1
|
Samer S, Thomas Y, Araínga M, Carter C, Shirreff LM, Arif MS, Avita JM, Frank I, McRaven MD, Thuruthiyil CT, Heybeli VB, Anderson MR, Owen B, Gaisin A, Bose D, Simons LM, Hultquist JF, Arthos J, Cicala C, Sereti I, Santangelo PJ, Lorenzo-Redondo R, Hope TJ, Villinger FJ, Martinelli E. Blockade of TGF-β signaling reactivates HIV-1/SIV reservoirs and immune responses in vivo. JCI Insight 2022; 7:e162290. [PMID: 36125890 PMCID: PMC9675457 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.162290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
TGF-β plays a critical role in maintaining immune cells in a resting state by inhibiting cell activation and proliferation. Resting HIV-1 target cells represent the main cellular reservoir after long-term antiretroviral therapy (ART). We hypothesized that releasing cells from TGF-β-driven signaling would promote latency reversal. To test our hypothesis, we compared HIV-1 latency models with and without TGF-β and a TGF-β type 1 receptor inhibitor, galunisertib. We tested the effect of galunisertib in SIV-infected, ART-treated macaques by monitoring SIV-env expression via PET/CT using the 64Cu-DOTA-F(ab')2 p7D3 probe, along with plasma and tissue viral loads (VLs). Exogenous TGF-β reduced HIV-1 reactivation in U1 and ACH-2 models. Galunisertib increased HIV-1 latency reversal ex vivo and in PBMCs from HIV-1-infected, ART-treated, aviremic donors. In vivo, oral galunisertib promoted increased total standardized uptake values in PET/CT images in gut and lymph nodes of 5 out of 7 aviremic, long-term ART-treated, SIV-infected macaques. This increase correlated with an increase in SIV RNA in the gut. Two of the 7 animals also exhibited increases in plasma VLs. Higher anti-SIV T cell responses and antibody titers were detected after galunisertib treatment. In summary, our data suggest that blocking TGF-β signaling simultaneously increases retroviral reactivation events and enhances anti-SIV immune responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sadia Samer
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Yanique Thomas
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Mariluz Araínga
- New Iberia Research Center (NIRC), University of Louisiana at Lafayette, New Iberia, Louisiana, USA
| | - Crystal Carter
- New Iberia Research Center (NIRC), University of Louisiana at Lafayette, New Iberia, Louisiana, USA
| | - Lisa M. Shirreff
- New Iberia Research Center (NIRC), University of Louisiana at Lafayette, New Iberia, Louisiana, USA
| | - Muhammad S. Arif
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Juan M. Avita
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Ines Frank
- Center for Biomedical Research, Population Council, New York, New York, USA
| | - Michael D. McRaven
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Christopher T. Thuruthiyil
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Veli B. Heybeli
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Meegan R. Anderson
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Benjamin Owen
- Integrated Molecular Structure Education and Research (IMSERC), Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Arsen Gaisin
- Integrated Molecular Structure Education and Research (IMSERC), Northwestern University, Evanston, Illinois, USA
| | - Deepanwita Bose
- New Iberia Research Center (NIRC), University of Louisiana at Lafayette, New Iberia, Louisiana, USA
| | - Lacy M. Simons
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Havey Institute for Global Health Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Judd F. Hultquist
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Havey Institute for Global Health Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - James Arthos
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Claudia Cicala
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Irini Sereti
- Laboratory of Immunoregulation, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Philip J. Santangelo
- WH Coulter Department of Biomedical Engineering, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Ramon Lorenzo-Redondo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
- Center for Pathogen Genomics and Microbial Evolution, Havey Institute for Global Health Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Thomas J. Hope
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| | - Francois J. Villinger
- New Iberia Research Center (NIRC), University of Louisiana at Lafayette, New Iberia, Louisiana, USA
| | - Elena Martinelli
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xie ZY, Xu YX, Yao L. Angiotensin II can trigger HSC-LX2 pyroptosis through both classical and non-classical pathways. Life Sci 2022; 307:120878. [PMID: 35961596 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120878] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Current evidence suggests that liver fibrosis is reversible even at late stages. Pyroptosis is reportedly regulated by classical and non-classical pathways and is also involved in the activation of the human hepatic stellate cell line LX2. This study sought to identify regulatory pathways that pyroptosis of HSC during AngII-ROS-induced HSC activation and provides novel insights for anti-fibrosis therapy by targeting HSC. MATERIALS AND METHODS All experiments were conducted in HSC-LX2. The expressions of α-SMA, NLRP3, Caspases-1, -4, -5, ASC and GSDMD-N were detected in HSC-LX2 cells induced with AngII by Western blot and qRT-PCR. CCK8 was used to detect cell proliferation and activity. 