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) have a growing life expectancy in the US due to early provision of effective antiretroviral treatment. This has resulted in increasing exposure to age-related chronic illness that may be exacerbated by HIV/AIDS or antiretroviral treatment. Prior work has suggested that PLWHA may be subject to accelerated aging, with earlier onset and higher risk of acquiring many chronic illnesses. However, the magnitude of these effects, controlling for chronic co-morbidities, has not been fully quantified. We evaluate the magnitude of association of HIV infection on developing chronic conditions while controlling for demographics, behavioral risk factors, and chronic comorbidities. We compare chronic disease risks of diabetes, hypertension, stroke, cancers, lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases, and cognitive impairment between PLWHA and HIV- individuals in a large, de-identified private insurance claims dataset (~24,000 PLWHA) using logistic regressions. HIV status is statistically significantly associated with higher levels for all chronic illnesses examined, a result which is robust to multiple model specifications and duration of analysis (2, 5, and 10 years from enrollment). Our results suggest that PLWHA may be at elevated risk for a wide variety of chronic illnesses and may require additional care as the aging PLWHA population grows.

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in HIV infection: a metabolic approach of an infectious disease

With the successes of antiretroviral therapy, patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) living longer. Regarding this, the common diseases of HIV population (i.e., opportunistic infections) are now losing ground in front of metabolic alterations. This phenomenon is related to the delay in progression to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS), making it so that patients live in a chronic inflammatory state which, combined with other mechanisms such infectious ones, cause metabolic diseases. Areas covered: Considering a high prevalence of metabolic alterations, the relationship between metabolic syndrome (MetS) with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and liver diseases as a major cause of death in the HIV-infected population, this paper aims to overview the mechanisms and prevalence of NAFLD and NASH as they relate to the developed metabolic diseases of HIV patients. Expert opinion: The pathways underlying MetS include the effects of HIV and ART on the liver, adipose tissue, and muscle. These mechanisms result in liver damage, consequently leading to NAFLD and its more severe form NASH. These conditions have increased in HIV-infected population in recent years and since their life expectancy is improving it is important to be ready to attend their new emerging diseases.

Serum ghrelin and obestatin levels in HIV-infected patients: Effect of 36 weeks of antiretroviral treatment

INTRODUCTION

Patients with HIV+ often present lipid disturbances. The role of ghrelin and obestatin in these lipid disturbances is not clear. The effect of antiretroviral (ART) drugs on those molecules is also unknown. This study measured ghrelin and obestatin levels, as well as metabolic markers, in patients with HIV+ before and after 36 weeks of ART.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty HIV-positive, ART-naïve patients who started a scheme consisting of tenofovir/emtricitabine+lopinavir/ritonavir were enrolled. Plasma samples were collected before and after 36 weeks of treatment. Serum ghrelin and obestatin levels were quantitated by ELISA; glucose, cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were measured by colorimetric and enzymatic methods, and cardiovascular risk was calculated by the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP).

RESULTS

All patients completed 36 weeks of ART. Total cholesterol (p<0.001), LDL-C (p=0.019), HDL-C (p=0.003), VLDL-C (p=0.002), and triglyceride levels (p=0.021) significantly increased after treatment. AIP revealed increased cardiovascular risk at baseline, which remained high after treatment. There was a statistically significant increase in obestatin level in the unpaired and paired analyses, while ghrelin levels only showed a trend to increase. Changes in ghrelin and obestatin levels positively correlated, but no correlation was seen with any metabolic parameter.

CONCLUSION

After 36 weeks of ART, patients showed an altered lipid profile, but there were no significant changes in cardiovascular risk. Ghrelin and obestatin levels increased after 36 weeks of ART, but the increase was only significant for obestatin. Changes in ghrelin and obestatin positively correlate.

Melatonin as an effective pharmacocorrector of alimentary obesity resulting from a long-term excessive intake of palm oil

Introduction: In the modern world, the problem of alimentary obesity is becoming one of the global problems affecting all countries. Desynchronosis of bodily rhythms is another possible cause of development of alimentary obesity and metabolic syndrome. Thus, the purpose of this research was to study the influence of melatonin on the dynamics of body weight in rats.

Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out on 150 white non-pedigree rats (females and males), which were divided into 3 groups (intact, control, experimental) and 3 series (immature, mature and senile rats). The animals of the control group received refined palm oil at a dose of 30 g/kg for a period of 6 weeks in their daily diet. The rats of the experimental group received melatonin at a dose of 1.9 mg/kg per day intragastrically for 35 days, after the 6-week period of excess palm oil intake was over. During the experiment, once every 7 days, the animals’ weight check was done, followed by assessing the dynamics of weight gain in rats in different age groups.

Results and Discussion: It was determined that, in the group of the immature animals, an intake of palm oil resulted in the most obvious significant changes in the body weight over time. An increase in the total cholesterol and triglycerides concentration was observed in the biochemical blood tests of the animals of various age groups.

Conclusion: The use of melatonin at a dose of 1.9 mg/kg per day for 35 days proved highly effective in the animals of all age groups and led to a significant alignment of changes in the biochemical parameters studied in the rats of all ontogenesis periods.

Forum for Injection Technique and Therapy Expert Recommendations, India: The Indian Recommendations for Best Practice in Insulin Injection Technique, 2017

Health-care professionals in India frequently manage injection or infusion therapies in persons with diabetes (PWD). Patients taking insulin should know the importance of proper needle size, correct injection process, complication avoidance, and all other aspects of injection technique from the first visit onward. To assist health-care practitioners in their clinical practice, Forum for Injection Technique and Therapy Expert Recommendations, India, has updated the practical advice and made it more comprehensive evidence-based best practice information. Adherence to these updated recommendations, learning, and translating them into clinical practice should lead to effective therapies, improved outcomes, and lower costs for PWD.

Association of Dyslipidemia and Glucose Abnormalities With Antiretroviral Treatment in a Cohort of HIV-Infected Latin American Children

OBJECTIVE

To estimate the incidence of lipid and glucose abnormalities and assess their association with exposure to antiretroviral (ARV) regimens among perinatally HIV-infected Latin American children.

DESIGN

Longitudinal cohort study.

METHODS

Data were analyzed from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development International Site Development Initiative Pediatric Latin American Countries Epidemiologic Study. The incidence of dyslipidemia [total cholesterol >200 mg/dL, HDL < 35 mg/dL, LDL ≥ 130 mg/dL, triglycerides > 110 mg/dL (age < 10 years) or >150 mg/dL (≥10 years)] and fasting glucose abnormalities [homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance >2.5 (Tanner stage 1) or >4.0 (Tanner stage > 1); impaired glucose: 110 to <126 mg/dL; diabetes: ≥126 mg/dL] was estimated. Proportional hazards regression was used to evaluate the risk of abnormalities associated with ARV regimen, adjusted for covariates.

RESULTS

There were 385 children eligible for analysis (mean age 6.6 years). Incident cholesterol abnormalities were reported in 18.1% of participants [95% confidence interval (CI): 14.1% to 22.8%], HDL and LDL cholesterol abnormalities in 19.6% (15.1%-24.7%) and 15.0% (11.3%-19.5%), respectively, and triglyceride abnormalities in 44.2% (37.7%-50.8%). In multivariable analysis, ARV regimen was only associated with triglyceride abnormalities; participants receiving a protease inhibitor (PI)-containing regimen were 3.6 times as likely to experience a triglyceride abnormality as those receiving no ARVs (95% CI: 1.3 to 10.5; P = 0.0167). The cumulative incidence of insulin resistance was 3.8% (1.8%-7.1%); there were no incident cases of diabetes and only 2 of impaired fasting glucose.

CONCLUSIONS

Children receiving PI-containing regimens were at increased risk of developing triglyceride abnormalities. Continued monitoring of lipid levels in children receiving PI-containing regimens appears warranted.

Adiponectin, Leptin and Inflammatory Markers in HIV-associated Metabolic Syndrome in Children and Adolescents

BACKGROUND

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is more common in HIV-infected adults and children than in the general population. Adipocytokines and inflammatory markers may contribute to the pathophysiology of this condition and could be useful indices for monitoring MetS. The objective of this study was to provide information on the prevalence of MetS and investigate the role of adipocytokines and other biomarkers in this syndrome in HIV-infected pediatric patients.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2013 and March 2014 in the outpatient clinics of 2 tertiary pediatric referral hospitals. Fifty-four HIV-infected children and adolescents were included. MetS was defined according to the International Diabetes Federation and modified National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Measurements included anthropometry, waist circumference, blood pressure, fasting lipids, glucose and insulin, adiponectin, leptin, interleukin-6, vitamin D and C-reactive protein and clinical lipodystrophy assessment.

