HIV and Sexual Dysfunction in Men

Psychosocial and sexual health among men with and without HIV who have sex with men: A cross-sectional nationwide study in Denmark

OBJECTIVES

The HIV/AIDS epidemic has disproportionately affected men who have sex with men (MSM) since its onset. Despite important medical advancements in treatment, the enduring effects of living with HIV continue to adversely impact the health and well-being of this population. This cross-sectional nationwide study examined psychosocial and sexual health among MSM in Denmark, comparing those living with and without HIV.

METHODS

Data from MSM living with HIV were collected from the SHARE study, a Danish nationwide survey that investigated psychosocial, sexual and reproductive health among people with HIV, and compared with data from MSM without HIV, retrieved from the nationally representative cohort study, Project SEXUS. Associations between HIV status and psychosocial and sexual health outcomes were examined using logistic regression models while controlling for potentially confounding variables.

RESULTS

Among 369 MSM with HIV and 1002 MSM without HIV, logistic regression analyses revealed that living with HIV was significantly associated with having current symptoms of anxiety and depression and greater dissatisfaction with one's body. Additionally, MSM with HIV significantly more often than MSM without HIV reported low sexual desire, sexual inactivity, a lack of sexual needs in the last year and erectile dysfunction. Having received payment for sex was more frequently reported by MSM with HIV, as was sexualised drug use, including chemsex drugs.

CONCLUSION

Compared with MSM without HIV, MSM with HIV in Denmark report a higher burden of mental health and sex life challenges.

Pleasurable and problematic receptive anal intercourse and diseases of the colon, rectum and anus

The ability to experience pleasurable sexual activity is important for human health. Receptive anal intercourse (RAI) is a common, though frequently stigmatized, pleasurable sexual activity. Little is known about how diseases of the colon, rectum, and anus and their treatments affect RAI. Engaging in RAI with gastrointestinal disease can be difficult due to the unpredictability of symptoms and treatment-related toxic effects. Patients might experience sphincter hypertonicity, gastrointestinal symptom-specific anxiety, altered pelvic blood flow from structural disorders, decreased sensation from cancer-directed therapies or body image issues from stoma creation. These can result in problematic RAI - encompassing anodyspareunia (painful RAI), arousal dysfunction, orgasm dysfunction and decreased sexual desire. Therapeutic strategies for problematic RAI in patients living with gastrointestinal diseases and/or treatment-related dysfunction include pelvic floor muscle strengthening and stretching, psychological interventions, and restorative devices. Providing health-care professionals with a framework to discuss pleasurable RAI and diagnose problematic RAI can help improve patient outcomes. Normalizing RAI, affirming pleasure from RAI and acknowledging that the gastrointestinal system is involved in sexual pleasure, sexual function and sexual health will help transform the scientific paradigm of sexual health to one that is more just and equitable.

Sexual dysfunction among Nigerian women living with HIV infection

INTRODUCTION

Sexual dysfunction in women with HIV is a necessary but understudied aspect of HIV complications in women living with HIV. This study reports the prevalence, pattern, and risk factors for sexual dysfunction in women living with HIV in southwest Nigeria.

METHODS

A validated Female Sexual Function Index was used to determine sexual dysfunction in a cross-sectional study design involving 2926 adult women living with HIV in a large, publicly funded tertiary HIV treatment centre in Lagos, Nigeria. A score of less than 26.5 indicated sexual dysfunction. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify risk factors for sexual dysfunction. P<0.05 was considered statistically significant at a 95% confidence interval (CI).

RESULTS

The prevalence of sexual dysfunction was 71.4%. The types of dysfunctions detected included disorder of desire (76.8%), sexual arousal (66.0%), orgasm (50.0%), pain (47.2%), lubrication (47.2%), and satisfaction (38.8%). Multivariate analysis showed that menopause (aOR: 2.0; 1.4-4.1), PHQ score of 10 and above (aOR: 2.3; 1.7-3.2), co-morbid medical conditions (aOR: 1.8; 1.4-2.7), use of protease inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy (aOR: 1.3; 1.2-2.1) and non-disclosure of HIV status (aOR: 0.7; 0.6-0.8) were factors associated with sexual dysfunction.

