Inflammatory And Cardiovascular Correlates Of Physical Activity In Older Adults Living With Hiv

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Inflammatory biomarkers are known indicators of oxidative stress contributing to cardiovascular diseases (CVD) in older people living with HIV (OPLWH). Physical activity (PA) may reduce these markers in OPLWH, however, little is known about the association between PA with inflammatory and CVD biomarkers in this high-risk group. PURPOSE: To examine inflammatory and CVD biomarker correlates of PA in OPLWH in the Deep South. METHODS: This study utilized data from a larger parent study in the Birmingham, Alabama area. Biomarker assays were conducted for inflammatory markers (TNF-alpha, CRP, IL-6). Participants self-reported PA (International Physical Activity Questionnaire), sociodemographics, and comorbidities. PA correlates were examined using Spearman rank correlations by PA duration and volume at various intensities. RESULTS: 101 HIV+ participants were assessed in the present study (age, 57.91[6.58] years; male, 58.20%; African American, 71.59%). Among OPLWH, sitting was associated with greater triglycerides (rho = 0.27, p < 0.001), IL-6 (rho = 0.20, p < 0.05), and TNF-alpha (rho = 0.23, p < 0.05). In OPLWH, more time engaged in walking and moderate-intensity exercise was associated with lower systolic blood pressure (rho = -0.21, p < 0.05) and pulse pressure (rho = -0.22 and -0.19, respectively; p < 0.05), while more time engaged in vigorous intensity was associated with lower TNF-alpha (rho = -0.19; p < 0.05). Among OPLWH, engaging in more volume of walking and moderate-intensity physical activity was associated with lower systolic (rho = -0.21, p < 0.05), while engaging in more volume of moderate-intensity and vigorous-intensity was associated with lower diastolic blood pressures (rho = -0.19 and -0.20, respectively, p < 0.05). Lastly, walking was associated with lower pulse pressure (rho = -0.21, p < 0.05), and vigorous intensity was associated with lower TNF-alpha levels (rho = -0.20, p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Higher PA duration and volume were correlated with lower levels of inflammatory and CVD biomarkers in OPLWH. These findings suggest engaging in more duration and volume of PA may aid in potentially overcoming the metabolic, cardiovascular, and inflammatory derangement associated with HIV.