2'-7'dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) was used to measure ROS generation. An LDH assay kit was used to detect LDH released from damaged cells, and ELISA was used to quantify IL-18 and IL-1β levels. RESULTS After AngII stimulation, HSC-LX2 cell viability, ROS, LDH, IL-18, and IL-1β were increased compared with Control group. At the same time, the protein and mRNA levels of α-SMA, NLRP3, Caspases-1, -4, -5, ASC and GSDMD-N were increased. In addition, after NAC and NSA treatment, LDH, IL-18 and IL-1β levels and the protein and mRNA expression of α-SMA, Caspases-4 and -5, and GSDMD-N were decreased. CONCLUSION HSC-LX2 pyroptosis induced by AngII-ROS is mediated by the classical pathway involving NLRP3/Caspase-1 and the non-classical pathway involving Caspases-4 and -5. Our results provide compelling evidence that AngII could activate Caspases-4 and -5 by producing ROS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ze-Yu Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 311400, China
| | - Yi-Xiao Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 311400, China
| | - Li Yao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 311400, China.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Valle-Millares D, Brochado-Kith Ó, Gómez-Sanz A, Martín-Carbonero L, Ryan P, De Los Santos I, Castro JM, Troya J, Mayoral-Muñoz M, Cuevas G, Martínez-Román P, Sanz-Sanz J, Muñoz-Muñoz M, Jiménez-Sousa MÁ, Resino S, Briz V, Fernández-Rodríguez A. HCV eradication with DAAs differently affects HIV males and females: A whole miRNA sequencing characterization. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 145:112405. [PMID: 34781145 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112405] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 11/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gender-specific consequences after HCV eradication are unexplored. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play a crucial role in the immune response against viral infections. However, few have highlighted miRNA role in sex-biased disease or therapy response. We aim to assess gender differences reflected in the miRNA expression of HIV/HCV-coinfected patients who achieve sustained virological response (SVR) with direct acting antivirals (DAAs). We conducted a prospective study of miRNA expression in PBMCs from 28 chronic HIV/HCV-coinfected patients (HIV/HCV) at baseline and after achieving SVR with DAAs. Sixteen HIV-monoinfected patients (HIV) and 36 healthy controls (HC) were used as controls. Identification of significant differentially expressed (SDE) miRNAs was performed with generalized linear model and mixed GLMs. We also explored putative dysregulated biological pathways. At baseline, the HIV/HCV patients showed differences in the miRNA profile concerning the HIV group (165 and 102 SDE miRNAs for males and females, respectively). Gender-stratified analysis of HIV/HCV group at baseline versus at SVR achievement showed higher differences in males (80 SDE miRNAs) than in females (55 SDE miRNAs). After SVR, HIV/HCV group showed similar values to HIV individuals, especially in females (1 SDE miRNA). However, ten miRNAs in males remained dysregulated, which were mainly involved in cancer, fatty acid, and inflammatory pathways. Taken together, our results show gender-biased dysregulation in the miRNA expression profile of PBMCs after HCV eradication with DAAs. These differences were normalized in females, while miRNA profile and their target-related pathways in males lack of normalization, which may be related to a high-risk of developing liver-related complications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Valle-Millares
- Unit of Viral Infection and Immunity, National Center for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Óscar Brochado-Kith
- Unit of Viral Infection and Immunity, National Center for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia Gómez-Sanz
- Unit of Viral Infection and Immunity, National Center for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Pablo Ryan
- Internal Medicine Service, Infanta Leonor Teaching Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ignacio De Los Santos
- Servicio de Medicina Interna-Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan M Castro
- Hospital La Paz Institute for Health Research (IdiPAZ), Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Troya
- Internal Medicine Service, Infanta Leonor Teaching Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Guillermo Cuevas
- Internal Medicine Service, Infanta Leonor Teaching Hospital, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Martínez-Román
- Unit of Viral Infection and Immunity, National Center for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jesús Sanz-Sanz
- Servicio de Medicina Interna-Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, Madrid, Spain
| | - María Muñoz-Muñoz
- Department of Animal Breeding, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Alimentación Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), Madrid, Spain
| | - María Á Jiménez-Sousa
- Unit of Viral Infection and Immunity, National Center for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Salvador Resino
- Unit of Viral Infection and Immunity, National Center for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Verónica Briz
- Laboratory of Reference and Research on Viral Hepatitis, National Center for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain
