The Effect of Atorvastatin + Aspirin on the Endothelial Function Differs with Age in Patients with HIV: A Case-Control Study

Effects of statins beyond lipid-lowering agents in ART-treated HIV infection

Antiretroviral therapies (ART) have reduced human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection-associated morbidity and mortality improving the life of people with HIV (PWH). However, ART lead to residual HIV production, which in conjunction with microbial translocation and immune dysfunction contributes to chronic inflammation and immune activation. PWH on ART remain at an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) including myocardial infarction and stroke; which in part is explained by chronic inflammation and immune activation. Lifestyle factors and certain ART are associated with dyslipidemia characterized by an increase of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which further contributes in the increased risk for CVDs. Lipid-lowering agents like statins are emerging as immune modulators in decreasing inflammation in a variety of conditions including HIV. The international randomized clinical trial REPRIEVE has shed light on the reduction of CVDs with statin therapy among PWH. Such reports indicate a more than expected benefit of statins beyond their lipid-lowering effects. Bempedoic acid, a first-in-class non-statin LDL-lowering drug with immune modulatory effects, may further aid PWH in combination with statins. Herein, we critically reviewed studies aimed at lipid-lowering and immune-modulating roles of statins that may benefit aging PWH.

Aspirin and Infection: A Narrative Review

Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) is one of the most commonly used drugs in the world. It derives from the extract of white willow bark, whose therapeutic potential was known in Egypt since 1534 BC. ASA’s pharmacological effects are historically considered secondary to its anti-inflammatory, platelet-inhibiting properties; however, human studies demonstrating a pro-inflammatory effect of ASA exist. It is likely that we are aware of only part of ASA’s mechanisms of action; moreover, the clinical effect is largely dependent on dosages. During the past few decades, evidence of the anti-infective properties of ASA has emerged. We performed a review of such research in order to provide a comprehensive overview of ASA and viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic infections, as well as ASA’s antibiofilm properties.