HIV infection, bone metabolism, and fractures

An Abnormal Inflammatory Pattern Associated with Long-Term Non-Progression of HIV Infection Impacts Negatively on Bone Quality

Introduction. Long-term non-progressors (LTNPs) are HIV-infected individuals (HIV+) whose viral replication is controlled. However, these individuals experience complications associated with HIV, among them, bone remodeling impairment. This study aims to perform a comprehensive bone health assessment and its association with the inflammatory status of HIV+ LTNPs. A cross-sectional study was conducted comparing bone strength components (bone mineral density and bone tissue quality) between age-, sex-, and comorbidities-matched groups of HIV+ LTNPs, HIV+ progressors, and HIV-negative individuals. A panel of bone turnover and inflammatory biomarkers was measured in fasting plasma using ELISA. Bone tissue quality was assessed by bone microindentation, a technique that directly measures the bone resistance to fracture and yields a dimensionless quantifiable parameter called bone material strength (BMSi). Thirty patients were included: ten LTNPs, ten HIV+ progressors, and ten HIV-negative individuals. LTNPs showed an abnormal pattern of immune activation that was represented by significantly lower levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 (p = 0.03), pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-8 (p = 0.01), and TNF-α (p < 0.001) with respect to the other groups. Regarding bone health, LTNPs presented lower BMSi, and thus, worse bone tissue quality than HIV-negative individuals (83 (78−85) vs. 90 (89−93), respectively; p = 0.003), and also lower BMSi than HIV+ progressors (83 (78−85) vs. 86 (85−89), respectively; p = 0.022). A trend was found of lower BMSi in HIV+ progressors with respect to the HIV-negative individuals (86 (85−89) vs. 90 (89−93), respectively; p = 0.083). No differences were detected in bone mineral density between groups. In conclusion, LTNPs showed a different inflammatory profile, along with worse bone tissue quality, when compared to HIV+ progressors and HIV-negative individuals. This may contribute to increasing evidence that HIV infection itself has a deleterious effect on bone tissue, likely through a persistent altered inflammation status.

How Do Drugs Affect the Skeleton? Implications for Forensic Anthropology

Simple Summary

Forensic anthropologists analyze human remains to assist in the identification of the deceased, predominantly by assessing age-at-death, sex, stature, ancestry and any unique identifying features. Whilst methods have been established to create this biological profile of the skeleton, these may be influenced by a number of factors. This paper, for the first time, provides an overview from a reading of the clinical and pharmacological literature to explore whether the intake of drugs can affect the skeleton and whether these may have implications for forensic anthropology casework. In effect, drugs such as tobacco, heroin, and prescription medications can alter bone mineral density, can increase the risk of fractures, destroy bone and changes to the dentition. By considering how drugs can affect the skeleton, forensic anthropologists can be aware of this when attempting to identify the deceased.

Abstract

Forensic anthropologists rely on a number of parameters when analyzing human skeletal remains to assist in the identification of the deceased, predominantly age-at-death, sex, stature, ancestry or population affinity, and any unique identifying features. During the examination of human remains, it is important to be aware that the skeletal features considered when applying anthropological methods may be influenced and modified by a number of factors, and particular to this article, prescription drugs (including medical and non-medical use) and other commonly used drugs. In view of this, this paper aims to review the medical, clinical and pharmacological literature to enable an assessment of those drug groups that as side effects have the potential to have an adverse effect on the skeleton, and explore whether or not they can influence the estimation of age-at-death, sex and other indicators of the biological profile. Moreover, it may be that the observation of certain alterations or inconsistencies in the skeleton may relate to the use of drugs or medication, and this in turn may help narrow down the list of missing persons to which a set of human remains could belong. The information gathered from the clinical and medical literature has been extracted with a forensic anthropological perspective and provides an awareness on how several drugs, such as opioids, cocaine, corticosteroids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, alcohol, tobacco and others have notable effects on bone. Through different mechanisms, drugs can alter bone mineral density, causing osteopenia, osteoporosis, increase the risk of fractures, osteonecrosis, and oral changes. Not much has been written on the influence of drugs on the skeleton from the forensic anthropological practitioner perspective; and this review, in spite of its limitations and the requirement of further research, aims to investigate the current knowledge of the possible effects of both prescription and recreational drugs on bones, contributing to providing a better awareness in forensic anthropological practice and assisting in the identification process of the deceased.

