1
|
Fursa O, Reekie J, Kuzin I, Hetman L, Kryshchuk A, Starychenko O, Hrytsaiuk N, Khodus I, Nyzhnyk A, Rakhuba V, Kovalevska M, Maistat T, Pryhoda I, Ahieieva M, Varvarovska O, Valdenmaiier O, Lundgren J, Peters L. Cross-sectional HIV and HCV cascades of care across the regions of Ukraine between 2019 and 2020: findings from the CARE cohort. J Int AIDS Soc 2023; 26:e26166. [PMID: 37705358 PMCID: PMC10500257 DOI: 10.1002/jia2.26166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Eastern Europe is facing major HIV and hepatitis C (HCV) epidemics, with many people living with HIV (PLHIV) and HIV/HCV coinfection living in Ukraine. Despite the previous progress towards care quality improvement, the ongoing war in Ukraine is disrupting HIV and HCV care. METHODS We described an HIV cascade of care (CoC) in PLHIV from two clinical sites and an HCV CoC for anti-HCV-positive PLHIV from six sites in Ukraine, enrolled in the CARE cohort between 1 January 2019 and 1 June 2020. The cross-sectional HIV CoC and HCV CoC are described at study enrolment. RESULTS Of 1028 PLHIV, 1014 (98.6%, 95% confidence interval [CI] 97.7-99.3) were on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and 876 (86.4% of those on ART, 95% CI 84.1-88.4) were virologically suppressed. Of 894 participants on ART >6 months, 90.8% (95% CI 88.7-92.6) were virologically suppressed (HIV-RNA <200 copies/ml). Of 2040 anti-HCV-positive PLHIV, 417 (20.4%, 95% CI 18.7-22.3) were ever tested for HCV-RNA prior to enrolment, ranging from 4.9% to 54.4% across sites, and 13.5% were currently HCV-RNA positive. One hundred and eighteen persons (7.3% of ever chronically infected) had received HCV treatment, and 25 persons (1.6% of ever chronically infected) were cured, with variations across sites (0%-7.5%). The site diagnosing 54.4% of people with chronic HCV was the only one providing free RNA testing for all anti-HCV-positive persons, while the intra-country differences in treatment coverage were driven by the number of available direct-acting antiviral (DAA) courses. CONCLUSIONS Over 98% of PLHIV in care in both CARE sites in Ukraine were receiving ART, and the target of 90% virally suppressed was achieved in persons >6 months on ART. Only one of six HIV/HCV study sites tested over 50% anti-HCV-positive PLHIV for HCV-RNA and treated over 25% of eligible persons. While free HCV-RNA testing and DAA treatment are paramount to achieving HCV elimination targets, they remained a challenge in Ukraine in 2019-2020. The extent of the HIV and HCV care disruption during the war will be further assessed in the CARE cohort and compared with the pre-war findings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga Fursa
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and InfectionsRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Joanne Reekie
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and InfectionsRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Ihor Kuzin
- Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of UkraineKyivUkraine
| | - Larysa Hetman
- Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of UkraineKyivUkraine
| | - Alina Kryshchuk
- Public Health Center of the Ministry of Health of UkraineKyivUkraine
| | - Olena Starychenko
- Kyiv City AIDS Prevention and Control Center (Kyiv City Clinical Hospital №5)KyivUkraine
| | - Nana Hrytsaiuk
- Kyiv City AIDS Prevention and Control Center (Kyiv City Clinical Hospital №5)KyivUkraine
| | - Inna Khodus
- Kyiv Regional Center for Public HealthKyivUkraine
| | - Alla Nyzhnyk
- Kyiv Regional Center for Public HealthKyivUkraine
| | | | | | - Tetiana Maistat
- Regional Clinical Center for AIDS Prevention and Control of Kharkiv Regional CouncilKharkivUkraine
| | - Iryna Pryhoda
- Mariupol City Hospital №4 named after I.K. MatsukaMariupolUkraine
| | | | - Olena Varvarovska
- Regional Medical Specialized Center of Zhytomyr Regional CouncilZhytomyrUkraine
| | - Olena Valdenmaiier
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and InfectionsRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Jens Lundgren
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and InfectionsRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Lars Peters
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and InfectionsRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| | - the CARE study group
- Centre of Excellence for Health, Immunity and InfectionsRigshospitaletCopenhagenDenmark
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Roussos S, Paraskevis D, Malliori M, Hatzakis A, Sypsa V. Estimating the number of people who inject drugs using repeated respondent-driven sampling (RDS) in a community-based program: implications for the burden of hepatitis C and HIV infections and harm reduction coverage. AIDS Behav 2023; 27:424-430. [PMID: 35947234 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-022-03777-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Estimates of the population size of people who inject drugs (PWID) are essential for efficient program planning and for monitoring key targets. Existing estimates in Greece are based on the capture-recapture method applied to drug treatment sources. We aimed to obtain estimates based on data collected from a community-based program addressing PWID in Athens, Greece. The program was implemented in 2012-2013 to increase diagnosis and treatment for HIV among PWID during an HIV outbreak. Five Responden-Driven Sampling (RDS) rounds were used to recruit participants. A unique code was used to identify participants among rounds. Capture-recapture was applied to estimate the population size in 2013 (PWID with injection in the past 12 months; active PWID with injection in the past 30 days). Log-linear models were applied. In 2013, the estimated number of active PWID in Athens was 4,117 [95% confidence interval (CI): 3,728-4,507] (vs. 1,956 [95% CI: 1,525-2,565] the existing population size estimate). Based on this estimate, the coverage of needle and syringe programs in 2013 was 103 syringes/PWID/year (vs. 216 based on the existing estimate). The population prevalence of injecting drug use in Athens (past 12 months) was 0.222% (95% CI: 0.200-0.245). The inclusion of data from community-based programs in the estimation of the PWID population size resulted in 2.1-fold higher estimates, compared to the official estimates obtained from drug treatment data, and indicates the need for re-evaluation of necessary resources for harm reduction and elimination of HIV and hepatitis C in PWID.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sotirios Roussos
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias street, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Paraskevis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias street, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Meni Malliori
