Metabolic Syndrome Prevalence and Cardiovascular Risk Assessment in HIV-Positive Men with and without Antiretroviral Therapy

Molecular mechanisms underpinning the protection against antiretroviral drug-induced sperm-endocrine aberrations and testicular toxicity: A review

The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has revolutionized the treatment of HIV/AIDS worldwide. The HAART approach is the combination of two or more antiretroviral drugs of different classes and are responsible for patient's survival and declining death rates from HIV/AIDS and AIDS-related events. However, the severe and persistent reproductive side effect toxicity of HAART regimens is of great concern to patients within the reproductive age. Till date, the underlying pathophysiology of the HAART-induced reproductive toxicity remains unraveled. Nevertheless, preclinical studies show that oxidative stress and inflammation may be involved in HAART-induced sperm-endocrine deficit and reproductive aberrations. Studies are emerging demonstrating the efficacy of plant-based and non-plant products against the molecular alterations and testicular toxicity of HAART. The testicular mechanisms of mitigation by these products are associated with enhancement of testicular steroidogenesis, spermatogenesis, inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation. This review presents the toxic effects of HAART on spermatogenesis, reproductive hormones and testis integrity. It also provides insights on the molecular mechanisms underlying the mitigation of HAART testicular toxicity by plant-based and non-plant agents. However, effect of repurposing clinical drugs to combat HAART toxicity is unknown, and more mechanistic studies are evidently needed. Altogether, plant-based and non-plant products are potential agents for prevention of rampant endocrine dysfunction and testicular toxicity of HAART.

Weight gain and metabolic disturbances in people living with HIV who start antiretroviral therapy with, or switch to, bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide after 48 weeks of treatment: A real-world prospective study

BACKGROUND

People living with HIV (PLWH) starting or switching to an integrase strand transfer inhibitor-based regimen are more likely to experience weight gain than other classes of antiretroviral regimens. The aim of this study was to evaluate the weight gain and metabolic disturbances in PLWH who start antiretroviral therapy (ART) with bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide and in individuals who switch from another ART to BIC/FTC/TAF after 48 weeks.

METHODS

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted in an HIV clinic in Mexico. Weight and metabolic parameters were measured at baseline, 24 and 48 weeks. A paired t test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were applied to evaluate weight and metabolic changes.

RESULTS

160 participants completed measurements, median age was 29 (IQR 26-32) and 30 (IQR 27-34) years old for the treatment-naïve and switch group respectively. In the treatment-naïve group, mean weight change was 3.8 kg (±5.8) (p < .001) and BMI increased 1.3 kg/m2 (±2) (p < .001) at 48 weeks. Incidence of BMI >25 kg/m2 was 28% (95%CI; 18%-40%) and BMI >30 kg/m2 was 7% (95%CI; 2%-16%) at 48 weeks in treatment-naïve individuals. In the switch group, mean weight gain and BMI change at 48 weeks was 2.8 kg (±5.9) and 0.9 kg/m2 (±2.0) respectively (p < .001). Incidence of BMI >25 kg/m2 was 17% (95%CI; 8%-32%) and BMI >30 kg/m2 12.8% (95%CI; 5%-26%) at 48 weeks respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Weight gain should be considered when men PLWH are treated with BIC/FTC/TAF regimen. They should be informed about this possible adverse event and strategies of intervention.

Impact of Protease Inhibitor-Based Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy on Fetal Subcutaneous Fat Tissue in HIV-Pregnant Women in a Middle-Income Country

BACKGROUND

HIV infection continues to be a global public health challenge, affecting approximately 1.7 million reproductive-aged women. Protease inhibitor-based highly active antiretroviral therapy (PI-HAART) has significantly reduced the risk of vertical transmission of HIV from mother to child. Nevertheless, concerns linger regarding the long-term effects, particularly on body composition, notably subcutaneous fat tissue (SFT). Although HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome (LS) has been well documented in adults and older children, its impact on fetuses exposed to PI-HAART remains underexplored. This study aims to evaluate SFT in the fetuses of HIV-pregnant women exposed to PI-HAART, assessing the potential clinical implications.

METHODS

We conducted a comparative study between HIV-pregnant women receiving PI-HAART and an HIV-negative control group. Fetometry measurements were obtained via 3D ultrasound. SFT in the fetal arm and thigh segments was assessed. Data were analyzed using lineal multivariate regression and receiver-operating characteristics (ROC)-curve analysis.

RESULTS

Fetuses exposed to PI-HAART exhibited a significant reduction in subcutaneous fat, particularly in the proximal third-middle union of the femur (coefficient: -2.588, p = 0.042). This reduction was correlated with lower newborn serum glucose levels (65.7 vs. 56.1, p = 0.007; coefficient: -1.277, p = 0.045).

CONCLUSIONS

Our study sheds light on the connection between PI-HAART, fetal subcutaneous fat, and neonatal health. These findings might reveal the long-lasting effects of PI-HAART on newborns and children's well-being. Our results emphasize the need for a more balanced approach to managing pregnant women with HIV in developing countries and open new venues for research on the impact of intrauterine PI-HAART exposure on energy metabolism and fetal programming.

