non-HIV Subjects Research Articles

Anti-DFS70 among HIV-positive individuals - A prospective study.

Anti-DFS70 is an anti-nuclear antibody directed against the DFS70 protein, which is produced in response to several stressful events. Since its discovery, this autoantigen-antibody complex has drawn the attention of many researchers, yet many questions remain unanswered. The DFS70 protein is crucial for HIV integration into the host DNA; however, the relationship between anti-DFS70 and HIV is unknown. A protective role of anti-DFS70 against HIV is possible due to the competition between the HIV integrase and the anti-DFS70 antibody on the same target site on DFS70. The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of anti-DFS70 in HIV-positive individuals seeking for possible interrelation. A total of 100 HIV-positive individuals followed up at the HIV unit at Sheba Medical Center were tested for the detection of anti-DFS70. A total of 92 non-HIV subjects, randomly selected, were tested and compared as controls. Chemiluminescence assay by QUANTA Flash was performed to evaluate the presence of anti-DFS70 antibodies. None of the HIV-positive individuals had a positive test result for anti-DFS70 (0%) compared to 10 out of 92 non-HIV individuals (10.9%). This is the first study addressing the prevalence of anti-DFS70 in HIV-positive patients. The rate of anti-DFS70 positivity was found to be significantly lower in HIV-positive individuals than in non-HIV individuals (p=0.002). The absence of anti-DFS70 in HIV-positive subjects might imply that individuals who lack these antibodies are more susceptible to HIV infection. Further studies with large populations are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection in Huntington's Disease is Associated with an Earlier Age of Symptom Onset.

Huntington Disease (HD) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are both associated with neurodegeneration in the cerebral cortex and striatum. The rate of striatal degeneration is a known predictor of symptom onset in HD indicating a potential neurobiological link between HD and HIV. To determine if the presence of pre-existing HIV infection would trigger a significantly earlier age of symptom onset (ASO) in HD-mutation carriers when compared to non-infected HD subjects. This was a retrospective analysis of the Enroll-HD database that included participants with a CAG repeat of at least 36. Participants with HD and a comorbidity of HIV that was diagnosed prior to their reported ASO were identified and compared to participants with HD who did not have HIV. An ANCOVA analysis was performed to investigate the differences in ASO between the HIV and non-HIV groups. Sex, drug use, and CAG repeat number were used as covariates. The average ASO of HD subjects with previous HIV infection (n=8) was 9.1 years earlier than non-HIV infected HD subjects (n=3259) [F(1, 3267)=10.05, p=0.002]. Despite low numbers of participants in the HIV group, the calculated effect size of this difference was 1.07. The known neurobiological changes caused by HIV seem to hasten the ASO in patients with HD. These results may enhance our understanding of the neuropathology of HD in a way that will help with the identification of novel targets for future therapies.

Novel Insights in the Management of Dyslipidemia in Patients With HIV Infection

In recent years, cardiovascular diseases (CVD) have become a leading cause of death in patient with HIV infection, despite a reduction of total mortality in this population. Patients with HIV who are receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) have approximately 1.5–2 times higher risk for cardiovascular events than HIV-uninfected people. Dyslipidemia is a major risk factor for CVD and is more prevalent in patients with HIV infection. In the present review, we summarize the current concepts in the management of dyslipidemia in patients with HIV infection. Several studies evaluated the safety and effectiveness of statins in the management of dyslipidemia in patients with HIV infections. However, most studies are small and short term and none evaluated the effects of statins on cardiovascular morbidity. There are also very limited data on the role of other lipid-lowering agents in these patients. Moreover, the effect of switching ART on the lipid profile and on viral suppression is also unclear. Management of dyslipidemia in patients with HIV infection is complicated by the increased risk for pharmacokinetic interactions between lipid-lowering agents and ART as well as by the adverse metabolic effects of most classes of ART. However, given the increased cardiovascular risk of this population, lipid-lowering treatment, primarily with statins, should be considered and appears to be equally effective as in non-HIV infected subjects.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among people living with HIV/AIDS visiting a central hospital of Kathmandu Nepal

Backgrounds: Intestinal Parasitic Infection (IPI) plays a vital role in the prognosis of People Living with HIV/AIDS (PLHA).Aims and Objectives: In this study, we aimed to measure the prevalence and associated factors of IPI among PLHA and non-HIV patients attending Sukraraj Tropical and Infectious Disease Hospital, Teku, Kathmandu.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 193 PLHA and 111 non-HIV patients having either of gastrointestinal disorders. Direct smear, Formalin ethyl acetate sedimentation and Kinyoun’s modified acid fast staining methods were applied to detect intestinal parasites from stool samples and CD4 T-cell counts of PLHA was recorded from ART centre of hospital.Results: The overall prevalence of IPI was found to be 16.12% (19.17% in PLHA and 10.81% in non-HIV subjects). Prevalence was higher in PLHA (p<0.06) in which poly parasitic infection was common (24%) with the protozoa predominating over helminths. CD4 T-cell counts <200/μl (p<0.06) and diarrhoea (p<0.06) were associated with increased IPI in PLHA. Cryptosporidium parvum was found in 19.05% cases of PLHA having CD4 T-cell counts <200/μl.Conclusions: The higher prevalence of opportunistic protozoa among PLHA indicates the need of routine parasitic investigation using sensitive methods so that it will be helpful for the proper therapeutic management.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.8(5) 2017 87-92

Elevated Spontaneous Interferon-γ Secretion in Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Infected Persons.

