Abstract
HIV infection is more common among smokers than nonsmokers, and, remarkably, HIV-infected individuals are about 3 times more likely to smoke than the uninfected general population. However, the relationship between tobacco smoking and HIV/AIDS disease progression remains controversial. In this study, we demonstrate a potent enhancing effect of aqueous tobacco smoke extract (TSE) on HIV infectivity that is nicotine-independent. This increased infectivity is neither NF-κB mediated nor a direct result of oxidative stress, as it cannot be blocked by antioxidants. On the contrary, TSE itself was found to possess significant antioxidant potential, enabling it to protect the viability of both infected cells and HIV virions in the presence of peroxide. Assessment of TSE-induced alterations in cellular gene expression that may be involved in increasing HIV infectivity in T cells showed that TSE up-regulates some genes known to be capable of enhancing HIV and HCV infection, or protecting HIV, but down-regulates several genes involved in cellular defense and antigen presentation. These results demonstrate that tobacco smoke can enhance HIV infectivity, possibly by a combination of direct (antioxidant) and indirect (gene-based) mechanisms. This raises the concern that smoking may thereby increase the risk of acquisition or progression of HIV infection.
Highlights
The relationship between tobacco smoking and HIV/AIDS progression still remains controversial (Furber et al, 2007)
Few studies have explored the possibility of direct interactions between non-nicotine tobacco constituents and viral replication in HIV/AIDS
The data show that as-yet unidentified non-nicotine smoke constituents are involved in enhancing HIV infectivity/virus production
Summary
The relationship between tobacco smoking and HIV/AIDS progression still remains controversial (Furber et al, 2007). Some studies suggest that tobacco smoking by HIV-1seropositive individuals is associated with a more rapid progression to AIDS (Crothers et al, 2005, Nieman et al, 1993). Perhaps partly because of these controversies and inconsistencies in study results, and because the life expectancies of AIDS patients have been increased dramatically since highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) became the standard of care, comparatively little attention has been paid to the interactions between tobacco smoking and HIV/AIDS. Tobacco smoking can increase risk of maternal-child HIV transmission and complications (Kalish et al, 1998, Turner et al, 1997)
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
