NNRTI and Liver Damage: Evidence of Their Association and the Mechanisms Involved

Efficacy, safety, and anti-inflammatory properties of the switch to a doravirine-based regimen among antiretroviral-experienced elderly people living with HIV-1: the DORAGE cohort

Doravirine (DOR) is a novel antiretroviral agent with a favorable resistance profile and high tolerability. However, evidence is limited on DOR among elderly people living with HIV (PLWH) and whether it might modulate chronic inflammation. We aimed to investigate the efficacy, safety, and tolerability of DOR as a switching strategy among elderly PLWH and its impact on chronic inflammation in a real-life setting. We recruited a cohort of ART-experienced PLWH undergoing a therapeutic switch to a DOR-based regimen under virologic control (defined as HIV-RNA <200 copies/mL), regardless of the previous ART regimen. The primary objective was the evaluation of the rate of virologic control at 48 weeks post-switch. Secondary objectives included analyzing immune and metabolic outcomes. Plasmatic hs-CRP, IL-6, and D-dimer levels were measured as chronic inflammation markers. Overall, 150 PLWH were screened, and 147 were enrolled into the study. A total of 134 PLWH completed the follow-up. The rate of virological control was 96.1% (122/134; CIs: 91.0%-98.7%) in the per-protocol analysis. After 48 weeks from the switch, we recorded significant reductions in serum fasting glycemia (P 0.019), triglycerides (P 0.024), and total cholesterol/HDL ratio (P 0.017); no clinically significant differences were detected in the body weight and BMI, as long as in immune, hepatic, and renal profiles. A significant reduction in IL-6 (P 0.019) and hs-CRP (P 0.019) was observed. DOR is an effective and safe treatment choice for elderly PLWH. The intriguing modulatory effect of DOR-based regimens on chronic systemic inflammation deserves further investigation.

Switching to Bictegravir/Emtricitabine/Tenofovir Alafenamide Fumarate Regimen and Its Effect on Liver Steatosis Assessed by Fibroscan

BACKGROUND

Antiretroviral therapy has transformed HIV infection from a fatal disease to a chronic and manageable condition, but increasing health issues beyond acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, such as metabolic, liver, and cardiovascular diseases, have been observed. Furthermore, the increasing prevalence of HIV strains resistant to older antiretroviral regimens has necessitated a re-evaluation of treatment strategies.

METHODS

We performed a retrospective, observational study to evaluate the long-term outcomes of an antiretroviral switch from a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor-based to bictegravir-based regimen; this study aimed to assess the impact of this antiretroviral switch on treatment adherence, the safety profile, and virologic outcomes. The secondary objectives were to analyze the changes in lipid, kidney function, liver function, and anthropometric parameters after switching.

RESULTS

A total of 25 patients were included in this analysis; virologic suppression was maintained over time, with 100% of patients demonstrating undetectable viral loads at 6, 12, 24, and 36 months. In parallel, a significant increase in CD4+ cell count was observed after switching. No significant differences were observed compared to the previous therapy regarding anthropometric parameters or laboratory parameters. However, a significant reduction in liver steatosis, as assessed by Fibroscan, was observed.

CONCLUSIONS

bictegravir-based regimens are a valid therapeutic option for people living with HIV, particularly for those with metabolic comorbidities.

Optimizing cardiometabolic risk in people living with human immunodeficiency virus: A deep dive into an important risk enhancer

Effective antiretroviral therapy (ART) is now nearly ubiquitous. However, the survival benefits conferred with ART contribute to an aging human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) population and increased risk of chronic diseases, like atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Furthermore, HIV is a known risk enhancer of ASCVD and acknowledged as such in the current 2018 AHA/ACC Blood Cholesterol guidelines [1]. This makes cardiovascular risk factor identification and modification among people living with HIV (PLWH) of increasing importance to prevent cardiovascular events. In this review, we aim to summarize the epidemiology and pathogenesis of how HIV is linked to atherogenesis and to discuss cardiometabolic risk factor modification specific to PLWH, covering obesity, hypertension, insulin resistance, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, and dyslipidemia.