RESULTS

Among the total, 3.7% of patients met the International Diabetes Federation criteria for MetS and 7.4% met the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. C-reactive protein and leptin levels were significantly higher and adiponectin level significantly lower in patients with MetS, regardless of the criteria used. Insulin resistance was observed in 40.7% of patients; abnormal quantitative insulin sensitivity check index values were found in 88.9%. Eighteen patients (33.3%) had vitamin D deficiency.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of MetS was similar to that observed in larger cohorts of HIV-infected patients in our setting. Adipocytokine dysregulation seems to be related to MetS in HIV-infected children. A high percentage of patients showed insulin resistance, which should be strictly monitored.

Adiposity influences airway wall thickness and the asthma phenotype of HIV-associated obstructive lung disease: a cross-sectional study

Background

Airflow obstruction, which encompasses several phenotypes, is common among HIV-infected individuals. Obesity and adipose-related inflammation are associated with both COPD (fixed airflow obstruction) and asthma (reversible airflow obstruction) in HIV-uninfected persons, but the relationship to airway inflammation and airflow obstruction in HIV-infected persons is unknown. The objective of this study was to determine if adiposity and adipose-associated inflammation are associated with airway obstruction phenotypes in HIV-infected persons.

Methods

We performed a cross-sectional analysis of 121 HIV-infected individuals assessed with pulmonary function testing, chest CT scans for measures of airway wall thickness (wall area percent [WA%]) and adipose tissue volumes (mediastinal and subcutaneous), as well as HIV- and adipose-related inflammatory markers. Participants were defined as COPD phenotype (post-bronchodilator FEV₁/FVC < lower limit of normal) or asthma phenotype (doctor-diagnosed asthma or bronchodilator response). Pearson correlation coefficients were calculated between adipose measurements, WA%, and pulmonary function. Multivariable logistic and linear regression models were used to determine associations of airflow obstruction and airway remodeling (WA%) with adipose measurements and participant characteristics.

Results

Twenty-three (19 %) participants were classified as the COPD phenotype and 33 (27 %) were classified as the asthma phenotype. Body mass index (BMI) was similar between those with and without COPD, but higher in those with asthma compared to those without (mean [SD] 30.7 kg/m² [8.1] vs. 26.5 kg/m² [5.3], p = 0.008). WA% correlated with greater BMI (r = 0.55, p < 0.001) and volume of adipose tissue (subcutaneous, r = 0.40; p < 0.001; mediastinal, r = 0.25; p = 0.005). Multivariable regression found the COPD phenotype associated with greater age and pack-years smoking; the asthma phenotype with younger age, female gender, smoking history, and lower adiponectin levels; and greater WA% with greater BMI, younger age, higher soluble CD163, and higher CD4 counts.

Conclusions

Adiposity and adipose-related inflammation are associated with an asthma phenotype, but not a COPD phenotype, of obstructive lung disease in HIV-infected persons. Airway wall thickness is associated with adiposity and inflammation. Adipose-related inflammation may play a role in HIV-associated asthma.

Hypertension Is a Key Feature of the Metabolic Syndrome in Subjects Aging with HIV

With widespread and effective antiretroviral therapy, the life expectancy in the HIV population has dramatically improved over the last two decades. Consequently, as patients are aging with HIV, other age-related comorbidities, such as metabolic disturbances and cardiovascular disease (CVD), have emerged as important causes of morbidity and mortality. An overrepresentation of traditional cardiovascular risk factors (RF), toxicities associated with long exposure to antiretroviral therapy, together with residual chronic inflammation and immune activation associated with HIV infection are thought to predispose to these metabolic complications and to the excess risk of CVD observed in the HIV population. The metabolic syndrome (MS) represents a clustering of RF for CVD that includes abdominal obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Hypertension is a prevalent feature of the MS in HIV, in particular in the aging population, and constitutes an important RF for CVD. Physicians should screen their patients for metabolic and cardiovascular risk at the regular visits to reduce MS and the associated CVD risk among people aging with HIV, since many of RF are under-diagnosed and under-treated conditions. Interventions to reduce these RF can include lifestyle changes and pharmacological interventions such as antihypertensive and lipid-lowering therapy, and treatment of glucose metabolism disturbances. Changes in antiretroviral therapy to more metabolic neutral antiretroviral drugs may also be considered.