- First Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 72 Vasilissis Sofias Avenue, (Aiginiteio University Hospital), 11528, Athens, Greece
| | - Angelos Hatzakis
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias street, 11527, Athens, Greece
| | - Vana Sypsa
- Department of Hygiene, Epidemiology and Medical Statistics, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 75 Mikras Asias street, 11527, Athens, Greece.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lu X, Song B, Weng W, Su B, Wu H, Cheung AKL, Zhang T, Gao Y. Characteristics of CD8 + Stem Cell-Like Memory T Cell Subset in Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Viral Immunol 2023; 36:25-32. [PMID: 36346310 DOI: 10.1089/vim.2022.0079] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The dysfunction of memory CD8+ T cell cannot be reverted by successful clearance of hepatitis C virus (HCV) after direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) therapy, increasing the risk of reinfection with HCV. Stem cell-like memory T cells (Tscm) with superior properties of long-lasting, self-renewing, and multipotency contribute to the maintenance of immune function. We investigated the impact of HCV infection on CD8+ Tscm, and their possible role in disease progression, by using DAA-naive HCV-infected and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV-coinfected cohorts. The distribution of memory CD8+ T cell subsets and the level of T cell immune activation were determined by flow cytometry. Associations between CD8+ Tscm and other memory T cell subsets, HCV viral load, as well as the level of T cell immune activation were analyzed. We observed that the proportion of CD8+ Tscm increased in both HCV and HIV/HCV individuals. The proportion of CD8+ Tscm had positive and negative correlation with CD8+ Tcm (central memory T cells) and CD8+ Tem (effector memory T cell), respectively, representing the contribution of CD8+ Tscm in T cell homeostasis. In addition, higher frequency of CD8+ Tscm indicated lower HCV viral load and less T cell immune activation in HCV infection, which suggested that CD8+ Tscm is likely associated with effective control of HCV replication for protective immunity. Considering the characteristics of Tscm, our current findings provide implications for Tscm-based vaccine design and immunotherapy development to achieve HCV elimination.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofan Lu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Sino-French Joint Laboratory for Research on Humoral Immune Response to HIV Infection, Clinical and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bingbing Song
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Department of Dermatology, Beijing Rehabilitation Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wenjia Weng
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bin Su
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Sino-French Joint Laboratory for Research on Humoral Immune Response to HIV Infection, Clinical and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Sino-French Joint Laboratory for Research on Humoral Immune Response to HIV Infection, Clinical and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Allen Ka Loon Cheung
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Beijing Key Laboratory for HIV/AIDS Research, Sino-French Joint Laboratory for Research on Humoral Immune Response to HIV Infection, Clinical and Research Center for Infectious Diseases, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Yanqing Gao
- Department of Dermatology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Martínez-Román P, Crespo-Bermejo C, Valle-Millares D, Lara-Aguilar V, Arca-Lafuente S, Martín-Carbonero L, Ryan P, de los Santos I, López-Huertas MR, Palladino C, Muñoz-Muñoz M, Fernández-Rodríguez A, Coiras M, Briz V. Dynamics of HIV Reservoir and HIV-1 Viral Splicing in HCV-Exposed Individuals after Elimination with DAAs or Spontaneous Clearance. J Clin Med 2022; 11:3579. [PMID: 35806864 PMCID: PMC9267476 DOI: 10.3390/jcm11133579] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Although human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) reservoir size is very stable under antiretroviral therapy (ART), individuals exposed to the Hepatitis C virus (HCV) (chronically coinfected and spontaneous clarifiers) show an increase in HIV reservoir size and in spliced viral RNA, which could indicate that the viral protein regulator Tat is being more actively synthesized and, thus, could lead to a higher yield of new HIV. However, it is still unknown whether the effect of HCV elimination with direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) could modify the HIV reservoir and splicing. Methods: This longitudinal study (48 weeks’ follow-up after sustained virological response) involves 22 HIV+-monoinfected individuals, 17 HIV+/HCV- spontaneous clarifiers, and 24 HIV+/HCV+ chronically infected subjects who eliminated HCV with DAAs (all of them aviremic, viral load < 50). Viral-spliced RNA transcripts and proviral DNA copies were quantified by qPCR. Paired samples were analyzed using a mixed generalized linear model. Results: A decrease in HIV proviral DNA was observed in HIV+/HCV- subjects, but no significant differences were found for the other study groups. An increased production of multiple spliced transcripts was found in HIV+ and HIV+/HCV+ individuals. Conclusions: We conclude that elimination of HCV by DAAs was unable to revert the consequences derived from chronic HCV infection for the reservoir size and viral splicing, which could indicate an increased risk of rapid HIV-reservoir reactivation. Moreover, spontaneous clarifiers showed a significant decrease in the HIV reservoir, likely due to an enhanced immune response in these individuals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paula Martínez-Román
- Laboratory of Reference and Research on Viral Hepatitis, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (P.M.-R.); (C.C.-B.); (D.V.-M.); (V.L.-A.); (S.A.-L.)
| | - Celia Crespo-Bermejo
- Laboratory of Reference and Research on Viral Hepatitis, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (P.M.-R.); (C.C.-B.); (D.V.-M.); (V.L.-A.); (S.A.-L.)
| | - Daniel Valle-Millares
- Laboratory of Reference and Research on Viral Hepatitis, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (P.M.-R.); (C.C.-B.); (D.V.-M.); (V.L.-A.); (S.A.-L.)
| | - Violeta Lara-Aguilar
- Laboratory of Reference and Research on Viral Hepatitis, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (P.M.-R.); (C.C.-B.); (D.V.-M.); (V.L.-A.); (S.A.-L.)