Current Considerations for Clinical Management and Care of People with HIV: Findings from the 11th Annual International HIV and Aging Workshop

The number of people with HIV (PWH) aged 50 years or older continues to steadily increase. The convergence of age- and HIV-related complications in these individuals presents a challenge for both patients and clinicians alike. New findings continue to emerge, as numerous researchers evaluate the combined impact of these two factors on quality of life, physiological systems, and mental health in PWH. Since its first occurrence in 2009, the International Workshop on HIV and Aging has served as a multidisciplinary meeting to share basic biomedical data, clinical trial results, treatment strategies, and epidemiological recommendations, toward better understanding and outcomes among like-minded scientific professionals. In this article, we share a selection of key findings presented in plenary talks at the 11th Annual International Workshop on HIV and Aging, held virtually from September 30, 2020 to October 2, 2020. We will also address the future directions of HIV and aging research, to further assess how the aging process intersects with chronic HIV.

Association of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate exposure with chronic kidney disease and osteoporotic fracture in US veterans with HIV

BACKGROUND

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-based regimens have been associated with impaired kidney function and loss of bone mineral density among patients living with HIV (PLWH). We assess the association between TDF exposure and the odds of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and osteoporotic fracture in HIV patients.

METHODS

Demographics, administrative claims, and pharmacy dispensation were extracted from the Veterans Affairs Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI). Patients were categorized based on TDF utilization. Incidence rates for patients exposed and unexposed to TDF were calculated per 1000 patient-years (PYs). Logistic regression was used to calculate the odds of outcome after adjusting for baseline and clinical characteristics.

RESULTS

The sample included 4,630 PLWH who were currently exposed to TDF and 1,181 who were never exposed to TDF for the CKD analyses. For fracture analyses, the sample included 6,883 PLWH who were currently exposed to TDF and 1,951 who were never exposed to TDF. In adjusted models, current TDF exposure was associated with increased odds of CKD compared to never having been exposed (OR: 1.48, 95% CI: 1.18-1.85). Odds of fracture were 2.32 times higher for patients who were currently on a TDF regimen (OR: 2.32, 95% CI: 1.58-3.42) compared to those who had never been exposed to TDF in adjusted models.

CONCLUSIONS

In a large cohort of US veterans with HIV, current exposure to TDF was associated with a 48% higher odds of CKD and a greater than two-fold increase in the odds of osteoporotic fracture.

Cortical Bone Material Strength Index and Bone Microarchitecture in Postmenopausal Women With Atypical Femoral Fractures

Atypical femoral fractures are rare fractures that occur in the subtrochanteric or diaphyseal region of the femur with minimal or no trauma. Though the association of atypical femoral fractures (AFFs) and bisphosphonate (BP) use is a growing concern in the management of osteoporosis, currently there is little knowledge about which patients may be at risk for an atypical femoral fracture. Given that these fractures initiate in the femoral cortex, we aimed to determine whether cortical bone tissue properties (bone material strength index; BMSi), as measured by in vivo impact microindentation, are altered in atypical fracture patients. We also aimed to identify factors associated with the BMSi measurements. We enrolled postmenopausal women with recent AFFs (n = 15) or hip fractures (Hip Fxs; n = 20), long-term (>5 years) BP users (n = 30), and treatment naïve controls (n = 88). We measured total hip and femoral neck BMD by DXA, cortical bone microstructure at the distal tibia by HR-pQCT, and BMSi at the midtibia by impact microindentation. BMSi values were similar in all groups, with no effects of long-term BP use or lower values in patients with AFFs or Hip Fxs, even after multivariable adjustment. BMSi measurements were independent of age, femoral BMD, duration of BP treatment, vitamin D level, and cortical bone microstructure, including cortical porosity and cortical tissue mineral density. In conclusion, impact microindentation values are not negatively affected by long-term BP use and do not appear to discriminate individuals who suffer AFFs. Thus, our results do not support clinical use of impact microindentation to identify those at risk for AFFs. This remains to be verified in larger studies. © 2018 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Extensive dental caries in a HIV positive adult patient on ART; case report and literature review