Association between the CYP2B6 polymorphisms and nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors drug-induced liver injury: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Nevirapine (NVP) and Efavirenz (EFV) can cause antiretroviral drug-induced liver injury (ARVDILI). The objectives of this study were to summarize and analyze existing data on pharmacogenomics associated with nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors drug-induced liver injury using systematic review and meta-analysis. This study systematically searched the relevant studies regarding pharmacogenes related to ARVDILI from online databases. Genes-encoding proteins were further analyzed using the STRING program to determine the protein-protein interactions (PPI). CYP2B6 polymorphisms were further meta-analyzed. Seventeen genes have been shown to be significantly associated with ARVDILI. Illustration from STRING analysis, CYP2B6, CYP1A1, and CYP2D6 enzymes have been recognized as central proteins linked to all other analyzed proteins. Meta-analysis illustrated that CYP2B6 *1/*6 (OR = 1.83; 95% CI: 1.15-2.90; P = 0.01), *6/*6 (OR = 2.48; 95% CI: 1.28-4.79; P = 0.007), and *1/*6 plus *6/*6 (OR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.24-3.01; P = 0.003) were associated with risks of EFV-induced liver injury. Moreover, CYP2B6 *1/*6 (OR = 0.44; 95% CI: 0.22-0.91; P = 0.03) and a group combining individuals with either *1/*6 or *6/*6 (OR = 0.42; 95% CI: 0.21-0.84; P = 0.01) were associated with reduced risks of NVP-induced liver injury. This meta-analysis revealed an association between CYP2B6 genetic polymorphism and susceptibility to ARVDILI.

Rapid identification of novel indolylarylsulfone derivatives as potent HIV-1 NNRTIs via miniaturized CuAAC click-chemistry-based combinatorial libraries

This article presents the rapid identification of novel indolylarylsulfone (IAS) derivatives as potent non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs) for HIV-1 through a miniaturized click-chemistry-based combinatorial library approach. Utilizing copper(i)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (CuAAC), a reliable and biocompatible click chemistry technique, the researchers synthesized and characterized a series of IAS derivatives. Several compounds selected through the in situ enzyme inhibition assay demonstrated promising activity in subsequent cellular level tests. Notably, compound C1N4 displayed the most potent anti-HIV-1 IIIB activity with an EC50 of 0.024 μM and low cytotoxicity (CC50 > 215.88 μM). Molecular docking studies provided insights into the binding mode of these novel compounds within the NNIBP, aiding in the structure-based design of future NNRTIs. The findings underscore the potential of click chemistry in the discovery of new anti-HIV agents with improved efficacy and safety profiles.

Challenges and Opportunities for Consideration of Efavirenz Drug Repurposing for Alzheimer's Disease Therapeutics

Therapeutic research and development for Alzheimer's disease (AD) has been an area of intense research to alleviate memory loss and neurodegeneration. There is growing interest in drug repositioning and repurposing strategies for FDA-approved medications as potential candidates that may further advance AD therapeutics. The FDA drug efavirenz has been investigated as a candidate drug for repurposing as an AD medication. The proposed mechanism of action of efavirenz (at low doses) is the activation of the neuron-specific enzyme CYP46A1 that converts excess brain cholesterol into 24-hydroxycholesterol (24-HC) that is exported to the periphery. Efavirenz at a low dose was found to improve memory deficit in the 5XFAD model of AD that was accompanied by elevated 24-HC and reduction in Aβ; furthermore, efavirenz reduced pTau and excess cholesterol levels in human iPSC-derived Alzheimer's neurons. The low dose of efavirenz used in the AD mouse model to increase 24-HC contrasts with the use of more than 100-fold higher doses of efavirenz for clinical treatment of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through inhibition of reverse transcriptase. Low doses of efavirenz may avoid neurotoxic adverse effects that occur at high efavirenz doses used for HIV treatment. This review evaluates the drug properties of efavirenz with respect to its preclinical data on regulating memory deficit, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, metabolites, and genetic variabilities in drug metabolism as well as its potential adverse effects. These analyses discuss the challenges and questions that should be addressed in future studies to consider the opportunity for low dose efavirenz as a candidate for AD drug development.

Investigation of etravirine uptake and distribution in single aortic endothelial cells in vitro using Raman imaging

Etravirine (ETV) is an antiretroviral agent that belongs to the class of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors. This study explores the uptake and distribution of ETV in human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs) using Raman spectroscopy combined with chemometrics. The distinctive chemical structure of ETV facilitates tracking of its uptake by observing the Raman band at 2225 cm-1 in the Raman-silent region. The perinuclear distribution pattern in HAECs depends on drug concentration and incubation time. The uptake of ETV is observed within 5 minutes at a concentration of 10 μM, as evidenced by Raman images. Lower ETV concentrations, reflective of those found in human plasma, are detectable in HAECs by applying chemometric methods to Raman spectra from the perinuclear region. The ETV accumulation process is crucial in advancing our understanding of the drug's impact on biochemical alterations within endothelial cells. Additionally, ETV emerges as a promising Raman reporter for marking subcellular compartments, leveraging the 2225 cm-1 band in the cellular Raman silent region. This research contributes valuable insights into the behavior of ETV at the subcellular level, shedding light on its potential applications and impact on subcellular dynamics.