| | - Sonia Arca-Lafuente
- Laboratory of Reference and Research on Viral Hepatitis, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (P.M.-R.); (C.C.-B.); (D.V.-M.); (V.L.-A.); (S.A.-L.)
| | - Luz Martín-Carbonero
- Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria Hospital de la Paz (IdiPAZ), 28046 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Pablo Ryan
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Infanta Leonor Hospital, 28031 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Ignacio de los Santos
- Servicio de Medicina Interna-Infecciosas, Hospital Universitario de La Princesa, 28006 Madrid, Spain;
| | - María Rosa López-Huertas
- Immunopathology Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (M.R.L.-H.); (M.C.)
| | - Claudia Palladino
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - María Muñoz-Muñoz
- Department of Animal Genetics, Instituto Nacional de Investigación y Tecnnología Agraria y Alimentaria (INIA), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Amanda Fernández-Rodríguez
- Laboratory of Reference and Research on Viral Hepatitis, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (P.M.-R.); (C.C.-B.); (D.V.-M.); (V.L.-A.); (S.A.-L.)
| | - Mayte Coiras
- Immunopathology Unit, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (M.R.L.-H.); (M.C.)
| | - Verónica Briz
- Laboratory of Reference and Research on Viral Hepatitis, Centro Nacional de Microbiología, Instituto de Salud Carlos III, 28220 Madrid, Spain; (P.M.-R.); (C.C.-B.); (D.V.-M.); (V.L.-A.); (S.A.-L.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abdel-Hameed EA, Rouster SD, Kottilil S, Sherman KE. The Enhanced Liver Fibrosis Index Predicts Hepatic Fibrosis Superior to FIB4 and APRI in HIV/HCV Infected Patients. Clin Infect Dis 2021; 73:450-459. [PMID: 32459305 DOI: 10.1093/cid/ciaa646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Accurate noninvasive biomarkers of fibrotic progression are important for hepatitis C virus (HCV) management, but commonly used modalities may have decreased efficacy in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/HCV-coinfected persons. The enhanced liver fibrosis (ELF) index is a highly sensitive noninvasive marker of hepatic fibrosis that has had limited assessment in the HIV/HCV population. We compared ELF index performance to FIB4 and aspartate to platelet ratio index (APRI) at different stages of liver fibrosis as determined by liver histology, and validated the efficacy of the three noninvasive biomarkers in HIV/HCV-coinfected versus HCV-monoinfected. METHODS The ELF index was determined in 147 HIV/HCV-coinfected and 98 HCV-monoinfected persons using commercial ELISA assays for the component elements of the index. Area under the receiver-operator curve was used to validate ELF and to compare its performance to liver histology as well as to other noninvasive biomarkers of liver fibrosis, FIB4, and APRI. RESULTS The ELF index increased with histological stage of liver fibrosis and exhibited a linear relationship with Metavir score in all subjects. ELF performance was comparable between HIV/HCV and HCV with advanced liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. In the HIV/HCV cohort ELF cutoffs of 8.45 and 9.23 predicted mild and moderate fibrosis with 85% sensitivity, whereas the ELF cutoff of 9.8 had the highest specificity for advanced fibrosis and the cutoff of 10.4 was 99% specific for cirrhosis. ELF performance was superior to FIB4 and APRI in all subjects regardless of HIV status. CONCLUSIONS ELF index demonstrated excellent characteristics toward accurate prediction of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis with superior performance to APRI and FIB4 in HIV/HCV coinfection. Applying this noninvasive biomarker index for diagnosis of liver fibrosis and progression in HIV/HCV is warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Susan D Rouster
- University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Shyam Kottilil
- Division of Clinical Care and Research, Institute of Human Virology, University of Maryland, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
6
|
Abstract
People who inject drugs (PWID) who migrate from Puerto Rico (PR) to New York City (NYC) are at elevated risk for hepatitis C (HCV), HIV and drug overdose. There is an urgent need to identify a sustainable path toward improving the health outcomes of this population. Peer-driven HIV/HCV prevention interventions for PWID are effective in reducing risk behaviors. Additionally, the concept of intravention-naturally occurring disease prevention activities among PWID (Friedman, 2004)-is a suitable theoretical framework to cast and bolster PWID-indigenous risk reduction norms and practices to achieve positive health outcomes. From 2017-2019, we conducted an ethnographic study in the Bronx, NYC to identify the injection risks of migrant Puerto Rican PWID, institutional barriers to risk reduction and solutions to these barriers. Study components included a longitudinal ethnography with 40 migrant PWID (e.g., baseline and exit interviews and monthly face-to-face follow-ups for 12 months), two institutional ethnographies (IEs) with 10 migrants and six service providers, and three focus groups (FGs) with another 15 migrant PWID. Data were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. In this article, we present findings from the IEs and FGs, specifically regarding a promising intravention pathway to promote health empowerment among these migrants that leverages an existing social role within their networks: the PR-indigenous ganchero. A ganchero is a vein-finding expert who is paid with drugs or cash for providing injection services. Ethnographic evidence from this study suggests that gancheros can occupy harm reduction leadership roles among migrant Puerto Rican PWID, adapting standard overdose and HIV/HCV prevention education to the specific experiences of their community. We conclude by noting the culturally appropriate risk reduction service delivery improvements needed to mitigate the health vulnerabilities of migrants and provide a roadmap for improving service delivery and identifying future research avenues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- C Gelpí-Acosta
- LaGuardia Community College, City University of New York (CUNY), Long Island City, NY, USA
- North Jersey Community Research Initiative, Newark, NJ, USA
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York University College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - H Guarino
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| | - E Benoit
- North Jersey Community Research Initiative, Newark, NJ, USA
| | - S Deren