BACKGROUND

The estimated number of people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PLHIV) in Uganda is 1.5 million (7.3%). As of June 2016, 60% (898,197) of PLHIV were enrolled and receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). In scientific literature, the effect of HIV and ART on dental caries remains equivocal. At the Prosthetics Clinic of the Department of Dentistry, Makerere University College of Health Sciences, we have seen a number of PLHIV who require replacement of missing teeth with partial or complete dentures as a result of extensive caries. Here we report a case of an HIV positive female patient with extensive dental caries resulting in complete edentulous jaws, associated with psychological stress and stigmatization.

CASE PRESENTATION

A 52-year-old patient, HIV positive for fourteen (14) years and receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) for the last four years wanted to replace her missing teeth for effective feeding and cosmetic reasons. A diagnosis of partially edentulous maxillary and mandibular arches, cervical caries of tooth # 12, 15, 25, 34 and retained roots of tooth # 11, 13, 22 and 35 was made. Following oral health education and mouth preparation, this patient received a set of removable acrylic full upper and lower dentures.

CONCLUSION

This case may represent the long-term effects of HIV and ART on oral health status especially tooth surfaces in some PLHIV. Further evaluation is required to ascertain if this was an isolated case or it is a common finding among HIV positive adult patients receiving long-term ART in sub-Saharan Africa. Information emerging from these studies would establish the magnitude of dental caries among PLHIV and guide the development of appropriate oral health care guidelines in the management of people living with HIV.

High Prevalence of Sarcopenia in HIV-Infected Individuals

Background

Sarcopenia is a geriatric syndrome that leads to a loss of functionality and mortality.

Methods

We assessed the prevalence of sarcopenia in HIV-infected patients attended in our HIV Unit who had at least two DXA scans from 2000 to 2016 (1,720 DXA scans from 860 individuals). Sarcopenia was determinate according to appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASM) calculated as the ratio between skeletal muscle mass index (SMI) by DXA and height² (kg/m²). We stratified patients by gender and age (<40, 41-50, and >50 years) and according to the interval between DXAs (≤3, 3-7, 7-10, >10 years). The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 19.

Results

Median (IQR) age was 52 (47; 57) years, and 76% were male. The median (IQR) time with HIV infection was 8 (3; 15) years. The prevalence of sarcopenia was 25.7% (95% CI, 22.8-28.7), more prevalent in those aged >50 years (27.8%). Stratifying by gender, 43% of women aged >50 years presented sarcopenia compared with 8.8% of men. The frequency of sarcopenia increased from 37.6% to 49.4% when interval between DXA was 7-10 years (n=109), significantly higher in women than in men (p=0.016). In addition to the traditional risk factors, time with HIV infection was associated with sarcopenia [RR 1.780 (95% CI, 1.314-2.411), p=0.001].

Conclusion

The prevalence and progression of sarcopenia in HIV-infected patients were high, mainly among women. Further studies are necessary to assess the best approaches to prevent this condition and its consequences.

Interferon-Gamma-Mediated Osteoimmunology

Osteoimmunology is the interdiscipline that focuses on the relationship between the skeletal and immune systems. They are interconnected by shared signal pathways and cytokines. Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) plays important roles in immune responses and bone metabolism. IFN-γ enhances macrophage activation and antigen presentation. It regulates antiviral and antibacterial immunity as well as signal transduction. IFN-γ can promote osteoblast differentiation and inhibit bone marrow adipocyte formation. IFN-γ plays dual role in osteoclasts depending on its stage. Furthermore, IFN-γ is an important pathogenetic factor in some immune-mediated bone diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, postmenopausal osteoporosis, and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. This review will discuss the contradictory findings of IFN-γ in osteoimmunology and its clinical application potential.