Immune activation in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is a well described phenomenon. We found that HIV patients have higher secretion of interferon (IFN)-γ compared with non-HIV subjects, as measured by the “nil” value in the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, even when viral loads are low. This may reflect ongoing immune activation, even with optimal HIV management.

Dysfunctional Subcutaneous Fat With Reduced Dicer and Brown Adipose Tissue Gene Expression in HIV-Infected Patients.

HIV patients are at an increased risk for cardiometabolic disease secondary to depot-specific alterations in adipose function, but mechanisms remain poorly understood. The endoribonuclease Dicer has been linked to the modulation of brown and white adipocyte differentiation. We previously demonstrated that Dicer knockout mice undergo transformation of brown adipose tissue to white adipose tissue and develop a lipodystrophic phenotype. We hypothesized reduced Dicer and brown adipose tissue gene expression from nonlipomatous sc fat among HIV patients with a lipodystrophic phenotype. Eighteen HIV (nine with and without lipodystrophic changes in fat distribution, characterized by excess dorsocervical adipose tissue [DCAT]) and nine non-HIV subjects underwent punch biopsy of abdominal sc fat to determine expression of Dicer and other adipose-related genes. HIV subjects with long-duration antiretroviral use demonstrated excess DCAT vs non-HIV subjects (9.8 ± 1.0 vs 6.6 ± 0.8 cm(2), P = .02) with similar body mass index. Dicer expression was decreased in abdominal sc fat of HIV vs non-HIV (4.88 [1.91, 11.93] vs 17.69 [10.72, 47.91], P = .01), as were PPARα, ZIC1, PRDM16, DIO2, and HSP60 (all P ≤ .03). Moreover, the expression of Dicer (2.49 [0.02, 4.88] vs 11.20 [4.83, 21.45], P = .006), brown fat (PPARα [P = .002], ZIC1 [P = .004], LHX8 [P = .03], PRDM16 [P = .0008], PAT2 [P = .008], P2RX5 [P = .02]), beige fat (TMEM26 [P = .004], CD137 [P = .008]), and other genes (DIO2 [P = .002], leptin [P = .003], HSP60 [P = .0004]) was further decreased in abdominal sc fat comparing HIV subjects with vs without excess DCAT. Down-regulation of Dicer in the abdominal sc fat correlated with the down-regulation of all brown and beige fat genes (all P ≤ .01). Our results demonstrate dysfunctional sc adipose tissue marked by reduced Dicer in relationship to the down-regulation of brown and beige fat-related genes in lipodystrophic HIV patients and may provide a novel mechanism for metabolic dysregulation. A strategy to increase browning of white adipose tissue may improve cardiometabolic health in HIV.

A look at the strength of micro and macro EEG analysis for distinguishing insomnia within an HIV cohort.

HIV patients are often plagued by sleep disorders and suffer from sleep deprivation. However, there remains a wide gap in our understanding of the relationship between HIV status, poor sleep, overall function and future outcomes; particularly in the case of HIV patients otherwise well controlled on cART (combined anti-retroviral therapy). In this study, we compared two groups: 16 non-HIV subjects (seronegative controls) and 12 seropositive HIV patients with undetectable viral loads. We looked at sleep behavioral (macro-sleep) features and sleep spectral (micro-sleep) features obtained from human-scored overnight EEG recordings to study whether the scored EEG data can be used to distinguish between controls and HIV subjects. Specifically, the macro-sleep features were defined by sleep stages and included sleep transitions, percentage of time spent in each sleep stage, and duration of time spent in each sleep stage. The micro-sleep features were obtained from the power spectrum of the EEG signals by computing the total power across all channels and frequencies, as well as the average power in each sleep stage and across different frequency bands. While the macro features do not distinguish between the two groups, there is a significant difference and a high classification accuracy for the scoring-independent micro features. This spectral separation is interesting because evidence suggests a relationship between sleep complaints and cognitive dysfunction in HIV patients stable on cART. Furthermore, there are currently no biomarkers that predict the early development of cognitive decline in HIV patients. Thus, a micro-sleep architectural approach could serve as a biomarker to identify HIV patients vulnerable to cognitive decline, providing an avenue to explore the utility of early intervention.