Evaluating Hepatotoxicity: A Comparative Analysis of New Generation versus Historical Antiretroviral Agents

(1) Background: Since the advent of zidovudine in 1987, antiretroviral therapy has undergone significant evolution, marked by the introduction of 34 antiretroviral drugs and 24 fixed-dose combinations. Despite these advances, hepatotoxicity remains a formidable challenge, influencing morbidity, mortality, and treatment adherence in HIV-infected patients. This study aims to compare the hepatotoxic effects of latest-generation antiretroviral medications with those of older-generation therapies, assessing their long-term impact on liver health in HIV patients. (2) Methods: This retrospective study analyzed data from 304 HIV patients treated with either latest-generation or older-generation antiretroviral drugs over four years. Patients were monitored for hepatotoxicity through liver function tests at diagnosis, six months, and one-year post-treatment initiation. (3) Results: Initial and six-month liver function tests showed no significant differences between the two groups. However, at one-year post-treatment, patients on latest-generation antiretrovirals exhibited significant improvements in ALT, AST, and ALP levels, suggesting a better safety profile regarding hepatotoxicity. Additionally, a significantly lower incidence of splenomegaly was observed in patients treated with newer medications. (4) Conclusions: The findings suggest that the latest-generation antiretroviral medications may offer a safer profile in terms of hepatotoxicity compared to older therapies, with potential benefits for long-term liver health. This study underscores the importance of continuous monitoring and further research to optimize ART strategies, ensuring improved patient outcomes and quality of life for individuals living with HIV.

IKAROS expression drives the aberrant metabolic phenotype of macrophages in chronic HIV infection

The increased risk for acquiring secondary illnesses in people living with HIV (PLWH) has been associated with immune dysfunction. We have previously found that circulating monocytes from PLWH display a trained phenotype. Here, we evaluated the metabolic profile of these cells and found increased mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis of monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) from PLWH. We additionally found that cART shifted the energy metabolism of MDMs from controls toward increased utilization of mitochondrial respiration. Importantly, both downregulation of IKAROS expression and inhibition of the mTOR pathway reversed the metabolic profile of MDMs from PLWH and cART-treated control-MDMs. Altogether, this study reveals a very specific metabolic adaptation of MDMs from PLWH, which involves an IKAROS/mTOR-dependent increase of mitochondrial respiration and glycolysis. We propose that this metabolic adaptation decreases the ability of these cells to respond to environmental cues by "locking" PLWH monocytes in a pro-inflammatory and activated phenotype.

Hepatoprotective effect of methanol fruit extract of Punica granatum L in highly active antiretroviral therapy-induced toxicity in Wistar rats

Prolonged use of Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) has been linked to toxicity, particularly hepatotoxicity. There are few effective drugs for HAART patients that promote hepatic cell regeneration and prevent liver injury. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the hepato-protective activity of Methanol fruit extract of Punica granatum (MFEPG) in HAART-administered rats. Thirty rats weighing between 150-200 g were randomly divided into six groups and each group comprised of five rats. Distilled water was given to the rats in group one. Only HAART was given to the rats in group two. MFEPG at doses of 100 and 400 mg/kg was given to the rats in groups three and four. MFEPG dosages of 100 and 400 mg/kg along with HAART were given to the rats in groups five and six, respectively. All treatments were via oral gavage daily for 40 days. Under halothane anesthesia, all rats were sacrificed on day 41. Liver tissues were utilized for lipid peroxidation marker; Malondialdehyde (MDA), antioxidant enzymes; Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) and histological evaluation, while blood samples were examined for biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, ALP, Total cholesterol, Total protein, and Albumin). The HAART-treated group exhibited a significantly higher amount of the lipid peroxidation end product; MDA, and significantly lower levels of antioxidant enzymes; SOD, and CAT. Liver enzymes and total cholesterol were significantly increased with a significant reduction in Total protein and Albumin levels in the HAART-treated group. Conversely, the liver function biomarkers were returned to normal levels in the HAART and MFEPG-treated groups. Histopathological studies revealed that when HAART-exposed rats were treated with MFEPG, both the biochemical and histological results significantly improved. Thus, the antioxidant activity of MFEPG provides protection against HAART-induced liver oxidative damage. More research is needed to determine the safety of using MFEPG in humans.