| | - Amanda Fernández-Rodríguez
- Unit of Viral Infection and Immunity, National Center for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Majadahonda, Madrid, Spain; Department of Medicine, Alfonso X el Sabio, Villanueva de la Cañada, 28691 Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sirtuins as Interesting Players in the Course of HIV Infection and Comorbidities. Cells 2021; 10:cells10102739. [PMID: 34685718 PMCID: PMC8534645 DOI: 10.3390/cells10102739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The sirtuins (SIRTs) are a family of enzymes from the group of NAD+-dependent deacetylases. Through the reaction of splitting the acetyl group of various transcription factors and histones they regulate many processes in the organism. The activity of sirtuins is linked to metabolic control, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis, and they also affect the course of viral infections. For this reason, they may participate in the pathogenesis and development of many diseases, but little is known about their role in the course of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, which is the subject of this review. In the course of HIV infection, comorbidities such as: neurodegenerative disorders, obesity, insulin resistance and diabetes, lipid disorders and cardiovascular diseases, renal and bone diseases developed more frequently and faster compared to the general population. The role of sirtuins in the development of accompanying diseases in the course of HIV infection may also be interesting. There is still a lack of detailed information on this subject. The role of sirtuins, especially SIRT1, SIRT3, SIRT6, are indicated to be of great importance in the course of HIV infection and the development of the abovementioned comorbidities.
Collapse
|
5
|
Liver Fibrosis during Antiretroviral Treatment in HIV-Infected Individuals. Truth or Tale? Cells 2021; 10:cells10051212. [PMID: 34063534 PMCID: PMC8156893 DOI: 10.3390/cells10051212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
After the introduction of antiretroviral treatment (ART) back in 1996, the lifespan of people living with HIV (PLWH) has been substantially increased, while the major causes of morbidity and mortality have switched from opportunistic infections and AIDS-related neoplasms to cardiovascular and liver diseases. HIV itself may lead to liver damage and subsequent liver fibrosis (LF) through multiple pathways. Apart from HIV, viral hepatitis, alcoholic and especially non-alcoholic liver diseases have been implicated in liver involvement among PLWH. Another well known cause of hepatotoxicity is ART, raising clinically significant concerns about LF in long-term treatment. In this review we present the existing data and analyze the association of LF with all ART drug classes. Published data derived from many studies are to some extent controversial and therefore remain inconclusive. Among all the antiretroviral drugs, nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors, especially didanosine and zidovudine, seem to carry the greatest risk for LF, with integrase strand transfer inhibitors and entry inhibitors having minimal risk. Surprisingly, even though protease inhibitors often lead to insulin resistance, they do not seem to be associated with a significant risk of LF. In conclusion, most ART drugs are safe in long-term treatment and seldom lead to severe LF when no liver-related co-morbidities exist.
Collapse
|
6
|
Martínez-González E, Brochado-Kith Ó, Gómez-Sanz A, Martín-Carbonero L, Jimenez-Sousa MÁ, Martínez-Román P, Resino S, Briz V, Fernández-Rodríguez A. Comparison of methods and characterization of small RNAs from plasma extracellular vesicles of HIV/HCV coinfected patients. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11140. [PMID: 32636456 PMCID: PMC7341746 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67935-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) hijack the host exosomal machinery as an additional mechanism of infection and evasion of the immune system, modifying the small RNA (smRNA) cargo during infection. We characterized the surface epitopes of extracellular vesicles (EVs) from plasma HIV/HCV-coinfected patients and their smRNA cargo profile, by comparing different isolation procedures. Six EVs isolation procedures were compared: ultracentrifugation, and five different polyethylene glycol-based methods (commercial, combined with a column purification step and two custom); and two RNA commercial kits (phenol and non-phenol based) were used. High-throughput sequencing of smRNAs was performed. Exosomal surface epitopes were analyzed by the MACSPlex Exosome Kit. Four miRNAs displayed differences among protocols (hsa-miR-205-5p and hsa-let-7a/b/f-5p). The selection of RNA isolation kit impacted on the detection of miRNAs and other smRNAs, where the phenol-based RNA isolation kit performed acceptably. EVs surface was enriched with HLA-DR/DP/DQ, CD81, and CD8. There were three liver-specific miRNAs overexpressed (let-7a-5p, miR-21-5p and hsa-miR-122-5p), thus, EVs cargo might reflect liver disease evolution. Other smRNAs such as piwi-interacting RNAs were also detected for the first time. Custom polyethylene glycol precipitation-based methods combined with an RNA phenol-based kit yielded the higher number of smRNAs for EVs isolated from plasma HIV/HCV patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Martínez-González