Metabolic syndrome among people living with HIV in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Human Immuno-deficiency Virus (HIV) infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) can cause metabolic disorders such as lipodystrophy, dyslipidemia, and insulin resistance, all of which are symptoms of metabolic syndrome (MetS). In Ethiopia, despite the existence of the primary studies, there was no pooled study conducted to summarize the country-level MetS among people living with HIV (PLHIV). Therefore, this study aims to estimate the pooled prevalence of MetS among PLHIV in Ethiopia.

METHODS

A systematic search was conducted to retrieve studies on the prevalence of MetS among PLHIV in Ethiopia from PubMed, Google Scholar, Science Direct, Web of Sciences, HINARI, and other relevant sources. A random-effects model was used to estimate the MetS in this study. The overall variation between studies was checked by the heterogeneity test (I²). The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) quality appraisal criteria were used to assess the quality of the studies. The summary estimates were presented with forest plots and tables. Publication bias was checked with the funnel plot and Egger's regression test.

RESULTS

Overall, 366 articles were identified and evaluated using the PRISMA guidelines, with 10 studies meeting the inclusion criteria included in the final analysis. The pooled prevalence of MetS among PLHIV in Ethiopia was 21.7% (95% CI:19.36-24.04) using National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III) and 29.91% (95% CI: 21.54-38.28) using International Diabetes Federation (IDF) criteria. The lowest and highest prevalence of MetS were 19.14% (95%CI: 15.63-22.64) and 25.6% (95%CI: 20.18-31.08) at Southern Nation and Nationality People Region (SNNPR) and Addis Ababa, respectively. There was no statistical evidence of publication bias in both NCEP-ATP III and IDF pooled estimates.

CONCLUSION

MetS was common among PLHIV in Ethiopia. Therefore, optimizing regular screening for MetS components and promoting a healthy lifestyle is suggested for PLHIV. Furthermore, more study is contributory to identify the barriers to implementing planned interventions and meeting recommended treatment goals.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The review protocol was registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO): CRD42023403786.

Subclinical atherosclerosis as detected by carotid ultrasound and associations with cardiac and HIV ‐specific risk factors; the Archi‐Prevaleat project

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the prevalence of carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and plaques in a cohort of people living with HIV (PLWH), the role of cardiovascular risk factors, the impact of the antiretroviral regimens and the difference between naïve and experienced patients in the onset of carotid lesions.

METHODS

This project was initiated in 2019 and involves eight Italian centres. Carotid changes were detected using a power colour-Doppler ultrasonography with 7.5 MHz probes. The following parameters were evaluated: IMT of both the right and left common and internal carotids, data regarding risk factors for cardiovascular disease, HIV viral load, CD4 cell counts, serum lipids, glycaemia and body mass index. The associations between pathological findings and potential risk factors were evaluated by logistical regression, with odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI)s.

RESULTS

Among 1147 evaluated PLWH, with a mean age of 52 years, 347 (30.2%) had pathological findings (15.8% plaques and 14.5% IMT). Besides the usual risk factors, such as older age, male sex and dyslipidaemia, CD4 cell nadir < 200 cells/mL (adjusted OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.14-1.99) and current use of raltegravir (adjusted OR = 1.54, 95% CI: 1.01-2.36) were associated with higher prevalence of pathological findings.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data show that the current overall percentage of carotid impairments remains high. Colour-Doppler ultrasonography could play a pivotal role in identifying and quantifying atherosclerotic lesions among PLWH, even at a very premature stage, and should be included in the algorithms of comorbidity management of these patients.

Multi-Parametric Diagnostic Approach and Potential Markers of Early Onset Subclinical Cardiovascular Disease in a Cohort of Children, Adolescents and Young Adults Vertically Infected with HIV on cART

Background: HIV infection and lifelong cART are responsible of an increase in cardiovascular risk. The aim of this study was to describe the subclinical cardiovascular disease and to identify early markers of cardiovascular damage in adolescents and young adults vertically infected with HIV on cART, through an innovative multi-parametric approach. Methods: We enrolled 52 patients vertically infected with HIV. Demographic records, traditional cardiovascular risk factors, laboratory findings and echocardiographic measurements were collected in a one-year routine follow up. The echocardiographic examination included measurements of the 2D and 3D ejection fraction (EF), E/A ratio, E/E′ ratio, carotid intima media thickness (cIMT), flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and global longitudinal strain (GLS). Results: At the time of enrolment, all the patients were on cART therapy. The viral load was suppressed in 95% of them. EF was normal in 94.2% of patients (66 ± 7.2%), and GLS (mean value: −20.0 ± 2.5%) was reduced in 29% of patients. The cIMT mean value was higher than the 95th centile for sex and age in 73%, and FMD was impaired in 45% of patients. Clinically evident disease was found in three patients: dilative cardiomyopathy in one, thoracic-abdominal aneurysm Crawford type II with a bilateral carotid dilation in one and carotid plaque with 30% of stenosis in a third patient. Conclusions: This study confirms the presence of clinical and subclinical cardiovascular disease in a very young population vertically infected with HIV, underlining the importance of an early, multi-parametric cardiovascular follow up.