Protective and Ameliorative Effects of Hydroethanolic Extract of Piper nigrum (L.) Stem against Antiretroviral Therapy-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Dyslipidemia in Wistar Rats

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) has revolutionized the lives of people living with HIV/AIDS by overall improving their quality of life and increasing life expectancy. However, ART-associated hepatotoxicity and metabolic disorders in HIV/AIDS patients are growing concerns to clinicians, especially due to the long-term use of the drugs. This study reported on the phytochemical and pharmacological profile of hydroethanolic extracts of Piper nigrum stem (PNS) and evaluated its protective effect against tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz (TLE)-induced hepatotoxicity and dyslipidemia in Wistar rats. Cytotoxic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory assays were performed on PNS. Thirty-six rats divided into 6 groups of 6 animals/group were administered: distilled water, 17 mg/kg TLE, 17 mg/kg TLE and 100 mg/kg silymarin, 17 mg/kg TLE, and Piper extract (200 mg/kg, 400 mg/kg, or 800 mg/kg) orally for 28 days. The body weight of animals was recorded every 7 days. On Day 29, the rats were sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for hematological and biochemical tests. Portions of the liver and kidneys were collected for histological evaluation, while liver homogenates were prepared from the rest to measure antioxidant enzymes. PNS possessed in vitro cytotoxic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. A significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the body weight of rats treated with PNS was observed. A significant high platelet count (p < 0.05) was observed in the PNS800 mg/kg group. A considerable decrease in alkaline phosphatase and triglycerides was observed in the silymarin and PNS group compared to the TLE-only group. The findings also show a significant increase in catalase and glutathione in the TLE-only group compared to the normal group, while SOD decreased. Histological observations revealed normal hepatic and renal tissues in the silymarin, and PNS-treated groups compared to the normal control, while leucocyte infiltration was observed in the TLE-only group. These results suggest that PNS extract possessed antioxidant activity that alleviated TLE-induced toxicity. Further studies are necessary to understand the pharmacokinetic interactions between ART and PNS.

Antiretroviral Therapy in Pregnancy: A 2023 Review of the Literature

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Selection of antiretroviral therapy during pregnancy must consider maternal physiology and resulting pharmacokinetic changes in pregnancy, resistance and efficacy profiles, tolerability and frequency of adverse effects, teratogenicity, and maternal, neonatal, and pregnancy outcomes. The objective of this review is to summarize the underlying data that informs the current clinical perinatal guidelines in the USA.

RECENT FINDINGS

Data now supports the use of dolutegravir at all stages of pregnancy with no significant increase in neural tube defects. Safety and pharmacokinetic data on newer antiretroviral medications in pregnancy continue to lag behind the general population. While there are multiple safety and tolerability concerns with older regimens, there are now multiple options of regimens that are highly efficacious and have good safety data in pregnancy. Most pregnant patients who are virally suppressed on a well-tolerated regimen are able to safely continue those medications during pregnancy.

TERT single nucleotide polymorphism rs2736098 but not rs2736100 is associated with telomere length in HIV-infected patients on cART

BACKGROUND

Continuous application of "combination antiretroviral therapy" (cART) has transformed Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection into a manageable chronic disease; however, due to lasting inflammation and cumulative toxicity, progressive pathophysiological changes do occur and potentially lead to accelerated aging, among others, contributing to telomere shortening. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs2736100 and rs2736098 are particularly important for human telomerase (TERT) gene expression. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of clinical parameters and single nucleotide polymorphisms in TERT (rs2736100 and rs2736098) on telomere length in HIV-infected patients.

METHODS AND RESULTS

This cross-sectional study included 176 patients diagnosed with HIV infection. Relative telomere length (RTL) was determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), whereas genotyping was performed by polymerase chain reaction, followed by restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis (PCR-RFLP). The mean age of the patients (p = .904), time since HIV diagnosis (p = .220), therapy-related variables such as the cART regimen (0.761), and total cART duration (p = .096) did not significantly affect RTL. TERT rs2736100 genotype showed no association with RTL. However, TERT rs2736098 heterozygotes (GA) had significantly longer telomeres (P = .049) than both homozygotes (GG and AA).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings support the fact that cellular aging in HIV-infected patients is influenced by the TERT rs2736098 polymorphism.

Hepatic steatosis in people older and younger than fifty who are living with HIV and HIV-negative controls: A cross-sectional study nested within the POPPY cohort

BACKGROUND

Hepatic steatosis is a major cause of chronic liver disease associated with several negative health outcomes. We compared the prevalence of and factors associated with steatosis in people living with and without HIV.