- Unit of Viral Infection and Immunity, National Center for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Carretera Majadahonda- Pozuelo, Km 2.2, Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Óscar Brochado-Kith
- Unit of Viral Infection and Immunity, National Center for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Carretera Majadahonda- Pozuelo, Km 2.2, Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Alicia Gómez-Sanz
- Unit of Viral Infection and Immunity, National Center for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Carretera Majadahonda- Pozuelo, Km 2.2, Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Ma Ángeles Jimenez-Sousa
- Unit of Viral Infection and Immunity, National Center for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Carretera Majadahonda- Pozuelo, Km 2.2, Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Paula Martínez-Román
- Unit of Viral Infection and Immunity, National Center for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Carretera Majadahonda- Pozuelo, Km 2.2, Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Salvador Resino
- Unit of Viral Infection and Immunity, National Center for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Carretera Majadahonda- Pozuelo, Km 2.2, Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Verónica Briz
- Unit of Viral Infection and Immunity, National Center for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Carretera Majadahonda- Pozuelo, Km 2.2, Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain
| | - Amanda Fernández-Rodríguez
- Unit of Viral Infection and Immunity, National Center for Microbiology, Institute of Health Carlos III, Carretera Majadahonda- Pozuelo, Km 2.2, Majadahonda, 28220, Madrid, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang L, Bansal MB. Role of Kupffer Cells in Driving Hepatic Inflammation and Fibrosis in HIV Infection. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1086. [PMID: 32612603 PMCID: PMC7308419 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
While the interactions between HIV and various liver cell populations have been explored, the relevance of these interactions when patients are well-controlled on ART is less clear. Therefore, we focus this perspective on HIV-related alterations that may drive hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in aviremic patients, with a focus on Kupffer cells and Hepatic Stellate Cells. Persistent CD4+ T cell depletion in the gut resulting in increased gut permeability has been postulated to play a role in systemic immune activation in HIV patients. The liver, with its unique location, remains the gatekeeper between the gut and the systemic circulation. The resident liver macrophage, Kupffer cell, is responsible for clearing and responding to these products. We propose that changes in Kupffer cell biology, in the context of HIV infection, creates a mileu that drives hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in response to microbial translocation. Targeting these pathways may be helpful in improving liver-related outcomes in HIV patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lumin Zhang
- Divison of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | - Meena B Bansal
- Divison of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Anadol E, Lust K, Boesecke C, Schwarze-Zander C, Mohr R, Wasmuth JC, Rockstroh JK, Trebicka J. Exposure to previous cART is associated with significant liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0191118. [PMID: 29346443 PMCID: PMC5773180 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0191118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2017] [Accepted: 12/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) has improved survival in HIV-patients. While the first antiretrovirals, which became available in particular D-drugs (especially didanosine and stavudine) and unboosted protease inhibitors, may impair liver function, the modern cART seems to decrease liver fibrosis. This study assessed the influence of exposure to previous antiretrovirals on liver fibrosis in HIV-infected patients. Methods This observational cross-sectional single-center study recruited 333 HIV patients and assessed liver fibrosis using transient elastography (TE). Results 83% were male with a median age of 45, while 131 were co-infected with viral hepatitis. Overall, 18% had significant fibrosis and 7.5% had cirrhosis. 11% of HIV mono-infected patients had significant fibrosis and 2% had cirrhosis. HCV infection (OR:5.3), history of exposure to didanosine (OR:2.7) and HIV load below 40copies/mL (OR:0.5) were independently associated with significant fibrosis, while HCV (OR:5.8), exposure to didanosine (OR:2.9) and azidothymidine (OR:2.8) were independently associated with cirrhosis. Interestingly, in HIV mono-infected patients, a HIV-load below 40copies/mL (OR:0.4) was independently associated with significant fibrosis, and didanosine (OR:20.8) with cirrhosis. Conclusion In conclusion, history of exposure to didanosine and azidothymidine continues to have an impact on the presence of liver cirrhosis in HIV patients. However, HCV co-infection and ongoing HIV-replication have the strongest effect on development of significant fibrosis in these patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evrim Anadol
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Kristina Lust
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | - Christoph Boesecke
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