Complement Component 3 Is Associated with Metabolic Comorbidities in Older HIV-Positive Adults

Our objective was to evaluate the association of plasma inflammatory biomarkers with MetS in an older population of treated HIV-infected (HIV(+)) as compared to age-matched HIV-negative (HIV(-)) adults. This was done in a retrospective observational study. Plasma concentrations of complement component 3 (C3), cystatin C, fibroblast growth factor 1, interleukin 6, oxidized LDL, soluble RAGE, soluble CD163, soluble CD14, and osteopontin were measured in 79 HIV(+) participants on combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) with a suppressed HIV viral load and 47 HIV(-) participants with a median age of 59 (range 50 to 79). Outcomes were individual MetS components (hypertension, type II diabetes, dyslipidemia, and obesity) and MetS. Covariates were screened for inclusion in multivariable models. Odds ratios are reported per 50 mg/dl increase in C3. In the HIV(+) group, higher C3 levels were associated with MetS (OR 3.19, p = 0.004), obesity (OR 2.02, p = 0.01), type II diabetes (OR 1.93, p = 0.02), and at a trend level with dyslipidemia (OR 1.87, p = 0.07) and hypertension (OR 1.66, p = 0.09). C3 levels were significantly higher in HIV(+) participants with MetS compared to those without MetS (p = 0.002). C3 was higher among HIV(+) patients with three or four MetS components as compared to those with one or two (p = 0.04) and those with none (p = 0.002). No associations were found between C3 and the outcomes for HIV(-) participants. C3 is strongly associated with both MetS and MetS components in an older HIV(+) sample on cART compared to HIV(-) controls. C3 warrants further investigation as a marker of cardiometabolic risk among persons aging with HIV.

Current topics in HIV pathogenesis, part 2: Inflammation drives a Warburg-like effect on the metabolism of HIV-infected subjects

HIV-1 infection leads to a depletion of CD4 T-cells associated with a persistent immune inflammation and changes in cellular metabolism. Most effort of managing HIV infection with combination of antiretroviral therapies (ART) has been focused on CD4 T-cell recovery, while control of persistent immune inflammation and metabolism were relatively underappreciated in the past. Recent discoveries on the interplay between innate immunity, inflammation (especially the inflammasome) and metabolic changes in the context of cancer and autoimmunity provide an emerging field for chronic viral infections including HIV-1. In a previous review, we described the deregulated metabolism contributing to immune dysfunctions such as alteration of memory T-cell responses, mucosal protection, and dendritic cell-related antigen presentation. Here, we summarize the latest knowledge on the detrimental influence of long-lasting inflammation and inflammasome activation induced by HIV-1, gut dysbiosis, and bacterial translocation, on metabolism during the course of viral infection. We also report on the inability of ART to fully counteract inflammation, resulting in partial metabolic improvement and leading to an insufficient decrease in the risk of non-AIDS events. Further advances in our understanding of the relationship between inflammation, altered metabolism, and long-term ART is warranted. Additionally, there is a critical need for developing new strategies to regulate the pro-inflammatory signals to enhance cellular metabolism and immune functions in order to improve the quality of life of individuals living with HIV-1.