CONCLUSIONS

Sexual dysfunction is common among Nigerian women living with HIV. Menopause, use of protease inhibitor-based regimens, PHQ score of at least 10, co-morbid medical condition, and non-disclosure of HIV status were associated with sexual dysfunction. National HIV programmes, in addition to incorporating screening and management of sexual dysfunction in the guidelines, should sensitise and train health workers on the detection and treatment of sexual dysfunction.

A 'hidden problem': Nature, prevalence and factors associated with sexual dysfunction in persons living with HIV/AIDS in Uganda

BACKGROUND

We conducted a clinic-based cross-sectional survey among 710 people living with HIV/AIDS in stable 'sexual' relationships in central and southwestern Uganda. Although sexual function is rarely discussed due to the private nature of sexual life. Yet, sexual problems may predispose to negative health and social outcomes including marital conflict. Among individuals living with HIV/AIDS, sexual function and dysfunction have hardly been studied especially in sub-Saharan Africa. In this study, we aimed to determine the nature, prevalence and factors associated with sexual dysfunction (SD) among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Uganda.

METHODS

We conducted a clinic based cross sectional survey among 710 PLWHA in stable 'sexual' relationships in central region and southwestern Uganda. We collected data on socio-demographic characteristics (age, highest educational attainment, religion, food security, employment, income level, marital status and socio-economic status); psychiatric problems (major depressive disorder, suicidality and HIV-related neurocognitive impairment); psychosocial factors (maladaptive coping styles, negative life events, social support, resilience, HIV stigma); and clinical factors (CD4 counts, body weight, height, HIV clinical stage, treatment adherence).

RESULTS

Sexual dysfunction (SD) was more prevalent in women (38.7%) than men (17.6%) and majority (89.3% of men and 66.3% of women) did not seek help for the SD. Among men, being of a religion other than Christianity was significantly associated with SD (OR = 5.30, 95%CI 1.60-17.51, p = 0.006). Among women, older age (> 45 years) (OR = 2.96, 95%CI 1.82-4.79, p<0.01), being widowed (OR = 1.80, 95%CI 1.03-3.12, p = 0.051) or being separated from the spouse (OR = 1.69, 95% CI 1.09-2.59, p = 0.051) were significantly associated with SD. Depressive symptoms were significantly associated with SD in both men (OR = 0.27, 95%CI 0.74-0.99) and women (OR = 1.61, 95%CI 1.04-2.48, p = 0.032). In women, high CD4 count (OR = 1.42, 95% CI 1-2.01, p = 0.05) was associated with SD.

CONCLUSION

Sexual dysfunction has considerable prevalence among PLWHA in Uganda. It is associated with socio-demographic, psychiatric and clinical illness factors. To further improve the quality of life of PLWHA, they should be screened for sexual dysfunction as part of routine assessment.

Incidence of erectile dysfunction among middle-aged and aging sexual minority men living with or without HIV

Introduction

Erectile dysfunction (ED) has been established as a comorbidity among men living with HIV, but comparisons by HIV serostatus of ED incidence in a longitudinal follow-up cohort of men are lacking. We sought to evaluate the incidence of ED spanning a period of 12 years in a longitudinal cohort of sexual minority men (SMM) living with and without HIV.

Methods

We analyzed ED incidence data for 625 participants in the longitudinal Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study from visits spanning October 2006 to April 2019.

Results

SMM living with HIV were more likely to have incident ED compared with those living without HIV (rate ratio: 1.41; 95% CI: 1.14-1.75). Older age, current diabetes, cumulative cigarette use, and cumulative antidepressant use were associated with increased incidence of ED in the entire sample. Self-identifying as Hispanic, current diabetes, and cumulative antidepressant use were positively associated with ED incidence among SMM living with HIV. Cumulative cigarette use was positively associated with greater ED incidence only among SMM living without HIV.

Discussion

In summary, age (full sample/ with HIV), current diabetes (full sample/with HIV), cumulative cigarette use (full sample/without HIV), and cumulative antidepressant use (full sample/with HIV) were associated with increased ED incidence. Skillful management of diabetes and careful titration of antidepressants, along with smoking cessation practices, are recommended to mitigate ED in this population.