| | - Carolynne Schwarze-Zander
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
| | - Raphael Mohr
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jan-Christian Wasmuth
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jürgen Kurt Rockstroh
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- German Centre for Infection Research (DZIF), partner site Bonn-Cologne, Bonn, Germany
| | - Jonel Trebicka
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Bonn, Bonn, Germany
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- European Foundation for the Study of Chronic Liver Failure—EF Clif, Barcelona, Spain
- Institute for Bioengineering of Catalonia, Barcelona, Spain
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Saracino A, Cozzi-Lepri A, Shanyinde M, Ceccherini Silberstein F, Nozza S, Di Biagio A, Cassola G, Bruno G, Capobianchi M, Puoti M, Monno L, d’Arminio Monforte A. HIV-1 co-receptor tropism and liver fibrosis in HIV-infected patients. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0190302. [PMID: 29324755 PMCID: PMC5764264 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0190302] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 12/12/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In vitro, gp120 of both X4 and R5 HIV-1 strains activates human hepatic stellate cells, but if it can promote liver fibrosis in vivo is unknown. We aimed to evaluate if patients carrying X4 or R5 strains have a different liver fibrosis (LF) progression over time. Methods A total of 1,137 HIV-infected patients in ICONA cohort (21% females, 7% HCV co-infected) with an available determination of HIV-1 co-receptor tropism (CRT), a Fibrosis-4 Index for Liver Fibrosis (FIB-4) <3.25 and at least one-year follow-up were included. CRT was assessed by gp120 sequencing on plasma RNA and geno2pheno algorithm (10% false positive rate) or by Trofile. LF was assessed by means of FIB-4. LF progression was defined as an absolute score increase or a transition to higher fibrosis stratum and/or occurrence of liver-related clinical events. Results A total of 249 (22%) patients carried X4 strains, which were associated with older age, lower CD4 count, lower nadir CD4, and intravenous drug use. Overall, X4 and R5 patients had similar baseline FIB-4 scores and similar mean FIB-4 slope after a median follow-up of 35 months. There was no difference between X4 and R5 for time to LF progression (p = 0.925). Estimated risk of LF at 24 months (95% CI) after baseline in X4 and R5 was 10.6% (8.3–12.9) and 9.9% (5.9–14.0), respectively. Age, HCV co-infection, diabetes, HIV-duration, HIV-RNA>100.000 cp/mL, antiretroviral therapy exposure were associated with LF progression at multivariate analysis. Conclusions A slight LF progression over time was observed in HIV-infected patients. No difference was demonstrated for X4 and R5 HIV-1 strains in accelerating LF evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Saracino
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
- * E-mail:
| | - Alessandro Cozzi-Lepri
- Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | - Milensu Shanyinde
- Department of Infection and Population Health, University College London Medical School, Royal Free Campus, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Silvia Nozza
- Infectious Diseases Department, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonio Di Biagio
- Infectious Diseases Department, IRCCS San Martino Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giovanni Cassola
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Galliera Hospital, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bruno
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Maria Capobianchi
- Laboratory of Virology, National Institute for Infectious Diseases "L. Spallanzani", Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Puoti
- Department of Infectious Diseases, AO Niguarda Ca' Granda, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Monno
- Clinic of Infectious Diseases, University of Bari, Bari, Italy
| | - Antonella d’Arminio Monforte
- Clinic of Infectious and Tropical Diseases, Department of Health Sciences, San Paolo H, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | | |
Collapse
|
10
|
Theron AJ, Anderson R, Rossouw TM, Steel HC. The Role of Transforming Growth Factor Beta-1 in the Progression of HIV/AIDS and Development of Non-AIDS-Defining Fibrotic Disorders. Front Immunol 2017; 8:1461. [PMID: 29163528 PMCID: PMC5673850 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2017.01461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2017] [Accepted: 10/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Even after attainment of sustained viral suppression following implementation of highly active antiretroviral therapy, HIV-infected persons continue to experience persistent, low-grade, systemic inflammation. Among other mechanisms, this appears to result from ongoing microbial translocation from a damaged gastrointestinal tract. This HIV-related chronic inflammatory response is paralleled by counteracting, but only partially effective, biological anti-inflammatory processes. Paradoxically, however, this anti-inflammatory response not only exacerbates immunosuppression but also predisposes for development of non-AIDS-related, non-communicable disorders. With respect to the pathogenesis of both sustained immunosuppression and the increased frequency of non-AIDS-related disorders, the anti-inflammatory/profibrotic