- Center for Drug Use and HIV/HCV Research, New York University College of Global Public Health, New York, NY, USA
| | - A Rodríguez
- CUNY Graduate School of Public Health & Health Policy, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Frias M, Moyano JM, Rivero-Juarez A, Luna JM, Camacho Á, Fardoun HM, Machuca I, Al-Twijri M, Rivero A, Ventura S. Classification Accuracy of Hepatitis C Virus Infection Outcome: Data Mining Approach. J Med Internet Res 2021; 23:e18766. [PMID: 33624609 PMCID: PMC7946589 DOI: 10.2196/18766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Revised: 11/02/2020] [Accepted: 12/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The dataset from genes used to predict hepatitis C virus outcome was evaluated in a previous study using a conventional statistical methodology. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to reanalyze this same dataset using the data mining approach in order to find models that improve the classification accuracy of the genes studied. METHODS We built predictive models using different subsets of factors, selected according to their importance in predicting patient classification. We then evaluated each independent model and also a combination of them, leading to a better predictive model. RESULTS Our data mining approach identified genetic patterns that escaped detection using conventional statistics. More specifically, the partial decision trees and ensemble models increased the classification accuracy of hepatitis C virus outcome compared with conventional methods. CONCLUSIONS Data mining can be used more extensively in biomedicine, facilitating knowledge building and management of human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mario Frias
- Department of Clinical Virology and Zoonoses, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jose M Moyano
- Department of Computer Science and Numerical Analysis, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Knowledge Discovery and Intelligent Systems in Biomedicine Laboratory, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Antonio Rivero-Juarez
- Department of Clinical Virology and Zoonoses, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Jose M Luna
- Department of Computer Science and Numerical Analysis, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Knowledge Discovery and Intelligent Systems in Biomedicine Laboratory, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Ángela Camacho
- Department of Clinical Virology and Zoonoses, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Habib M Fardoun
- Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Isabel Machuca
- Department of Clinical Virology and Zoonoses, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Mohamed Al-Twijri
- Faculty of Computing and Information Technology, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Antonio Rivero
- Department of Clinical Virology and Zoonoses, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| | - Sebastian Ventura
- Department of Computer Science and Numerical Analysis, University of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
- Knowledge Discovery and Intelligent Systems in Biomedicine Laboratory, Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Córdoba, Córdoba, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Garagiola E, Foglia E, Ferrario L, Meraviglia P, Tebini A, Menzaghi B, Atzori C, Rizzardini G, Bini T, D'Arminio Monforte A, Croce D. Comorbidities and HCV coinfection in the management of HIV+ patients: evidence from the Italian clinical practice. Health Econ Rev 2020; 10:27. [PMID: 32860539 PMCID: PMC7456501 DOI: 10.1186/s13561-020-00284-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 05/09/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Since HIV+ treatment has become more effective, the average age of people living with HIV (PLWHIV) has increased, and consequently the incidence of developing comorbidities, making the clinical and economic management of HIV+ patients more complex. Limited literature exists regarding the management of comorbidities costs. This study is aimed at defining and comparing the total annual costs of comorbidities, in an Italian cohort of HIV and HIV/HCV patients, from the National Healthcare Service perspective. The authors hypothesised that there are higher costs, for patients with multiple comorbidities, and a greater consumption of resources for HIV/HCV co-infected patients versus HIV mono-infected patients. METHODS An observational retrospective multi-centre health-economics study, enrolling HIV+ and HIV/HCV consecutive patients with at least one comorbidity, was conducted. The consecutive cases, provided by three Italian infectious diseases centres, were related to the year 2016. The enrolled patients were on a stable antiviral therapy for at least six months. Demographic and clinical information was recorded. Costs related to HIV and HCV therapies, other treatments, medical examinations, hospitalizations and outpatient visits were evaluated. Data from mono-infected and co-infected groups of patients were compared, and the statistical analysis was performed by t-tests, chi-square and ANOVA. A sub-analysis excluding HCV therapy costs, was also conducted. The hierarchical sequential linear regression model was used to explore the determinants of costs, considering the investigated comorbidities. All analyses were conducted with a significant level of 0.05. RESULTS A total of 676 patients, 82% male, mean age 52, were identified and divided into groups (338 mono-infected HIV+ and 338 co-infected HIV/HCV patients), comparable in terms of age, gender, and demographic characteristics. A trend towards higher annual costs, for patients with multiple comorbidities was observed in HIV mono-infected patients (respectively € 8272.18 for patients without comorbidities and € 12,532.49 for patients with three or more comorbidities, p-value: 0.001). Excluding anti-HCV therapies costs, HIV/HCV co-infected patients generally required more resources, with statistically significant differences related to cardiovascular events (€10,116.58 vs €11,004.28, p-value: 0.001), and neurocognitive impairments events (€7706.43 vs €11,641.29 p- value: < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study provides a differentiated and comprehensive analysis of the healthcare resources needed by HIV and HIV/HCV patients with comorbidities and may contribute to the decision process of resources allocation, in the clinical management of different HIV+ patient populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elisabetta Garagiola
- Centre for Research on Health Economics, Social and Health Care Management, LIUC-Università Cattaneo, Castellanza, Italy.