Erectile dysfunction prevalence and associated factors in men living with HIV from Western Turkey: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

The majority of people living with HIV in our country are younger men. However, limited data exist for the sexual health of these patients. Knowledge of the epidemiology in this population may improve health outcomes across the continuum of HIV care. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) and its association with some clinical and laboratory factors.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted using random sampling in men living with HIV (MLWH) at a tertiary hospital in Turkey. Patients were asked to fill out the five-item International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-5), and blood was collected for HIV viral load, CD4+ T lymphocyte count, lipids and hormone levels to assess biological aspects at the same clinical visit.

RESULTS

A total of 107 MLWH were recruited. Mean age was 40.4 ± 12.4 years. ED was found in 73.8% (n = 79) of the participants. Severe ED was found in 6.3%, moderate in 5.1%, mild-moderate 35.4%, mild 53.2% of the participants, respectively. The mean age of men with erectile dysfunction was 42.5 ± 12.5 years, while those without erectile dysfunction were 34.5 ± 10 years (p:0.00). ED was detected more frequently in cases with high Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) levels (p:0.003). There was no statistically significant difference between ED presence and having hormone abnormality. There was a moderate, negative correlation between age and ED score (r: -0.440, p < 0.001). A negative and low correlation was found between triglyceride level and ED score (r: -0.233, p:0.02). The only predictive variable was age in the multivariate analysis [B: -0.155 (95% CI -0.232 to -0.078), p: <0.001].

CONCLUSIONS

Our study revealed a high prevalence of ED in the MLWH cohort. Age was found to be the only factor associated with ED. HIV clinicians should consider routine ED screening with validated measures as a part of the follow-up scheme to improve integrated wellbeing in MLWH.

Satisfaction with sex life and its impact on the quality of life in people living with HIV in Poland treated in the city of Bialystok: a cross-sectional study

Introduction

Sex life is an important element contributing to the overall quality of life. It is also a particularly sensitive dimension of quality of life for HIV-positive patients.

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess the sexual life of people living with HIV in Poland treated in the Observation and Infection Clinic with the Subunit for HIV/AIDS Patients of the University Clinical Hospital in Bialystok, and its impact on the quality of life, life satisfaction, HIV status acceptance, general health status and depressive symptoms among the respondents.

Methods

A total of 147 participants, including 104 men (70.7%) and 43 women (29.3%), took part in the research. The study was conducted between May 2019 and January 2020. The study used a diagnostic survey method with a modified questionnaire "Psychosocial situation of people living with HIV/AIDS" by Dr. Magdalena Ankiersztejn-Bartczak and the following standardised psychometric tools: the World Health Organization Quality of Life (WHOQOL-BREF), Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS), General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI).

Results

One-third of patients rated their sex life as poor or very poor. Almost half of respondents always informed sexual partners of their HIV status (49.7%). The sex life of respondents was highly correlated with almost all psychometric measures used in the study. Those indicating sexual contact as a possible source of HIV infection had a lower quality of life in the domain of general health compared to other respondents, but the difference was relatively small (about 5.5 points).

Discussion

In conclusion, the overall satisfaction with the sex life of people living with HIV was moderate with a tendency to poor. The quality of life of people living with HIV was determined by their sex life. Better quality of life was presented by those with good self-reported sex life.

Determinants of sexual function in men living with HIV younger than 50 years old: Focus on organic, relational, and psychological issues

BACKGROUND

Sexual dysfunctions, particularly erectile dysfunction, are common in men living with HIV, whose organic and psychological components remain to be clarified. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of risk factors of sexual dysfunctions, including organic, relational, and psychological determinants of erectile function, in men living with HIV younger than 50 years old.

METHODS

A cross-sectional, observational study was conducted in men living with HIV < 50 years. The questionnaire International Index of Erectile Function-15 was used to assess the prevalence and degree of erectile dysfunction. The structured interview of erectile dysfunction was used to explore the organic (Scale 1), relational (Scale 2), and psychological (Scale 3) components of erectile dysfunction. Total testosterone, estradiol, and dihydrotestosterone were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem-mass spectrometry; free testosterone was calculated by the Vermeulen equation.