METHODS

Older (>50 years) and younger (<50 years) people with HIV and older HIV-negative controls (>50 years) underwent liver transient elastography examination with controlled attenuation parameter (steatosis ≥238 dB/m, moderate/severe steatosis ≥280 dB/m, liver fibrosis ≥7.1 kPa). We compared groups using logistic regression/Chi-squared/Fisher's exact/Kruskal-Wallis tests.

RESULTS

In total, 317 participants (109 older people with HIV; 101 younger people with HIV; 107 HIV-negative controls) were predominantly white (86%) and male (76%), and 21% were living with obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2 ). Most (97%) people with HIV had undetectable HIV RNA. The prevalence of fibrosis was 8.4%, 3.0%, and 6.5% in the three groups, respectively (p = 0.26). Fibrosis was predominately (>65%) mild. The prevalence of steatosis was the same in older people with HIV (66.4%) and controls (66.4%) but lower in younger people with HIV (37.4%; p < 0.001). After adjustment, younger people with HIV were less likely to have steatosis (odds ratio [OR] 0.26; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.14-0.52) than controls, but male sex (OR 2.45; 95% CI 1.20-4.50) and high waist-to-hip ratio (OR 3.04; 95% CI 1.74-5.33) were associated with an increased odds of steatosis. We found no association between steatosis and HIV-related variables.

CONCLUSIONS

The prevalence of hepatic steatosis and fibrosis was similar between older participants regardless of HIV status. Age, sex, and abdominal obesity, but not HIV-related variables, were associated with steatosis. Interventions for controlling obesity should be integrated into routine HIV care.

Impact of Combination Antiretroviral Treatment on Liver Metabolic Health in HIV-Infected Persons

In the last three decades, there has been a considerable improvement in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) therapy. Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) is no longer a common cause of death for people living with HIV (PLWH) in developed countries, and co-infections with hepatitis viruses can be effectively managed. However, metabolic syndrome and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are emerging threats these days, especially as the HIV-positive population gets older. The factors for MASLD development in PLWH are numerous, including non-specific (common for both HIV-positive and negative) and virus-specific. We focus on what is known for both, and in particular, on the burden of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for metabolic health and liver damage. We review data on contemporary drugs, including different groups and some particular agents in those groups. Among current ART regimens, the switch from tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) to tenofovir alafenamide fumarate (TAF) and particularly its combination with integrase inhibitors (INSTIs) appear to have the most significant impact on metabolic disturbances by increasing insulin resistance, which over the years promotes the evolution of the cascade leading to metabolic syndrome (MetS), MASLD, and eventually metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).

4-Phenylcoumarin derivatives as new HIV-1 NNRTIs: Design, synthesis, biological activities, and computational studies

A series of 4-phenylcoumarin derivatives was synthesized and evaluated for their cellular anti-HIV-1 and HIV-2 activities as well as their inhibitory effects against HIV-1 reverse transcriptase (RT). The hydrazone compound 8b and the ethylthiosemicarbazide derivative 4c showed the best inhibition activity against wild-type (WT) HIV-1. The promising compounds were further evaluated against HIV-1 RT and exhibited significant inhibitory activity with compound 8b showing comparable effect to the reference NNRTI Efavirenz (IC50 = 9.01 nM). Structure activity relationship study revealed the importance of 6-chloro and 4-phenyl substituents for optimum activity, as well as the 5-atoms linker (=N-NH-CO-CH2-O-) at position 7 of coumarin scaffold that can support the rotation and flexibility of compound 8b to fit well in the binding pocket. The molecular docking of compound 8b demonstrated a typical seahorse binding mode with better binding interactions that covered more residues when compared to Efavirenz.

Safety of low dose efavirenz regimen in Indian adults with HIV-1 infection: Insights from a phase 4 interventional randomised trial

BACKGROUND

A randomized interventional phase 4 study in the Indian population confirmed the non-inferiority of the combination tenofovir/lamivudine/efavirenz (TLE)-400 to TLE600. The current manuscript describes in detail the safety profile and patient-reported safety outcomes obtained from the phase 4 study.

METHODS

This investigation was part of a phase 4 non-inferiority study with a blinded assessment, conducted across 17 sites in India. The duration of the study was 24 weeks. Safety endpoints assessed included all the adverse events (AEs) related to the study treatment (TLE400 and TLE600). The depression anxiety stress 21-item scale questionnaire and efavirenz-related symptom questionnaire were also used to measure depression, anxiety, stress, and patient experience.