Premature Spinal Bone Loss in Women Living with HIV is Associated with Shorter Leukocyte Telomere Length

With advances in combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), people living with HIV are now surviving to experience aging. Evidence suggests that individuals living with HIV are at greater risk for low bone mineral density (BMD), osteoporosis, and fractures. Better understanding of the pathophysiology of bone health in women living with HIV (WLWH) is important for treatment strategies. The goal of this study was to explore new biological factors linked to low BMD in WLWH. Standardized BMD measures of WLWH were compared to reference values from an unselected population of women from the same geographical region of the same age range. Linear regression analysis was used to assess relationships among health-related characteristics, cellular aging (measured by leukocyte telomere length; LTL), cART, and BMD of WLWH. WLWH (n = 73; mean age 43 ± 9 years) had lower BMD Z-scores at the lumbar spine (LS) (mean difference = -0.39, p < 0.001) and total hip (TH) (-0.29, p = 0.012) relative to controls (n = 290). WLWH between 50 and 60 years (n = 17) had lower Z-scores at the LS (p = 0.008) and TH (p = 0.027) compared to controls (n = 167). Among WLWH, LS BMD was significantly associated with LTL (R² = 0.09, p = 0.009) and BMI (R² = 0.06, p = 0.042). Spinal BMD was adversely affected in WLWH. Reduction of LTL was strongly associated with lower BMD and may relate to its pathophysiology and premature aging in WLWH.

How do skeletons with HIV present? A study on the identified CAL Milano Cemetery Skeletal Collection

With the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) pandemic, the study of HIV/AIDS on bones has become of pivotal interest for research in bone pathologies, forensic applications (especially in the matter of identification when confronted to antemortem data) and medical purposes. In this paper, we document and discuss the macroscopic lesions found on the skeletons of nine individuals with known HIV, including four with known AIDS, coming from the identified CAL Milano Cemetery Skeletal Collection. As a result, several types of lesions were observed on bones: periosteal new bone formation, dental lesions, thickening of the frontal diploë, destructive localized porosity and evidence of trauma. None of the lesions reported can be directly linked to HIV because the virus does not directly affect bones in a macroscopic way. However, HIV/AIDS-induced infections and inflammations and HIV-related risk factors may leave bone markers. The differential diagnosis of each of the lesions noted in this research and its potential link to HIV or AIDS was discussed. Although it is not possible to diagnose HIV on bare bones, this was not the focus of this study. To our knowledge, no anthropological study has ever been performed on known HIV individuals. With this paper, we present for the first time skeletons with known HIV.

Dental enamel development defects in children and adolescents with HIV infection: case-control study

To determine the frequency of Enamel Development Defects (DDE) and associated factors in children and adolescents infected with HIV. A case-control study was conducted in HIV-infected patients (n = 52), aged 3 to 15, and a control group formed by preschool and schoolchildren (n = 104) matched according to gender, age and household income. Data on medical history, neonatal and maternal conditions were obtained. For diagnosis of enamel defects was used modified DDE Index. DDE frequency was 61.5% in the case group and 58.7% in the control group (p = 0.569). Infection of the genitourinary tract and maternal hemorrhage were factors associated with DDE in the case and control groups, respectively. An association was observed between the use of antiretroviral regimens with protease inhibitors or efavirenz and DDE in the permanent dentition. Children and adolescents HIV-infected showed a DDE frequency similar to healthy patients, but factors associated with this condition were different between the groups.

HIV and Orthopaedics: Musculoskeletal Manifestations and Outcomes

➤Advances in combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) in recent years have transformed HIV infection into a chronic disease when treatment is available, increasing a patient's life expectancy and the chances that orthopaedic surgeons will encounter such patients in their clinical practice.➤Musculoskeletal manifestations in patients with HIV infection are common and sometimes are the initial presentation of the disease. Knowledge about neoplasms and associated conditions affecting muscle, bones, and joints is essential for successful management.➤Since the advent of cART, total joint arthroplasty has been shown to be a safe procedure; however, perioperative infection is still a small risk in patients with uncontrolled viral loads or CD4 counts of <400 cells/mm(3).➤With regard to trauma surgery, the rates of early and late infection around implants, as well as union rates, are comparable with those in the HIV-negative population; however, there is an increased risk of pulmonary, renal, and infectious or septic complications in the polytrauma setting.➤Factors such as CD4 count, nutritional status, cART therapy, viral load count, and other comorbidities (hemophilia, infection among intravenous drug users, etc.) should be considered when treating these patients in order to optimize their clinical outcomes.