RESULTS

A total of 313 consecutive men living with HIV were prospectively enrolled (median age 47.0 years; median HIV-infection duration 16.2 years). 187 patients (59.7%) had erectile dysfunction, with a higher prevalence of non-heterosexual (138 out of 187, 73.8%) than heterosexual patients (p = 0.003). Patients with erectile dysfunction showed a worse score of structured interview of erectile dysfunction scale 3 compared to patients without erectile dysfunction (p = 0.025); the International Index of Erectile Function-15 was inversely related to structured interview of erectile dysfunction scale 3 (p = 0.042). No difference was found for sex steroids (total testosterone, estradiol, free testosterone, and dihydrotestosterone) between men living with HIV with and without erectile dysfunction. In the multivariate analysis sexual orientation, and lack of stable relationships were major determinants for erectile dysfunction. Only 35 of 187 patients with erectile dysfunction (18.7%) reported the use of erectile dysfunction medications.

CONCLUSIONS

Within the multidimensional network of erectile dysfunction in men living with HIV, the psychological component is predominant, highlighting the contribution of peculiar factors related to HIV distress (e.g., fear of virus transmission, stigma) rather than gonadal status and other classical risk factors. In contrast to the high prevalence, only a few patients reported the use of erectile dysfunction medications suggesting a general under-management of such issues.

Understanding the quality of life of people living with HIV in rural and urban areas in Indonesia

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is a major global public health issue that affects the quality of life (QoL) of people living with HIV (PLHIV) globally and in Indonesia. As a part of a large-scale qualitative study investigating HIV risk factors and impacts on PLHIV and facilitators of and barriers to their access to HIV care services in Yogyakarta and Belu, Indonesia, this paper describes their in-depth views and experiences of the influence of HIV on their QoL. Ninety-two participants were recruited using the snowball sampling technique. Data were collected using in-depth interviews. In addition, the World Health Organisation Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-HIV BREF) was also distributed to each of them to fill out prior to the interviews. Chi-Square analysis was used to analyse data from the survey and a framework analysis was applied to guide qualitative data analysis. The findings reported several factors affecting the QoL of the participants. These included (i) environmental factors, such as living in rural areas, the unavailability of HIV care services and public transport, and long-distance travel to healthcare facilities; (ii) personal beliefs associated with HIV; (iii) sexual and social relationships and their influence of the QoL of participants; and (iv) level of independence and physical health condition following HIV diagnosis. The findings indicate the need for intervention programs that address the availability and accessibility of HIV care services to PLHIV within rural communities and support various physical, psychological, and financial needs of PLHIV. These can be implemented by providing supplements and nutritious food, HIV counselling and door-to-door/community-based ART service delivery to PLHIV, which may increase their engagement in and adherence to the treatment and improve their physical and psychological condition and QoL.

Update on acquired hypogonadism in men living with HIV: pathogenesis, clinic, and treatment

Hypogonadism is a frequent finding among men living with HIV (MLWH) and it seems to occur earlier in comparison with the general male population. Although the prevalence of hypogonadism in MLWH has significantly lowered thanks to advancements in medical management, it remains high if compared with age-matched HIV-uninfected men, ranging from 13% to 40% in the age group of 20-60 years. Signs and symptoms of low serum testosterone (T) in MLWH are cause of concern since they are non-specific, of mild-to-moderate degree, and often overlapping with those of infection per se. For these reasons, hypogonadism can be underestimated in the absence of targeted laboratory blood examinations. With regard to the etiological factors involved in the T decrease, emerging evidence has suggested the functional nature of hypogonadism in MLWH, pointing out the mutual relationship between sex steroids, health status, comorbidities, and HIV-related factors. In agreement with this hypothesis, a therapeutic approach aiming at improving or reversing concomitant diseases through lifestyle changes (e.g. physical activity) rather than pharmacological T treatment should be theoretically considered. However, considering both patient's barriers to lifestyle changes to be maintained overtime and the lack of evidence-based data on the efficacy of lifestyle changes in normalizing serum T in MLWH, T therapy remains an option when other non-pharmacological interventions are ineffective as well as for all other functional forms of hypogonadism. From this perspective, the traditional therapeutic management of male hypogonadism in MLWH, especially the role of T supplementation, should be revised in the light of the probable functional nature of hypogonadism by considering a good balance between benefits and harmful. This narrative review presents an overview of current knowledge on hypogonadism in MLWH, deepening the factors driving and taking part in T decrease, providing advice for the clinical approach, and underlining the importance of individualized treatment aiming at optimizing non-gonadal comorbidities and thus avoiding over-, or even unnecessary, treatment with T.