cytokine, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), which remains persistently elevated in both untreated and virally suppressed HIV-infected persons, may provide a common link. In this context, the current review is focused on two different, albeit related, harmful activities of TGF-β1 in HIV infection. First, on the spectrum of anti-inflammatory/immunosuppressive activities of TGF-β1 and the involvement of this cytokine, derived predominantly from T regulatory cells, in driving disease progression in HIV-infected persons via both non-fibrotic and profibrotic mechanisms. Second, the possible involvement of sustained elevations in circulating and tissue TGF-β1 in the pathogenesis of non-AIDS-defining cardiovascular, hepatic, pulmonary and renal disorders, together with a brief comment on potential TGF-β1-targeted therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annette J. Theron
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Immunology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
- Tshwane Academic Division of the National Health Laboratory Service, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Ronald Anderson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Immunology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Theresa M. Rossouw
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Immunology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| | - Helen C. Steel
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Department of Immunology, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Pretoria, Pretoria, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Parisi SG, Basso M, Mengoli C, Scaggiante R, Andreis S, Franzetti MM, Cattelan AM, Zago D, Cruciani M, Andreoni M, Piovesan S, Palù G, Alberti A. Liver stiffness is not associated with short- and long-term plasma HIV RNA replication in immunocompetent patients with HIV infection and with HIV/HCV coinfection. Ann Gastroenterol 2017; 30:534-541. [PMID: 28845109 PMCID: PMC5566774 DOI: 10.20524/aog.2017.0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2017] [Accepted: 06/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may be directly responsible for liver damage but there are contrasting data regarding the influence of detectable plasma viremia. We analyzed the influence of plasma HIV RNA (pHIV) detectability and of other clinical and viro-immunological variables on liver stiffness (LS) measurement in adult immunocompetent HIV-monoinfected patients and in patients coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Methods Logistic regression analysis was performed using the value of LS>7.1 kPa as the dependent variable. A linear regression model was applied using LS measurement after log10 transformation (lkpa) as the dependent variable and we analyzed the predicted values versus the observed lkpa values; pHIV was classified as detectable or undetectable in the 12- and 36-month study periods before LS measurement. Results We studied 251 patients (178 with HIV monoinfection), most of whom were on antiviral treatment; 36-month study time was available for 154 subjects. The mean CD4+ cell count was 634 cells/mm3 in HIV-monoinfected patients and 606 cells/mm3 in coinfected patients. No difference in LS was found between patients with detectable or undetectable pHIV in either the 12- or the 36-month study period before transient elastography. The mean LS was higher in HIV/HCV coinfected patients (P<0.0001) than in the HIV-monoinfected subjects; lkpa was positively correlated with HCV coinfection (P<0.0001) and aspartate aminotransferase levels (P<0.0001). Detectable pHIV failed to reach significance. Eight HIV-monoinfected patients had a predicted LS measurement lower than the observed one, while eight patients had the opposite result. Conclusion LS was not correlated with ongoing HIV replication during the 12- and 36-month study periods in immunocompetent HIV-monoinfected and HIV/HCV-coinfected patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saverio Giuseppe Parisi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova (Saverio Giuseppe Parisi, Monica Basso, Carlo Mengoli, Samantha Andreis, Daniela Zago, Sara Piovesan, Giorgio Palù, Alfredo Alberti), Italy
| | - Monica Basso
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova (Saverio Giuseppe Parisi, Monica Basso, Carlo Mengoli, Samantha Andreis, Daniela Zago, Sara Piovesan, Giorgio Palù, Alfredo Alberti), Italy
| | - Carlo Mengoli
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova (Saverio Giuseppe Parisi, Monica Basso, Carlo Mengoli, Samantha Andreis, Daniela Zago, Sara Piovesan, Giorgio Palù, Alfredo Alberti), Italy
| | - Renzo Scaggiante
- Infectious Disease Unit, Padova Hospital, Padova (Renzo Scaggiante, Marzia Maria Franzetti, Anna Maria Cattelan), Italy
| | - Samantha Andreis
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova (Saverio Giuseppe Parisi, Monica Basso, Carlo Mengoli, Samantha Andreis, Daniela Zago, Sara Piovesan, Giorgio Palù, Alfredo Alberti), Italy
| | - Marzia Maria Franzetti
- Infectious Disease Unit, Padova Hospital, Padova (Renzo Scaggiante, Marzia Maria Franzetti, Anna Maria Cattelan), Italy
| | - Anna Maria Cattelan
- Infectious Disease Unit, Padova Hospital, Padova (Renzo Scaggiante, Marzia Maria Franzetti, Anna Maria Cattelan), Italy
| | - Daniela Zago
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova (Saverio Giuseppe Parisi, Monica Basso, Carlo Mengoli, Samantha Andreis, Daniela Zago, Sara Piovesan, Giorgio Palù, Alfredo Alberti), Italy