RESULTS

A total of 68 patients (52.3%) reported 261 AEs and 87 patients (64.9%) reported 379 AEs related to study treatment in TLE400 group and TLE600 group respectively, P = .037. The reported AEs associated with central nervous system disorders were lower in the TLE400 group with 41 patients (31.5%) to 61 patients (45.5%) in the TLE600 group. The change from mean baseline value for depression anxiety stress 21-item scale at week 28 in TLE400 group and TLE600 group was -5.1 and -6.2 respectively. Similarly, the mean change from baseline score of efavirenz-related symptoms at week 28 in TLE400 group and TLE600 group were -5.1 and -4.1 respectively.

CONCLUSION

The low dose efavirenz (400 mg) in combination with tenofovir and lamivudine had a better safety and tolerability profile than the standard dose of efavirenz (600 mg) in combination with tenofovir and lamivudine. Thus, low dose efavirenz should be preferred over the standard dose.

Association between Combination Antiretroviral Therapy and Telomere Length in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Long-term exposure to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) may be associated with accelerated ageing. Telomere length is considered to be reliable aging biomarker. The aim of this study was to compare patients' relative telomere length (RTL) between and within different cART classes and to estimate the impact of certain HIV-related variables on RTL. The study was conducted in 176 HIV-infected male patients receiving cART, with ≤50 copies HIV RNA/mL plasma. RTL was determined from mononuclear cells by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Standard statistical tests and unsupervised machine learning were performed. The mean RTL was 2.50 ± 1.87. There was no difference (p = 0.761) in RTL between therapeutic groups: two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors as the backbone treatment, combined with either integrase inhibitor, protease inhibitor, or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). Machine learning results suggested duration of HIV infection, CD4+ T-cell count, and cART, including NNRTI, as potentially significant variables impacting RTL. Kendall's correlation test excluded duration of HIV infection (p = 0.220) and CD4+ T-cell count (p = 0.536) as significant. The Mann-Whitney test confirmed that cART containing NNRTI impacted RTL (p = 0.018). This was the first study to show that patients using efavirenz within cART had significantly shorter telomeres than patients using nevirapine.

Lipids and Transaminase in Antiretroviral-Treatment-Experienced People Living with HIV, Switching to a Doravirine-Based vs. a Rilpivirine-Based Regimen: Data from a Real-Life Setting

Doravirine (DOR) is a newly approved non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI). We aimed to investigate, in a real-life setting, how switching to a DOR-based regimen rather than a rilpivirine (RPV)-based regimen impacted metabolic and hepatic safety. The analysis included 551 antiretroviral treatment (ART)-experienced people living with HIV (PLWH), starting RPV-based or DOR-based regimens with viral load < 200 copies/mL, baseline (T0), and at least one control visit (6-month visit, T1). We enrolled 295 PLWH in the RPV and 256 in the DOR cohort. At T1, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-C (LDL-C), and triglycerides significantly decreased in both DOR and RPV cohorts, while high-density lipoprotein-C (HDL-C) only decreased in RPV-treated people. Consistently, the TC/HDL-C ratio declined more markedly in the DOR (-0.36, p < 0.0001) than in the RPV cohort (-0.08, p = 0.25) (comparison p = 0.39). Similar trends were observed when excluding the PLWH on lipid-lowering treatment from the analysis. People with normal alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels showed a slight ALT increase in both cohorts, and those with baseline ALT > 40 IU/L experienced a significant decline (-14 IU/L, p = 0.008) only in the DOR cohort. Lipid profile improved in both cohorts, and there was a significant reduction in ALT in PLWH with higher-than-normal baseline levels on DOR-based ART.

Efficacy and safety of ainuovirine versus efavirenz combination therapies with lamivudine/tenofovir disoproxil fumarate for medication of treatment-naïve HIV-1-positive adults: week 48 results of a randomized controlled phase 3 clinical trial followed by an open-label setting until week 96

Background

Ainuovirine (ANV) is a new non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI), which was initially synthesized in Korea and later further developed in both Korea and China.

Methods

A randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, positive parallel group, non-inferiority, phase 3 trial was conducted in 7 sites across China. Eligible HIV-1-positive antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naïve adults aged 18-65 years were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to receive tenofovir disoproxil fumarate and lamivudine (TDF+3TC) in combination with either ANV (ANV group) or efavirenz (EFV group) for up to 48 weeks. Subsequently, participants in both groups received one of the two drug combinations according to their choice until week 96 in an observational study under an open-label setting. The primary endpoint was the proportion of participants achieving HIV RNA <50 copies/mL at week 48, with non-inferiority pre-specified at a margin of 10%. The secondary efficacy endpoints were logarithmic changes in HIV RNA, percentage of participants with HIV RNA levels ≤400 copies/mL and changes in the CD4 T-cell count after 48 and 96 weeks of treatment, as well as the percentage of participants with HIV RNA levels <50 copies/mL at 96 weeks of treatment. Safety endpoints were the incidence of adverse events and laboratory abnormalities evaluated according to the Division of AIDS criteria. This study was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR1800019041).