A Novel Risk Calculator to Predict Erectile Dysfunction in HIV-Positive Men

HIV infection is considered to be a lifelong medical condition, requiring follow-up and treatment for decades. HIV-positive men are reported to have erectile dysfunction more often than age-matched healthy controls, and improving sexuality is known to potentially improve overall health-related quality of life. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the presence of ED in HIV-positive men and the associated contributing factors and to create a statistical model to assess the risk to develop ED in this population. In a prospective study, we analyzed a group of HIV-positive men in a cross-sectional manner, looking at demographics, blood test results, and smoking habits. Data were statistically analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. In our series, the overall incidence of ED was 48.5%, increasing with age. Our analysis showed no correlation with blood sugar level, but a very strong correlation with total serum lipids. We were able to develop and validate a risk calculator for ED in HIV-positive men.

Prevalence of Erectile Dysfunction (ED) among People Living with HIV in Tehran, Iran

BACKGROUND

Sexual problems are rarely addressed in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) management, even though overt sexual dysfunctions are more prevalent in people living with HIV. This study aimed to ascertain the prevalence of erectile dysfunction (ED) among HIVinfected men in a stable clinical state, examine the relationship between antiretroviral therapy (ART) exposure and sexual dysfunction, and identify the associated risk factors.

METHOD

This cross-sectional study recruited HIV-positive males who visited the Voluntary Counseling and Testing (VCT) center of Imam Khomeini Hospital (Tehran) in 2020. The International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) questionnaire was used to evaluate the ED in participants. Sociodemographic and clinical data were also collected.

RESULTS

Of 65 patients who participated in this study, 27.7% had ED. The mean age of participants with and without ED was 39.4±11.5 and 40.4±7.6 years old, respectively. No significant difference was observed between patients with and without ED concerning the sociodemographic status and the use of ART drugs.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence of ED is relatively high among men living with HIV. Future research is recommended among HIV-positive males to identify the underlying causes and explore the potential impact that associated psychological distress could have on sexual dysfunction.

Vil NM, Bond KT, Mitchell JW, Juarez AC, Lambert F, Muheriwa SR, McMahon J. Dimensions of Sexual Health Conversations among U.S. Black Heterosexual Couples

Sexual health communication is an important feature of healthy intimate relationships; however, some couples may avoid discussing difficult matters (e.g., HIV/STI testing, sexual satisfaction) to minimize interpersonal conflict. From October 2018 to May 2019 in New York State, we conducted a multi-method descriptive pilot study to characterize Black heterosexual couples' (N = 28) sexual health conversations. Partners individually completed an online sexual health/relationship survey before engaging in-person for a joint dyadic qualitative in-depth interview. Quantitative descriptive statistics demonstrated that most absolute score differences among couple's preferences for sexual health outcomes, communal coping and sexual relationship power were mainly small, but greatest regarding extra-dyadic sexual behaviors. A qualitative descriptive approach discerned, motivation and norms for sexual health conversations, and communication patterns. Thematic and content analysis revealed two central themes: initiating and sustaining sexual health conversations, and leveraging features of the couples to promote sexual health. Integrated findings indicate that couples possess varied communication patterns that operate with motivations for sexual health conversations toward subsequent sexual health promotion. Equitable and skewed communication patterns emerged as relationship assets that can be leveraged to optimize sexual health. There is also opportunity for future work to address communication regarding extra-dyadic behavior and preferences. Asset-based considerations are discussed.

Patient experiences of sexual dysfunction after transition to dolutegravir-based HIV treatment in mid-Western Uganda: a qualitative study

Background

The literature on dolutegravir (DTG)-based HIV treatment has focused on assessing therapeutic efficacy particularly with regard to viral load suppression. However, little empirical attention has been devoted to understanding the effects of DTG on quality of life, in particular sexual health and functioning in PLHIV. This study focused on understanding patient experiences of sexual dysfunction, after transition to DTG-based regimens in Rwenzori region in Mid-Western Uganda.