| | - Mario Cruciani
- Center of Diffusive Diseases, ULSS 20, Verona (Mario Cruciani), Italy
| | - Massimo Andreoni
- Clinical Infectious Diseases, Tor Vergata University of Rome, Rome (Massimo Andreoni), Italy
| | - Sara Piovesan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova (Saverio Giuseppe Parisi, Monica Basso, Carlo Mengoli, Samantha Andreis, Daniela Zago, Sara Piovesan, Giorgio Palù, Alfredo Alberti), Italy
| | - Giorgio Palù
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova (Saverio Giuseppe Parisi, Monica Basso, Carlo Mengoli, Samantha Andreis, Daniela Zago, Sara Piovesan, Giorgio Palù, Alfredo Alberti), Italy
| | - Alfredo Alberti
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Padova, Padova (Saverio Giuseppe Parisi, Monica Basso, Carlo Mengoli, Samantha Andreis, Daniela Zago, Sara Piovesan, Giorgio Palù, Alfredo Alberti), Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
Liver-related morbidity and mortality is expanding in people living with HIV. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the third most lethal malignancy on a global scale, is a dominant complication of chronic liver disease and cirrhosis in patients with coexisting hepatitis. HIV infection further complicates the clinical heterogeneity of HCC, posing concurrent challenges stemming from the underlying immunological status of the patients and the ongoing need for combined antiretroviral therapy. In this article, we review the multiple clinical implications that characterize the multidisciplinary management of HCC in the context of HIV infection.
Collapse
|
13
|
Verna EC. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in patients with HIV. Lancet Gastroenterol Hepatol 2017; 2:211-223. [PMID: 28404136 DOI: 10.1016/s2468-1253(16)30120-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Revised: 09/02/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Liver disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among people with HIV, and in this era of safer and more effective hepatitis C therapy, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) could soon emerge as the most common liver disease in this population. NAFLD is common among patients with HIV, and might be more likely to progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and NAFLD-related fibrosis or cirrhosis in these patients than in individuals without HIV. Several mechanisms of NAFLD pathogenesis are postulated to explain the disease severity in patients with HIV; these mechanisms include the influence of the gut microbiome, and also metabolic, genetic, and immunological factors. Although treatment strategies are currently based on modification of NAFLD risk factors, many new drugs are now in clinical trials, including trials specifically in patients with HIV. Thus, the identification and risk-stratification of patients with HIV and NAFLD are becoming increasingly important for accurately counselling of these patients regarding their prognosis and for establishing the most appropriate disease-altering therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Verna
- Center for Liver Disease and Transplantation, Division of Digestive and Liver Diseases, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Debes JD, Bohjanen PR, Boonstra A. Mechanisms of Accelerated Liver Fibrosis Progression during HIV Infection. J Clin Transl Hepatol 2016; 4:328-335. [PMID: 28097102 PMCID: PMC5225153 DOI: 10.14218/jcth.2016.00034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2016] [Revised: 10/14/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
With the introduction of antiretroviral therapy (ART), a dramatic reduction in HIV-related morbidity and mortality has been observed. However, it is now becoming increasingly clear that liver-related complications, particularly rapid fibrosis development from ART as well as from the chronic HIV infection itself, are of serious concern to HIV patients. The pathophysiology of liver fibrosis in patients with HIV is a multifactorial process whereby persistent viral replication, and bacterial translocation lead to chronic immune activation and inflammation, which ART is unable to fully suppress, promoting production of fibrinogenic mediators and fibrosis. In addition, mitochondrial toxicity, triggered by both ART and HIV, contributes to intrahepatic damage, which is even more severe in patients co-infected with viral hepatitis. In recent years, new insights into the mechanisms of accelerated fibrosis and liver disease progression in HIV has been obtained, and these are detailed and discussed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jose D. Debes
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- *Correspondence to: Jose D. Debes, Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, 2001 6th Street SE, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. Tel: +1-612-624-6353, Fax: +1-612-301-1292, E-mail:
| | - Paul R. Bohjanen
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and International Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Andre Boonstra