| | - Emanuela Foglia
- Centre for Research on Health Economics, Social and Health Care Management, LIUC-Università Cattaneo, Castellanza, Italy
| | - Lucrezia Ferrario
- Centre for Research on Health Economics, Social and Health Care Management, LIUC-Università Cattaneo, Castellanza, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | - Giuliano Rizzardini
- Fatebenefratelli Sacco Hospital, Milan, Italy
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Science, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| | | | | | - Davide Croce
- Centre for Research on Health Economics, Social and Health Care Management, LIUC-Università Cattaneo, Castellanza, Italy
- School of Public Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Martínez-Román P, López-Huertas MR, Crespo-Bermejo C, Arca-Lafuente S, Cortegano I, Valle-Millares D, Gaspar ML, Martín-Carbonero L, Domínguez-Domínguez L, Ryan P, de Los Santos I, de la Fuente-Moral S, Fernández-Rodríguez A, Coiras M, Briz V. Hepatitis C Virus Influences HIV-1 Viral Splicing in Coinfected Patients. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E2091. [PMID: 32635221 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9072091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 06/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Coinfection with hepatitis C virus (HCV) influences HIV reservoir size. However, it is unknown whether this coinfection also induces a higher provirus transcription. Viral transcription is promoted by synergy between cellular factors such as NF-κB and the viral regulator Tat. The impact of HCV coinfection on HIV provirus transcription was analyzed in resting (r)CD4 T+ cells (CD3+CD4+CD25-CD69-HLADR-) and rCD4 T cells-depleted PBMCs (rCD4 T- PBMCs) from a multicenter cross-sectional study of 115 cART-treated HIV patients: 42 HIV+/HCV+ coinfected individuals (HIV+/HCV+), 34 HIV+ patients with HCV spontaneous clearance (HIV+/HCV−) and 39 HIV patients (HIV+). Viral transcription was assessed in total RNA through the quantification of unspliced, single spliced, and multiple spliced viral mRNAs by qPCR. Linear correlations between viral reservoir size and viral splicing were determined. A 3-fold increase of multiple spliced transcripts in rCD4 T+ cells of HIV+/HCV+ patients was found compared to HIV+ individuals (p < 0.05). As Tat is synthesized by multiple splicing, the levels of Tat were also quantified in these patients. Significant differences in single and multiple spliced transcripts were also observed in rCD4 T- PBMCs. Levels of multiple spliced mRNAs were increased in rCD4 T+ cells isolated from HIV+/HCV+ subjects, which could indicate a higher Tat activity in these cells despite their resting state.
Collapse
|
10
|
Hall T, Jenkins CA, Hulgan T, Furukawa S, Turner M, Pratap S, Sterling TR, Tabatabai M, Berthaud V. Hepatitis C Coinfection and Mortality in People Living with HIV in Middle Tennessee. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2020; 36:193-199. [PMID: 31789047 PMCID: PMC7071089 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2019.0113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) coinfection is associated with poor health outcomes. This study was designed to assess risk factors for and mortality with coinfection before direct-acting antiviral treatment availability in a state with an evolving opioid epidemic. HCV infection was determined from review of the medical record at two clinics serving the majority of people living with HIV (PLWH) in care in Middle Tennessee from 2004 to 2013. Association of potential risk factors with HCV-positivity was assessed using logistic regression. Association of HCV-positivity with mortality was assessed with a Cox proportional hazards model, adjusting for selected covariates. A total of 3,501 patients were included: 24% female; 51% men who have sex with men; 47% white; 44% African American/black; median age of 38 at their first visit; median most recent CD4 count 502 cells/μL (301-716); and HIV viral load 47 copies/mL (39-605); followed for a median of 3.0 (1-5) years. Prevalence of HCV was 13%. Those with a history of injection drug use (IDU) demonstrated the highest odds of HCV-positivity [odds ratio 12.94; 95% confidence interval (CI) 9.39-17.83]. There were 305 deaths; median age at death was 47 years (40-53). HCV coinfection was associated with greater mortality (hazard ratio 1.61; 95% CI 1.20-2.17; p < .001). Among PLWH, HCV coinfection was associated with IDU and an independent predictor of mortality. These results affirm the importance of HCV coinfection and inform interventions targeting the continuum of HCV care, uptake of HCV treatment, and the impact of drug use in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toni Hall
- Department of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Cathy A Jenkins
- Department of Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Todd Hulgan
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Sally Furukawa
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Megan Turner
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Siddharth Pratap
- Department of Bioinformatics, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Timothy R Sterling
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Mohammad Tabatabai
- Department of Biostatistics, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee
| | - Vladimir Berthaud
- Department of Medicine, Meharry Medical College, Nashville, Tennessee
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chang JJ, Mohtashemi N, Bhattacharya D. Significance and Management of Isolated Hepatitis B Core Antibody (Anti-HBc) in HIV and HCV: Strategies in the DAA Era. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2019; 15:172-181. [PMID: 29572624 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-018-0379-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to summarize the prevalence and clinical implications of the isolated anti-HBc serologic profile in HIV-infected individuals. We highlight the rare but important issue of HBV reactivation in the setting of HCV therapy and describe an approach to management. RECENT FINDINGS The isolated anti-HBc pattern, a profile that most often indicates past exposure to HBV with waning anti-HBs immunity, is found commonly in HIV-infected individuals, particularly those with HCV. Some large cohort studies demonstrate an association with advanced liver disease, while others do not. Conversely, meta-analyses have found an association between occult HBV infection (a component of the isolated anti-HBc pattern) and advanced liver disease and hepatocellular carcinoma in HIV-uninfected individuals. In HIV-uninfected individuals with anti-HBc positivity, HBV reactivation has been reported in patients receiving HCV therapy. This phenomenon is likely the result of disinhibition of HBV with HCV eradication. In HIV-infected patients, the long-term liver outcomes associated with the isolated anti-HBc pattern remain to be fully elucidated, supporting the need for large cohort studies with longitudinal follow-up. HBV reactivation during HCV DAA therapy has been well-described in HIV-uninfected cohorts and can inform algorithms for the screening and management of the isolated anti-HBc pattern in this population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer J Chang
- UCLA CARE Center, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 37-121 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.,Department of Infectious Diseases, Kaiser Permanente at Los Angeles Medical Center, 1505 N. Edgemont St., 2nd Floor, Los Angeles, CA, 90027, USA
| | - Neaka Mohtashemi
- UCLA CARE Center, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 37-121 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Debika Bhattacharya
- UCLA CARE Center, Division of Infectious Diseases, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 10833 Le Conte Avenue, 37-121 CHS, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The purpose of this review is to address infection with HIV and hepatitis C in the Appalachian region of the USA and the driving forces underlying this epidemic. We seek to discuss epidemiology of disease and the possible interventions to reduce incidence and burden of disease in this resource-limited area. RECENT FINDINGS The rise of the opioid crisis has fueled a rise in new hepatitis C infection, and a rise in new HIV infection is expected to follow. Injection drug use has directly contributed to the epidemic and continues to remain a risk factor. Men who have sex with men remains a significant risk factor for HIV acquisition as well. Progress has been made in the battle against HIV and, to a lesser extent, hepatitis C, but much more can be done. Limited data on co-infection with HIV/HCV are currently available for this at-risk region, but it is clear that Appalachia is highly vulnerable to co-infection outbreaks. A multipronged approach that includes advances in assessment of co-infection and education for both patients and clinicians can help to recognize, manage, and ideally prevent these illnesses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jonathan P Moorman
- Center of Excellence in Inflammation, Infectious Diseases and Immunity, College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA. .,Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA.