Methods

We adopted a qualitative exploratory research design. Between August and September 2021, we conducted sixteen in-depth interviews and six focus group discussions (48 participants) with patients reporting ‘new’ sexual dysfunction after transition to DTG-based regimens at seven health facilities in mid-Western Uganda. Data were analyzed by thematic approach.

Results

Decreased libido was reported in both sexes of patients within weeks of transition to DTG-based regimens. Diminished interest in sex was more frequently reported among women while men complained of a marked reduction in the frequency of sex. Women reported loss of psycho-social attraction to their long-term male partners. Erectile dysfunction was common among men in this sample of patients. Patients described their experiences of sexual dysfunction as an affront to their socially-constructed gender identities. Patients described tolerating sexual adverse drug reactions (ADRs) as a necessary tradeoff for the extension in life granted through antiretroviral therapy. A number of women reported that they had separated from their spouses as a result of perceived drug-induced sexual dysfunction. Marital strife and conflict arising from frustration with sexual-partner dysfunction was frequently reported by participants in both sexes. Several participants indicated experiencing insecurity in their heterosexual relationships due to difficulties in sexual functioning.

Conclusion

Sexual dysfunction following transition to DTG-based regimens is common in both sexes of PLHIV, who indicated that they had no prior experience of difficulties in sexual health. Our findings demonstrate that sexual ADRs negatively impact self-esteem, overall quality of life and impair gender relations. DTG-related sexual health problems merit increased attention from HIV clinicians. Further research is warranted to assess the prevalence of DTG-associated sexual dysfunction in patients in Uganda.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-022-07673-z.

Testicular ultrastructure and hormonal changes following administration of tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-loaded silver nanoparticle in type-2 diabetic rats

Reproductive dysfunctions (RDs) characterized by impairment in testicular parameters, and metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are on the rise among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients under tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). These adverse effects require a nanoparticle delivery system to circumvent biological barriers and ensure adequate ARVDs to viral reservoir sites like testis. This study aimed to investigate the effect of TDF-loaded silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), TDF-AgNPs on sperm quality, hormonal profile, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and testicular ultrastructure in diabetic rats, a result of which could cater for the neglected reproductive and metabolic dysfunctions in HIV therapeutic modality. Thirty-six adult Sprague–Dawley rats were assigned to diabetic and non-diabetic (n = 18). T2DM was induced by fructose-streptozotocin (Frt-STZ) rat model. Subsequently, the rats in both groups were subdivided into three groups each (n = 6) and administered distilled water, TDF, and TDF-AgNP. In this study, administration of TDF-AgNP to diabetic rats significantly reduced (p < 0.05) blood glucose level (268.7 ± 10.8 mg/dL) from 429 ± 16.9 mg/dL in diabetic control and prevented a drastic reduction in sperm count and viability. More so, TDF-AgNP significantly increased (p < 0.05) Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone (1114.3 ± 112.6 µg), Follicle Stimulating Hormone (13.2 ± 1.5 IU/L), Luteinizing Hormone (140.7 ± 15.2 IU/L), testosterone (0.2 ± 0.02 ng/L), and IGF-1 (1564.0 ± 81.6 ng/mL) compared to their respective diabetic controls (383.4 ± 63.3, 6.1 ± 1.2, 76.1 ± 9.1, 0.1 ± 0.01, 769.4 ± 83.7). Also, TDF-AgNP treated diabetic rats presented an improved testicular architecture marked with the thickened basement membrane, degenerated Sertoli cells, spermatogenic cells, and axoneme. This study has demonstrated that administration of TDF-AgNPs restored the function of hypothalamic-pituitary–gonadal axis, normalized the hormonal profile, enhanced testicular function and structure to alleviate reproductive dysfunctions in diabetic rats. This is the first study to conjugate TDF with AgNPs and examined its effects on reproductive indices, local gonadal factor and testicular ultrastructure in male diabetic rats with the potential to cater for neglected reproductive dysfunction in HIV therapeutic modality.