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Erasmus MC, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Mitchell BI, Byron MM, Ng RC, Chow DC, Ndhlovu LC, Shikuma CM. Elevation of Non-Classical (CD14+/lowCD16++) Monocytes Is Associated with Increased Albuminuria and Urine TGF-β1 in HIV-Infected Individuals on Stable Antiretroviral Therapy. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0153758. [PMID: 27097224 PMCID: PMC4838224 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0153758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2015] [Accepted: 04/04/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE High rates of albuminuria are observed among HIV-infected individuals on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART). Though pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic responses are described as components of albuminuria in the general population, it is unclear how these responses are associated to albuminuria in ART-treated chronic HIV. We investigated the relationship of monocyte subsets and urine inflammatory and fibrotic biomarkers to albuminuria in ART-treated HIV-infected participants. DESIGN AND METHODS Cross-sectional analyses were performed on Hawaii Aging with HIV-cardiovascular disease study cohort participants who were required at entry to be ≥40 years old and on ART ≥3 months. Monocyte subpopulations were determined in banked peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) using multi-parametric flow-cytometry. Entry random urine samples were assessed for albumin-to-creatinine ratios (UACR). Urine samples were measured for inflammatory and fibrotic biomarkers using Luminex technology. RESULTS Among 96 HIV-infected subjects with measured UACR (87% male, 59% Caucasian, and 89% undetectable HIV RNA with median CD4 of 495.5 cells/μL), 18 patients (19%) had albuminuria. Non-classical (CD14low/+CD16++) monocytes were significantly elevated in subjects with albuminuria (p = 0.034) and were correlated to UACR (r = 0.238, p = 0.019). Elevated non-classical monocyte counts were significant predictors of worsening albuminuria, independent of traditional- and ART-associated risk factors (β = 0.539, p = 0.007). Urine TGF-β1 and collagen-IV were significantly higher in albuminuric compared to non-albuminuric participants (TGF-β1; p = 0.039 and collagen-IV; p = 0.042). Urine TGF-β1 was significantly correlated with non-classical monocyte counts (r = 0.464, p = 0.017). CONCLUSION Alterations in monocyte subpopulations and urine pro-fibrotic factors may play a role in kidney dysfunction during chronic HIV infection and warrants further study.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brooks I. Mitchell
- Department of Tropical Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Mary Margaret Byron
- Department of Tropical Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Roland C. Ng
- Department of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Dominic C. Chow
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Lishomwa C. Ndhlovu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| | - Cecilia M. Shikuma
- Department of Tropical Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- Hawaii Center for AIDS, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
- Department of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Anadol E, Schierwagen R, Elfimova N, Tack K, Schwarze-Zander C, Eischeid H, Noetel A, Boesecke C, Jansen C, Dold L, Wasmuth JC, Strassburg CP, Spengler U, Rockstroh JK, Odenthal M, Trebicka J. Circulating microRNAs as a marker for liver injury in human immunodeficiency virus patients. Hepatology 2015; 61:46-55. [PMID: 25125218 DOI: 10.1002/hep.27369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2014] [Accepted: 08/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis virus coinfection amplify and accelerate hepatic injury. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small regulatory RNAs suggested as biomarkers for liver injury. We analyzed the circulating levels of miRNAs in HIV patients with regard to the extent and etiology of liver injury. Total RNA was extracted from 335 serum samples of HIV patients and 22 healthy control participants using Qiazol. Comprehensive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) array analyses (768 miRNA) were performed in serum samples of eight HIV, eight HIV/HCV (hepatitis C virus), six HCV patients, and three healthy controls. Reverse transcription (RT)-PCR measured levels of miRNA-122, miRNA-22, and miRNA-34a in serum samples of 335 patients and 19 healthy control participants. Liver injury and fibrosis in these patients were defined using aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index and AST-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) score. The miRNA pattern of HIV/HCV samples showed altered expression of 57 and 33 miRNA compared to HCV and HIV infection, respectively. miRNA-122, miRNA-22, and miRNA-34a were highly up-regulated in HIV/HCV patients. Analyzing the entire cohort, these miRNAs were correlated with liver function tests and were independent predictors of liver injury (AST >2 × ULN). miRNA-122 and miRNA-22 were associated with relevant fibrosis (FIB-4 >1.45; APRI >1). Circulating levels of miRNA-122 were independent predictors for relevant fibrosis in HIV patients. Interestingly, miRNA-122 and miRNA-34a levels were higher in HIV/HCV patients, miRNA-22 levels were highest in HIV/HBV patients, and circulating levels of miRNA-34a correlated positively with illicit drug use and ethanol consumption. CONCLUSION Circulating miRNA-122, miRNA-22, and miRNA-34a correlates with the etiology of liver injury in HIV patients. These biomarkers not only mirror different mechanisms of hepatic injury, but also are independent predictors of liver injury in HIV patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Evrim Anadol
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|