| | - Matthew R Krolikowski
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, College of Medicine, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Stephanie M Mathis
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA.,Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| | - Robert P Pack
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, College of Public Health, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA.,Center for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention and Treatment, East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, TN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Macías J, Granados R, Téllez F, Merino D, Pérez M, Morano LE, Palacios R, Paniagua M, Frías M, Merchante N, Pineda JA. Similar recovery of liver function after response to all-oral HCV therapy in patients with cirrhosis with and without HIV coinfection. J Viral Hepat 2019; 26:16-24. [PMID: 30141222 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2017] [Revised: 06/14/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Among patients with cirrhosis, recovery of liver function after SVR to all-oral direct-acting antivirals (DAA) in HIV/HCV coinfection could be different to that in HCV monoinfection. Because of this, we compared the changes in several markers of liver function between HCV-monoinfected and HIV/HCV-coinfected patients with cirrhosis who achieved SVR12 to DAA combinations. In this retrospective cohort study, cirrhotics included in the HEPAVIR-DAA and GEHEP-MONO cohorts were selected if they had SVR12 to all-oral DAAs. Patients treated with atazanavir were excluded. Liver function improvement was defined as Child-Pugh-Turcotte (CPT) decrease ≥1 and/or MELD decrease ≥2 between baseline and SVR12. Liver function worsening was defined as a CPT increase ≥1 and/or MELD increase ≥2 and/or decompensations between baseline and SVR12. We included 490 patients, 270 (55%) of them with HIV coinfection. Liver function improved in 50 (56%) HCV-infected individuals and in 82 (57%) HIV/HCV-coinfected patients (P = 0.835). Liver function worsened in 33 (15%) HCV-monoinfected patients and in 33 (13%) HIV/HCV-coinfected patients (P = 0.370). Factors independently related with liver function improvement were male gender [adjusted OR (AOR) 2.1 (95% confidence interval, 95% CI: 1.03-4.2), P = 0.040], bilirubin < 1.2 mg/dL (AOR 1.8 [95% CI: 1.004-3.3], P = 0.49), and INR < 1.3 (AOR 2.4 [95% CI: 1.2-5.0], P = 0.019) at baseline. After multivariate analysis, albumin < 3.5 g/dL was associated with liver function worsening (AOR 6.1 [95% CI: 3-12.5], P < 0.001). Liver function worsening and improvement rates after responding to DAA are similar among HCV-monoinfected and HIV/HCV-coinfected cirrhotics. Gender, INR, bilirubin, and albumin levels were associated with liver function changes after response to DAAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Juan Macías
- Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville, Spain
| | - Rafael Granados
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario de Gran Canaria Dr. Negrín, Gran Canaria, Spain
| | - Francisco Téllez
- Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Puerto Real, Instituto de Investigación e Innovación en Ciencias Biomédicas de la Provincia de Cádiz (INiBICA), Puerto Real, Spain
| | - Dolores Merino
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Juan Ramón Jiménez, Huelva, Spain
| | | | - Luis E Morano
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario Álvaro Cunqueiro, Vigo, Spain
| | - Rosario Palacios
- Infectious Diseases Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Malaga, Spain
| | - María Paniagua
- Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario Virgen Macarena, Seville, Spain
| | - Mario Frías
- Instituto Maimonides de Investigación Biomedica de Córdoba (IMIBIC), Hospital Universitario Reina Sofia, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Nicolás Merchante
- Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville, Spain
| | - Juan A Pineda
- Infectious Diseases and Microbiology Unit, Hospital Universitario de Valme, Seville, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Olea A, Grochowski J, Luetkemeyer AF, Robb V, Saberi P. Role of a clinical pharmacist as part of a multidisciplinary care team in the treatment of HCV in patients living with HIV/HCV coinfection. Integr Pharm Res Pract 2018; 7:105-111. [PMID: 30214893 PMCID: PMC6118274 DOI: 10.2147/iprp.s169282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The objective of the study was to evaluate the role of a clinical pharmacist in hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment of patients living with HIV/HCV coinfection. Methods We conducted a descriptive study to quantify the functions of a clinical pharmacist in HCV treatment of patients living with HIV/HCV coinfection who were initiating HCV treatment at a publicly funded clinic between March 18, 2015 and September 15, 2016. The clinical pharmacist’s role was categorized into eight categories: 1) HCV prior authorization (PA) completion; 2) HCV medication adherence counseling; 3) HCV drug-drug interaction (DDI) counseling and screening; 4) HCV medication counseling regarding common adverse events (AEs); 5) HCV counseling regarding HCV treatment outcomes and risk of reinfection; 6) ordering laboratory tests and interpretation of HCV laboratory values; 7) HIV medication AE assessment; and 8) other (including refilling medications and management of other comorbidities). Results One hundred and thirty-five patients initiated treatment during this timeframe: 77.0% were males, 56.3% non-cirrhotic, 77.0% HCV treatment-naïve, 45.9% HCV genotype 1a, and 83.0% initiated on ledipasvir/sofosbuvir. The clinical pharmacist completed 150 PAs, counseled on HCV medication adherence in 79.2% of patients, conducted HCV DDI counseling and screening in 54.2%, and monitored HCV medication AEs in 54.2%. The clinical pharmacist counseled patients on HCV treatment outcomes and risk of reinfection in 53.1%, ordered laboratory tests in 44.8%, and reported and interpreted laboratory values in 44.8%. The clinical pharmacist assessed HIV medication AEs in 54.2% of patients and participated in other activities in 42.7%. Conclusion A clinical pharmacist’s expertise as part of a multidisciplinary care team facilitates optimal treatment outcomes and provides critical support in the management of DAA therapy in individuals living with HIV/HCV coinfection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Olea
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General, San Francisco, CA, USA,
| | - Janet Grochowski
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General, San Francisco, CA, USA,
| | - Anne F Luetkemeyer
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General, San Francisco, CA, USA,
| | - Valerie Robb
- Division of HIV, Infectious Diseases and Global Medicine, Zuckerberg San Francisco General, San Francisco, CA, USA,