Findings

Between November 27, 2018 and March 11, 2021, a total of 826 participants were screened, and 630 were finally enrolled and randomly assigned (1:1) to either ANV (n = 315) or EFV (n = 315) groups. The mean age was 30.6 ± 9.4 years and most participants were male (94.6%). At week 48, 274 (87.0%) of 315 participants in the ANV group and 288 (91.7%) of 314 in the EFV group achieved HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL and non-inferiority was established (difference: -4.7%, 95% CI: -9.6 to 0.1%). In the period, 293 participants continued to take the ANV regimen and 287 switched from the EFV to the ANV regimen. During the open-label period, 92.5% (271/293) of participants in the continued ANV group and 95.1% (273/287) in the ANV to EFV transfer group remained virologically suppressed (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL) at week 96 (p = 0.189). The incidence of NNRTI treatment-related adverse events (TEAEs) at week 48 was 67.6% in 315 participants in the ANV group, which was significantly lower than in 91.4% of 314 participants in the EFV group (p < 0.001). The most common TEAEs (weeks 0-48) were dizziness (10.5%) and dyslipidemia (22.2%) in the ANV group vs. 51.0% and 34.4% in the EFV group, respectively, followed by transaminase elevation (9.2% vs. 29.0%), γ-glutamyl transferase elevation (8.3% vs. 19.1%), and rash (7.9% vs. 18.8%) (all p < 0.001). After switching from EFV to ANV, TEAEs in the former EFV participants were significantly reduced in the following observational period of 48-96 weeks.

Interpretation

The week 48 results indicated that the efficacy of ANV was non-inferior to EFV when combined with two NRTIs. The per-protocol risk difference at week 48 for the primary endpoint also supported non-inferiority. TEAEs in ANV treated participants were less frequent with regard to liver toxicity, dyslipidemia, neuropsychiatric symptoms and rash compared to the EFV group during the first 48 weeks of therapy. The effects were maintained during the 48-96 weeks of therapy.

Funding

Jiangsu Aidea Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.

Fluorine in anti-HIV drugs approved by FDA from 1981 to 2023

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is the etiological agent of acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Nowadays, FDA has approved over thirty antiretroviral drugs grouped in six categories. Interestingly, one-third of these drugs contain different number of fluorine atoms. The introduction of fluorine to obtain drug-like compounds is a well-accepted strategy in medicinal chemistry. In this review, we summarized 11 fluorine-containing anti-HIV drugs, focusing on their efficacy, resistance, safety, and specific roles of fluorine in the development of each drug. These examples may be of help for the discovery of new drug candidates bearing fluorine in their structures.

Lipids and transaminase elevations in ARV-experienced PLWH switching to a doravirine-based regimen from rilpivirine or other regimens

BACKGROUND

Doravirine (DOR) is a newly approved antiretroviral belonging to the class of non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI), well tolerated and leading to an improved lipid profile in antiretroviral experienced people living with HIV (PLWH). We aimed at evaluating if the lipid-lowering effect is linked to the drug class, using real-life data from the SCOLTA cohort.

METHODS

We compared the lipid profile modifications in experienced PLWH switching to a DOR-based regimen from rilpivirine or another NNRTI-based regimen or from an integrase strand transferase (INSTI)-based regimen. T0 and T1 were defined as the baseline and 6-month follow-up respectively. Data were collected at baseline and prospectively every six months and changes from baseline were compared using a multivariable linear model.

RESULTS

In 107 PLWH, enrolled in the SCOLTA DOR cohort, with undetectable HIV-RNA at baseline, 32.7% switched from RPV-based regimens (DOR1), 29.9% from other NNRTI-including regimens (DOR2) and 37.4% switched from INSTI-including regimens (DOR3). At T1, TC significantly decreased in DOR2 (-15 mg/dL) and DOR3 (-23 mg/dL), and significantly more in DOR3 than in DOR1 (-6 mg/dL) (p = 0.016). HDL-C declined in DOR2 (-2 mg/dL) whereas it increased in DOR1 (+ 3 mg/dL) (p = 0.042) and remained stable in DOR3. LDL-C significantly decreased from baseline in DOR2 (-12 mg/dL) and DOR3 (-22 mg/dL) and was different between DOR1 (-8 mg/dL) and DOR3 (p = 0.022). TC/HDL ratio showed a significant decline in the DOR3 group (-0.45), although similar to DOR1 (-0.23, p = 0.315) and DOR2 (-0.19, p = 0.254). Triglycerides did not noticeably change. ALT significantly decreased in PLWH with a baseline level > 40 UI/mL.