Serum adiponectin in HIV-1 and hepatitis C virus mono- and co-infected Kenyan injection drug users

Adiponectin is an important marker of anthropometric profiles of adipose tissue. However, association of adiponectin and adiposity in HIV mono- and co-infected and hepatitis (HCV) injection drug users (IDUs) has not been elucidated. Therefore, the relationship of total adiponectin levels with anthropometric indices of adiposity was examined in HIV mono-infected (anti-retroviral treatment, ART-naive, n=16 and -experienced, n=34); HCV mono-infected, n=36; HIV and HCV co-infected (ART-naive, n=5 and -experienced, n=13); uninfected, n=19 IDUs; and healthy controls, n=16 from coastal Kenya. Anthropometric indices of adiposity were recorded and total circulating adiponectin levels were measured in serum samples using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Adiponectin levels differed significantly amongst the study groups (P<0.0001). Post-hoc analyses revealed decreased levels in HIV mono-infected ART-naive IDUs in comparison to uninfected IDUs (P<0.05) and healthy controls (P<0.05). However, adiponectin levels were elevated in HCV mono-infected IDUs relative to HIV mono-infected ART-naive (P<0.001) and -experienced (P<0.001) as well as HIV and HCV co-infected ART-naive (P<0.05) IDUs. Furthermore, adiponectin correlated with weight (ρ=0.687; P=0.003) and BMI (ρ=0.598; P=0.014) in HIV mono-infected ART-naive IDUs; waist circumference (ρ=-0.626; P<0.0001), hip (ρ=-0.561; P=0.001) circumference, and bust-to-waist ratio (ρ=0.561; P=0.001) in HIV mono-infected ART-experienced IDUs; waist girth (ρ=0.375; P=0.024) in HCV mono-infected IDUs; and waist-to-hip ratio (ρ=-0.872; P=0.048) in HIV and HCV co-infected ART-naive IDUs. Altogether, these results suggest suppression of adiponectin production in treatment-naive HIV mono-infected IDUs and that circulating adiponectin is a useful surrogate marker of altered adiposity in treatment-naive and -experienced HIV and HCV mono- and co-infected IDUs.

Polymorphisms in adiponectin receptor genes are associated with lipodystrophy-related phenotypes in HIV-infected patients receiving antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVES

Adiponectin is a circulating peptide secreted by mature adipocytes that may act as a regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism. This study aimed to investigate the association between genetic variability in the adiponectin receptor genes ADIPOR1 (adiponectin receptor 1) and ADIPOR2 and lipodystrophy and its related anthropometric and metabolic phenotypes in HIV-infected patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

METHODS

We studied six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the adiponectin receptor genes ADIPOR1 (rs1342387 and rs10920533) and ADIPOR2 (rs11061925, rs10773983, rs929434 and rs767870) and their association with adiponectin plasma levels, lipodystrophy subtypes and other parameters linked to glucose and lipid metabolism involved in the lipodystrophic syndrome. The genotypes of 407 HIV-infected patients receiving HAART were investigated using real-time polymerase chain reaction. Mean biochemical and anthropometrical parameters were compared between the different genotypes using analysis of variance.

RESULTS

Two ADIPOR2 SNPs (rs11061925 and rs929434) were associated with fasting plasma triglyceride concentrations in the entire sample. Stronger significant associations were found between these SNPs and biochemical parameters (levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, adiponectin and glucose) in men. We did not find any significant associations with ADIPOR1 gene variants.

CONCLUSIONS

SNPs in the ADIPOR2 gene appear to be involved in the metabolic alterations in HIV-infected men receiving HAART.

Impact of clinical and therapeutic factors on incident cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in a population-based cohort of HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected adults

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular and cerebrovascular (CVD) events/diseases are a common cause of non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related mortality in the aging human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected population. The incidence rate and clinical correlates of CVD in people living with HIV/AIDS compared to the general population warrants further investigation.

HYPOTHESIS

HIV/AIDS is associated with increased risk CVD compared to general population.

METHODS

CVD events in a matched cohort of HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected adults, ≥18 years old, served through the South Carolina Medicaid program during 1994 to 2011 were examined using time-dependent proportional hazards regression and marginal structural modeling.

RESULTS

A retrospective cohort of 13,632 adults was followed longitudinally for an average of 51 months. The adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of incident CVD events was higher among HIV-infected individuals exposed to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) (aHR = 1.15) compared to the non-HIV-infected group, but did not differ from the subgroup of cART-naïve HIV-infected adults. A higher aHR of incident CVD was associated with comorbid hypertension (aHR = 2.18), diabetes (aHR = 1.38), obesity (aHR = 1.30), tobacco use (aHR = 1.47), and hepatitis C coinfection (aHR = 1.32), and older age (aHR = 1.26), but with a lower risk among females (aHR = 0.86). A higher risk of incident CVD events was also apparent in HIV-infected individuals with exposure to both protease inhibitors (adjusted risk ratio [aRR] = 1.99) and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (aRR = 2.19) compared to those with no exposure. Sustained viral load suppression was associated with a lower risk of incident CVD events (aRR = 0.74).