| | - Parya Saberi
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Khalsa JH, Talal AH, Morse G. Drug-Drug Interactions and Diagnostics for Drug Users With HIV and HIV/HCV Coinfections: Introduction. Clin Pharmacol Drug Dev 2018; 6:108-117. [PMID: 28263456 DOI: 10.1002/cpdd.316] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Substance use and pharmacologic treatment of co-occurring infections such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and hepatitis C virus (HCV) are associated with many adverse consequences including pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug-drug interactions (DDIs). The National Institute on Drug Abuse sponsored a 2-day conference on DDIs at which clinicians/scientists from government, academia, and the pharmaceutical industry presented the most current research findings to formulate a comprehensive overview of DDIs. Specific topics discussed included drug metabolism; drug interactions between medications used in the treatment of HIV, HCV, and substance use disorders; intrahepatic concentrations and methods of assessment of drugs in liver disease of varying etiologies and degrees of impairment; and minimally invasive sampling techniques for the assessment of intrahepatic drug concentrations, viral replication, and changes in gene expression in response to treatment. Finally, the speakers identified research targets and priorities on DDIs. Areas of emphasis included development of diagnostic assays for drug concentration assessment in different organs, an enhanced understanding of factors responsible for alterations in drug metabolism and excretion, and establishment of clinical trials and work groups to study DDIs. Our long-term objective is to broaden investigation in the field of DDIs in substance users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jag H Khalsa
- National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, MD, USA
| | - Andrew H Talal
- State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Gene Morse
- State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Papasavvas E, Azzoni L, Yin X, Liu Q, Joseph J, Mackiewicz A, Ross B, Lynn KM, Jacobson JM, Mounzer K, Kostman JR, Montaner LJ. HCV viraemia associates with NK cell activation and dysfunction in antiretroviral therapy-treated HIV/HCV-co-infected subjects. J Viral Hepat 2017; 24:865-876. [PMID: 28419653 PMCID: PMC5589504 DOI: 10.1111/jvh.12714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The impact of hepatitis C virus (HCV) RNA levels on immune status in chronically HCV mono-infected when compared to HIV/HCV co-infected on antiretroviral therapy (ART) remains poorly understood. A total of 78 African American subjects HCV viraemic/naïve to HCV treatment (33 HCV genotype 1 mono-infected, 45 ART-treated HIV/HCV genotype 1 co-infected) were studied. Clinical and liver enzyme measurements were performed. Whole blood was analysed for immune subset changes by flow cytometry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were used for same-day constitutive and in vitro Interferon (IFN)-α-induced signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) phosphorylation, K562 target cell lysis and K562 target cell recognition-mediated IFN-γ production. Statistical analysis was performed using R (2.5.1) or JMP Pro 11. While both groups did not differ in the level of liver enzymes, HIV/HCV had higher T-cell activation/exhaustion, and constitutive STAT-1 phosphorylation compared to HCV. In contrast, CD4+ FoxP3+ CD25+ frequency, IFN-αR expression on NK cells, as well as constitutive and IFN-α-induced direct cytotoxicity were lower in HIV/HCV. Linear regression models further supported these results. Finally, increase in HCV viral load and CD4+ T-cell count had an opposite effect between the two groups on NK cell activity and T-cell activation, respectively. HCV viral load in ART-treated HIV/HCV co-infection was associated with greater immune activation/exhaustion and NK dysfunction than HCV viral load alone in HCV mono-infection. The more pronounced immune modulation noted in ART-treated HIV-co-infected/untreated HCV viraemic subjects may impact HCV disease progression and/or response to immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - L. Azzoni
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - X. Yin
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Q. Liu
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J. Joseph
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | - B. Ross
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - K. M. Lynn
- Presbyterian Hospital-University of Pennsylvania hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J. M. Jacobson
- Temple University, Lewis Katz School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - K. Mounzer
- Jonathan Lax Immune Disorders Treatment Center, Philadelphia Field Initiating Group for HIV-1 Trials, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - J. R. Kostman
- John Bell Health Center, Philadelphia Field Initiating Group for HIV-1 Trials, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Abstract
The aim of this study was to carry out a systematic review and meta-analysis of the differences in the prevalence of depression and presence of depressive symptoms between HIV/HCV co-infection, HIV mono-infection, and hepatitis C virus (HCV) mono-infection. A systematic electronic search of bibliographic databases was performed to locate articles published from the earliest available online until December 2014. Outcomes of depression were based on clinical interviews and validated self-reported measures of depression/depressive symptoms. Of the 188 records initially screened, 29 articles were included in the descriptive systematic review and six were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analytic results indicated that, as measured by self-reported measures of depression, HIV/HCV co-infected patients were significantly more likely to report depressive symptoms than either HIV (SMD = .24, 95% CI: .03-.46, p = .02) or HCV mono-infected (SMD = .55, 95% CI: .17-.94, p = .005) patients. The variability of the results of the reviewed studies, largely dependent on the samples' characteristics and the methods of assessment of depression, suggests that a clear interpretation of how depression outcomes are affected by the presence of HIV/HCV co-infection is still needed. Failing to diagnose depression or to early screen depressive symptoms may have a significant impact on patients' overall functioning and compromise treatments' outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renata Fialho
- a School of Psychology , University of Sussex , Brighton , UK.,b Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust , Brighton , UK
| | - Marco Pereira
- c Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences , University of Coimbra , Coimbra , Portugal
| | - Jennifer Rusted
- a School of Psychology , University of Sussex , Brighton , UK
| | - Richard Whale