KIR2DL5B and HLA DRB1*12 alleles seems to be associated with protection against HIV-1 in serodiscordant couples in Burkina Faso

INTRODUCTION

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) belongs to the Retroviridae family and remains a public health problem in sub-Saharan Africa. Recent reports from WHO have shown that 33 million people died from HIV infections. HIV is one of the most serious fatal human diseases of the 20^th and 21^st centuries. However, variations in genetic and immunological factors are associated with protection against HIV infection in uninfected people exposed to HIV. This is the case with Naturals Killers which play an important role in the progression or regression of HIV infection. The objective of this study is to characterize certain HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) class II genes and KIR genes in HIV-1 serodiscordant couples in Burkina Faso.

METHODS

This study was carried out at Burkina Faso among nineteen (19) HIV-1 serodiscordant couples. Classical multiplex PCR (SSP-PCR) was used to characterize the presence or absence of the KIR genes and certain class II HLAs (DRB1*11 and DRB1*12).

RESULTS

The characterization of the KIR and HLA genes DRB1*11, DRB1*12 in this study demonstrated that the inhibitor KIR2DL5B, would confer protection against HIV-1 infection in seronegative partners [OR = 0.13 (0.02-0.72) and p = 0.029)], and the HLA DRB1*12 allele was associated with protection against HIV-1 infection in seronegative partners [OR = 0.16 (0.03-0.77) and p = 0.038]. AA and Bx haplotypes were not found to be associated with HIV-1 infection in serodiscordant couples.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the involvement of the KIR genes in viral pathologies such as HIV-1 infection. Future larger-scale studies may provide a better understanding of the molecular mechanism by which the KIR Haplotype and combination of KIR/HLA are associated with protection against HIV infection. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Sexual function and sexual quality of life in men with genital warts: a cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Human papillomavirus is the most common sexually transmitted infection, usually passing from one person to another after the first sexual activity. Infection with this virus and the occurrence of genital warts (GWs) could have several effects on patients' health. This study was performed to evaluate the sexual function and sexual quality of life (SQOL) in men with GWs.

METHODS

This cross-sectional study was conducted from September 2019 to March 2020 with a sample size of 105 men with GWs in the dermatology clinic of Shahid Faghihi Hospital in Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Iran. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire, the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF), and the Sexual Quality of Life-Men (SQOL-M) questionnaires and analyzed by descriptive and inferential tests with SPSS software version 22.

RESULTS

The mean score for overall sexual function in men was 48.50 ± 8.89. About 35.2% of men had overall sexual dysfunction (SD). The highest disorder rate was related to the erection domain (85.7%), and the lowest was related to the desire domain (5.7%). In the erection domain, most men (54.3%) experienced mild to moderate erectile dysfunction. The mean score for SQOL-M was 38.36 ± 14.47, and 56.2% of them had a good SQOL.

CONCLUSIONS

GWs affected men's erection more than the other sexual function domains. SD in men with GWs has a significant impact on their SQOL and ED was associated with impaired SQOL. Therefore, it is recommended to pay more attention to SD screening alongside SQOL assessment of men with GW.

Predictors of sexual dysfunction in HIV-infected men

Aims: The prevalence of sexual dysfunction in people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is higher than in those without this infection. Sexual dysfunction in HIV-infected people is associated with adverse outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of sexual function in people infected with HIV. Material and Methods: This cross-sectional study was done at Behavioral disease counseling centers. Samples were taken from 186 HIV-infected men. Demographic variables were recorded. Sexual function and psychological status were assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function Questionnaire, the DASS-21 (Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales), and the Domestic Violence Questionnaire. To examine the CD4 cells and hormonal profiles, blood samples were taken from each patient. The data were analyzed using the SPSS18 software. Results: A multivariate analysis showed that hepatitis B infection (P = 0.034, OR = 9.6), smoking (P = 0.026, OR = 2.5), severe stress (P = 0.04, OR = 0.32) and severe depression (P = 0.042, OR = 6.9) were the predictors of sexual dysfunction in HIV-infected men. Conclusion: This study showed that smoking, hepatitis B infection, severe depression, and severe stress could be predictors of sexual dysfunction in those men.