CONCLUSIONS

After adjusting for traditional risk factors and sociodemographic differences, there is higher risk of incident cardiovascular events among HIV-infected individuals exposed to combined antiretroviral medications compared to the general population.

MS, Mithal A, Modi S, Pitale S, Sahay R, Shukla R, Sundaram A, Unnikrishnan AG, Wangnoo SK. Forum for Injection Technique (FIT), India: The Indian recommendations 2.0, for best practice in Insulin Injection Technique, 2015

As injectable therapies such as human insulin, insulin analogs, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists are used to manage diabetes, correct injection technique is vital for the achievement of glycemic control. The forum for injection technique India acknowledged this need for the first time in India and worked to develop evidence-based recommendations on insulin injection technique, to assist healthcare practitioners in their clinical practice.

HIV/antiretroviral therapy-related lipodystrophy syndrome (HALS) is associated with higher RBP4 and lower omentin in plasma

Very little information is available on the involvement of newly characterized adipokines in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/antiretroviral therapy (ART)-associated lipodystrophy syndrome (HALS). Our aim was to determine whether apelin, apelin receptor, omentin, RBP4, vaspin and visfatin genetic variants and plasma levels are associated with HALS. We performed a cross-sectional multicentre study that involved 558 HIV type 1-infected patients treated with a stable highly active ART regimen, 240 of which had overt HALS and 318 who did not have HALS. Epidemiologic and clinical variables were determined. Polymorphisms in the apelin, omentin, RBP4, vaspin and visfatin genes were assessed by genotyping. Plasma apelin, apelin receptor, omentin, RBP4, vaspin and visfatin levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay in 163 patients (81 with HALS and 82 without HALS) from whom stored plasma samples were available. Student's t test, one-way ANOVA, chi-square test, Pearson and Spearman correlations and linear regression analysis were used for statistical analyses. There were no associations between the different polymorphisms assessed and the HALS phenotype. Circulating RBP4 was significantly higher (p < 0.001) and plasma omentin was significantly lower (p 0.001) in patients with HALS compared to those without HALS; differences in plasma levels of the remaining adipokines were nonsignificant between groups. Circulating RBP4 concentration was predicted independently by the presence of HALS. Apelin and apelin receptor levels were independently predicted by body mass index. Visfatin concentration was predicted independently by the presence of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. HALS is associated with higher RBP4 and lower omentin in plasma. These two adipokines, particularly RBP4, may be a link between HIV/ART and fat redistribution syndromes.

A randomized clinical trial comparing metabolic parameters after 48 weeks of standard- and low-dose stavudine therapy and tenofovir disoproxil fumarate therapy in HIV-infected South African patients

OBJECTIVES

Low-dose stavudine therapy may have a lower toxicity profile compared with standard dose. A randomized controlled trial comparing these two doses of stavudine with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (tenofovir DF) was performed to assess the effects on anthropometry, markers of inflammation, and lipid and glucose metabolism in Black South African patients.

METHODS

Sixty patients were randomized 1:1:1 to either standard-dose (30-40 mg) or low-dose (20-30 mg) stavudine or tenofovir DF (300 mg), each combined with lamivudine and efavirenz, for 48 weeks. Anthropometry, markers of inflammation, and lipid and glucose metabolism were assessed using standard techniques.

RESULTS

In all three treatment arms, there was a significant increase in lipid levels over the study period. At 48 weeks, fasting glucose level (P < 0.005) and homeostasis model assessment (HOMA) score (P < 0.05) increased significantly in the standard-dose stavudine arm, as did insulin and C-peptide levels in both the standard- and low-dose stavudine arms. At week 48, a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in adiponectin was noted in the standard-dose stavudine arm, but there was an increase (P < 0.005) in the tenofovir DF arm. In both the stavudine arms, significant increases in anthropometric measures occurred at 24 weeks but these decreased by week 48. Mitochondrial toxicities occurred in both the stavudine arms. Immunological and virological outcomes were similar for all three arms.