- b Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust , Brighton , UK.,d Brighton and Sussex Medical School , Brighton , UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Pavone P, Tieghi T, d'Ettorre G, Lichtner M, Marocco R, Mezzaroma I, Passavanti G, Vittozzi P, Mastroianni CM, Vullo V. Rapid decline of fasting glucose in HCV diabetic patients treated with direct-acting antiviral agents. Clin Microbiol Infect 2016; 22:462.e1-3. [PMID: 26812446 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2015.12.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2015] [Revised: 12/21/2015] [Accepted: 12/30/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Association between hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection and diabetes has been widely postulated. Little is known about the effect of direct-acting antiviral agents (DAAs) on glycaemic control. The aim of our study was to evaluate the glycaemic control modifications in a case series of HCV-positive diabetic patients receiving DAAs. We retrospectively evaluated 149 HCV-positive patients in two different institutions affiliated with Sapienza University: Policlinico Umberto I of Rome and Ospedale Santa Maria Goretti of Latina. We were able to identify 29 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (19% of total population) who were receiving different interferon-free regimens. During-treatment fasting glucose (FG) values were available for 21 patients, and analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction (p 0.007); reduction mean value was -52.86 mg/dL. A glycated haemoglobin (A1C) value during treatment (at weeks 4, 8 and/or 12) was available for ten patients, and the analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction (p 0.021) with a reduction mean value of -1.95%. Six patients (23%) needed to reduce hypoglycaemic drugs, eight of ten patients showed reduction of A1C and 14 (67%) of 21 patients showed reduced FG during treatment. FG and A1C reductions values were independent from which DAA was present in the regimen, HCV genotype, body mass index and HIV status. In order to avoid hypoglycaemic events, diabetic patients receiving DAAs should be closely monitored for reduction of hypoglycaemic drugs. Furthermore, in our opinion, diabetes could be considered as an element to prioritize treatment in those patients with no apparent liver disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- P Pavone
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy.
| | - T Tieghi
- Infectious Diseases Unit, SM Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
| | - G d'Ettorre
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - M Lichtner
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy; Infectious Diseases Unit, SM Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
| | - R Marocco
- Infectious Diseases Unit, SM Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
| | - I Mezzaroma
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - G Passavanti
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - P Vittozzi
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - C M Mastroianni
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy; Infectious Diseases Unit, SM Goretti Hospital, Sapienza University, Latina, Italy
| | - V Vullo
- Department of Public Health and Infectious Diseases, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
The field of hepatitis C (HCV) therapy is moving inexorably towards a time when interferon is no longer part of routine HCV treatment. 2015 will see at least two interferon-free directly acting antiviral (DAA) treatments licensed in Europe and the USA. For those parts of the world that can afford it, this will mean the potential for treatment of those who have either failed interferon-based therapy or have been unable to tolerate the side-effects that commonly accompany treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- G S Cooke
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Imperial College, London, UK
| | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Bluthenthal RN, Wenger L, Chu D, Quinn B, Thing J, Kral AH. Factors associated with initiating someone into illicit drug injection. Drug Alcohol Depend 2014; 144:186-92. [PMID: 25282308 PMCID: PMC4276720 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Revised: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/06/2014] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Most people who inject drugs (PWID) were first initiated into injection by a current PWID. Few studies have examined PWID who assist others into drug injection. Our goal is to describe the prevalence of and risk factors for initiating someone into injection in the last 12 months. METHODS We recruited a cross-sectional sample of PWID (N=605) in California from 2011 to 2013. We examined bivariate and multivariate risk factors for initiating someone into injection with a focus on behaviors that might encourage injection initiation such as injecting in front of non-PWID, describing how to inject to non-PWID, and willingness to initiate someone into drug injection. RESULTS Having initiated someone into injection was reported by 34% of PWID overall and 7% in the last 12 months. Forty-four PWID had assisted 431 people into injection in the past year. Factors independently associated with initiating someone into injection in the last 12 months were self-reported likelihood of initiating someone in the future (Adjusted Odds Ratio [AOR]=7.09; 95% Confidence Interval [CI]=3.40, 14.79), having injected another PWID in past month (AOR=4.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.94, 8.47), having described how to inject to non-injectors (2.61; 95% CI=1.19, 5.71), and non-injection powder cocaine use in past month (AOR=4.97; 95% CI=2.08, 11.84) while controlling for study site. CONCLUSION Active PWID are important in facilitating the process of drug injection uptake. Interventions to reduce initiation should include efforts to change behaviors and intentions among PWID that are associated with injection uptake among others.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ricky N Bluthenthal
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute for Prevention Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California Soto Street Building, SSB 2001 N. Soto Street, MC 9239, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA.
| | - Lynn Wenger
- Urban Health Program, RTI International, 351 California St., San Francisco, CA 94104
| | - Daniel Chu
- Urban Health Program, RTI International, 351 California St., San Francisco, CA 94104
| | - Brendan Quinn
- Centre for Population Health, Burnet Institute, 85 Commercial Rd., Melbourne, VIC, 3004, Australia
| | - James Thing
- Department of Preventive Medicine, Institute for Prevention Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90089
| | - Alex H Kral
- Urban Health Program, RTI International, 351 California St., San Francisco, CA 94104
| |
Collapse
|