CONCLUSIONS

PLWH on doravirine treatment showed different trends in blood lipids according to their previous regimen. In PLWH switching from RPV, minimal modifications were seen, whereas in those switching from other NNRTIs and from INSTI-including regimens, we observed an overall improvement in lipid profile, seemingly independent of the "statin effect" of TDF.

Safety and Tolerability of Antimicrobial Agents in the Older Patient

Older patients are at high risk of infections, which often present atypically and are associated with high morbidity and mortality. Antimicrobial treatment in older individuals with infectious diseases represents a clinical challenge, causing an increasing burden on worldwide healthcare systems; immunosenescence and the coexistence of multiple comorbidities determine complex polypharmacy regimens with an increase in drug-drug interactions and spread of multidrug-resistance infections. Aging-induced pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic changes can additionally increase the risk of inappropriate drug dosing, with underexposure that is associated with antimicrobial resistance and overexposure that may lead to adverse effects and poor adherence because of low tolerability. These issues need to be considered when starting antimicrobial prescriptions. National and international efforts have been made towards the implementation of antimicrobial stewardship (AMS) interventions to help clinicians improve the appropriateness and safety of antimicrobial prescriptions in both acute and long-term care settings. AMS programs were shown to decrease consumption of antimicrobials and to improve safety in hospitalized patients and older nursing home residents. With the abundance of antimicrobial prescriptions and the recent emergence of multidrug resistant pathogens, an in-depth review of antimicrobial prescriptions in geriatric clinical practice is needed. This review will discuss the special considerations for older individuals needing antimicrobials, including risk factors that shape risk profiles in geriatric populations as well as an evidence-based description of antimicrobial-induced adverse events in this patient population. It will highlight agents of concern for this age group and discuss interventions to mitigate the effects of inappropriate antimicrobial prescribing.

Efavirenz: History, Development and Future

Efavirenz (Sustiva^®) is a first-generation non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) used to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 infection or to prevent the spread of HIV. In 1998, the FDA authorized efavirenz for the treatment of HIV-1 infection. Patients formerly required three 200 mg efavirenz capsules daily, which was rapidly updated to a 600 mg tablet that only required one tablet per day. However, when given 600 mg once daily, plasma efavirenz concentrations were linked not only to poor HIV suppression but also to toxicity. Clinical data suggested that the standard dose of efavirenz could be reduced without compromising its effectiveness, resulting in a reduction in side effects and making the drug more affordable. Therefore, ENCORE1 was performed to compare the efficiency and safeness of a reduced dose of efavirenz (400 mg) with the standard dose (600 mg) plus two NRTI in antiretroviral-naïve HIV-infected individuals. Nowadays, due to the emergence of integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), some consider that it is time to stop using efavirenz as a first-line treatment on a global scale, in the parts of the world where that is possible. Efavirenz has been a primary first-line antiviral drug for more than 15 years. However, at this moment, the best use for efavirenz could be for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and repurposing in medicine.

Effects of HIV Infection in Plasma Free Fatty Acid Profiles among People with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Despite its high prevalence, the mechanisms underlying non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in people living with HIV (PLWH) are still unclear. In this prospective cohort study, we aim to evaluate differences in plasma fatty acid profiles between HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected participants with NAFLD. We included participants diagnosed with NAFLD, both HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected. Fatty acid methyl esters were measured from plasma samples. Ratios ([product]/[substrate]) were used to estimate desaturases and elongases activity. We used linear regression for adjusted analyses. We included 31 PLWH and 22 HIV-uninfected controls. We did not find differences in the sum of different types of FA or in FA with a greater presence of plasma. However, there were significant differences in the distribution of some FA, with higher concentrations of ALA, trans-palmitoleic, and behenic acids, and a lower concentration of lignoceric acid in PLWH. PLWH had lower C24:0/C22:0 and C16:0/C14:0 ratios, which estimates the activity of elongases ELOVL1 and ELOVL6. Both groups had similar fatty acid distribution, despite differences in traditional risk factors. PLWH had a lower proportion of specific ratios that estimate ELOVL1 and ELOVL6 activity, which had been previously described for other inflammatory conditions, such as psoriasis.