CONCLUSIONS

This study highlights the occurrence of metabolic abnormalities with both stavudine and tenofovir DF treatment. Awareness of the potential increased cardiovascular risk should be of concern with the use of both these therapies.

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

OBJECTIVE

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

METHODS

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

RESULTS

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

CONCLUSIONS

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

The role of CCAAT enhancer-binding protein homologous protein in human immunodeficiency virus protease-inhibitor-induced hepatic lipotoxicity in mice

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) protease inhibitors (HIV PIs) are the core components of highly active antiretroviral therapy, which has been successfully used in the treatment of HIV-1 infection in the past two decades. However, benefits of HIV PIs are compromised by clinically important adverse effects, such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and cardiovascular complications. We have previously shown that activation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a critical role in HIV PI-induced dys-regulation of hepatic lipid metabolism. HIV PI-induced hepatic lipotoxicity is closely linked to the up-regulation of CCAAT enhancer binding protein homologous protein (CHOP) in hepatocytes. To further investigate whether CHOP is responsible for HIV PI-induced hepatic lipotoxicity, C57BL/6J wild-type (WT) or CHOP knockout (CHOP(-/-) ) mice or the corresponding primary mouse hepatocytes were used in this study. Both in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that HIV PIs (ritonavir and lopinavir) significantly increased hepatic lipid accumulation in WT mice. In contrast, CHOP(-/-) mice showed a significant reduction in hepatic triglyceride accumulation and liver injury, as evidenced by hematoxylin and eosin and Oil Red O staining. Real-time reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and immunoblotting data showed that in the absence of CHOP, HIV PI-induced expression of stress-related proteins and lipogenic genes were dramatically reduced. Furthermore, tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin-6 levels in serum and liver were significantly lower in HIV PI-treated CHOP(-/-) mice, compared to HIV PI-treated WT mice.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, these data suggest that CHOP is an important molecular link of ER stress, inflammation, and hepatic lipotoxicity, and that increased expression of CHOP represents a critical factor underlying events leading to hepatic injury. (HEPATOLOGY 2013).

Combinatorial anti-HIV gene therapy: using a multipronged approach to reach beyond HAART

The 'Berlin Patient', who maintains suppressed levels of HIV viremia in the absence of antiretroviral therapy, continues to be a standard bearer in HIV eradication research. However, the unique circumstances surrounding his functional cure are not applicable to most HIV(+) patients. To achieve a functional or sterilizing cure in a greater number of infected individuals worldwide, combinatorial treatments, targeting multiple stages of the viral life cycle, will be essential. Several anti-HIV gene therapy approaches have been explored recently, including disruption of the C-C chemokine receptor 5 (CCR5) and CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) coreceptor loci in CD4(+) T cells and CD34(+) hematopoietic stem cells. However, less is known about the efficacy of these strategies in patients and more relevant HIV model systems such as non-human primates (NHPs). Combinatorial approaches, including genetic disruption of integrated provirus, functional enhancement of endogenous restriction factors and/or the use of pharmacological adjuvants, could amplify the anti-HIV effects of CCR5/CXCR4 gene disruption. Importantly, delivering gene disruption molecules to genetic sites of interest will likely require optimization on a cell type-by-cell type basis. In this review, we highlight the most promising gene therapy approaches to combat HIV infection, methods to deliver these therapies to hematopoietic cells and emphasize the need to target viral replication pre- and post-entry to mount a suitably robust defense against spreading infection.

Forum for injection techniques, India: the first Indian recommendations for best practice in insulin injection technique

Advances in the treatment of diabetes have led to an increase in the number of injectable therapies, such as human insulin, insulin analogues, and glucagon-like peptide-1 analogues. The efficacy of injection therapy in diabetes depends on correct injection technique, among many other factors. Good injection technique is vital in achieving glycemic control and thus preventing complications of diabetes. From the patients' and health-care providers' perspective, it is essential to have guidelines to understand injections and injection techniques. The abridged version of the First Indian Insulin Injection technique guidelines developed by the Forum for Injection Technique (FIT) India presented here acknowledge good insulin injection techniques and provide evidence-based recommendations to assist diabetes care providers in improving their clinical practice.