Comparison of Spot Urine Protein/Creatinine Ratio, Spot Urine Protein/Osmolality Ratio with Measured 24-Hour Urine Protein in HIV Subjects in Nigeria

Background and Objectives: Urine protein examination is a veritable tool in the management of renal diseases. Proteinuria evaluation from 24-hour urine collection is the gold standard. Prompt urine protein assessment from spot urine sample has become necessary to eliminate inaccuracies inherent in timed urine collection. This study aims at comparing spot urine protein/creatinine ratio (SUPCR) and measured 24-hour urine protein (24 HUP), and also spot urine protein/osmolality ratio (SUPOR) and 24 HUP against measured 24-hour urine protein (24 HUP) for assessment of proteinuria in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) subjects. Methodology: Three hundred and ninety three HIV subjects from the HIV/AIDS clinic and 136 age- and sexmatched non-HIV subjects as Control. Investigations performed included 24-hour urine protein (24 HUP), spot urine protein (SUP), spot urine creatinine (SUCr), spot urine osmolality (SUOsm), fasting blood sugar (FBS), urinalysis, HIV screening and confirmatory test, electrolyte, urea and creatinine. SUPCR and SUPOR were calculated. Correlation statistics, 2 × 2 contingency table analysis, receiver operator characteristics (ROC) Curve analysis and Bland Altman plots were used to compare SUPCR and 24 HUP, and also SUPOR and 24 HUP in HIV subjects and control. SPSS version 17 and Medcal statistical software were used to analyze the data. P<0.050 was taken as statistically significant. Results: Using the 2 × 2 contingency table in the HIV subjects, the Sensitivity for SUPCR and SUPOR with 24 HUP was 43.4% and 11.5% respectively. Specificity for SUPCR and SUPOR with 24 HUP was 92.9% and 99.2% respectively. The SUPCR had a correlation (r) of 0.734 (p<0.001) with 24 HUP. In addition, SUPOR had a correlation coefficient of 0.417 (p<0.001) with 24 HUP. Using the Bland Altman plots, SUPCR compared with 24HUP the limits of agreement were +0.361 g/day to -0.248 g/day in HIV subjects. In addition for SUPOR the limits of agreements were +0.440 g/day to-0.180 g/day in HIV subjects. The bias was 0.060 g/day and 0.130 g/day for SUPCR and SUPOR respectively. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve showed that SUPCR randomly chosen value of 0.042 mg/mg and SUPOR chosen value of 0.010 mg/dl/mOsm/kg H2O predicted 24 HUP at urinary excretion threshold of 0.150 g. Conclusion: The SUPCR and SUPOR are reliable tests, for quantifying proteinuria in HIV subjects, and should be used in assessment of proteinuria in HIV subjects in Sub Saharan African countries.

Anti-Retroviral Therapy Is Associated with Decreased Alveolar Glutathione Levels Even in Healthy HIV-Infected Individuals

ObjectiveLung infections are a leading cause of death in HIV-infected individuals. Measuring redox in HIV-infected individuals may identify those with chronic oxidative stress who are at increased risk for lung infection. We sought to estimate the association between HIV infection and oxidative stress in the lung, as reflected by decreased levels of glutathione and cysteine in the epithelial lining fluid.MethodsBronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid was collected from healthy HIV-infected subjects and controls. Individuals were excluded if they had evidence of major medical co-morbidities, were malnourished or smoked cigarettes.ResultsWe enrolled 22 otherwise healthy HIV and 21 non-HIV subjects. Among the HIV-infected subjects, 72.7% were on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) with a median CD4 count of 438 (279.8–599) and viral load of 0 (0–1.0) log copies/mL. There were no significant differences in median BAL fluid glutathione and cysteine levels between HIV and HIV-uninfected subjects. However, BAL glutathione was significantly higher in HIV-infected subjects on anti-retroviral therapy (ART) compared to those not on ART [367.4 (102–965.3) nM vs. 30.8 (1.0–112.1) nM, p = 0.008]. Further, HIV infection with ART was associated with an OR of 2.02 for increased BAL glutathione when adjusted for age and body mass index, whereas HIV infection without ART was associated with an OR of 2.17 for decreased BAL glutathione.ConclusionHIV infection without ART was associated with increased oxidative stress, as reflected by decreased alveolar glutathione levels, in otherwise healthy HIV-infected individuals. Further study needs to be done identify predictors of lung health in HIV and to address the role of ART in improving lung immunity.

Estimation Of Serum Erythropoietin Levels in Anaemic HIV Infected Patients in Lagos, Nigeria

Background Erythropoietin(EPO) response to anaemia has been reported to be suboptimal in HIV infected anaemic patients. Objectives To assess the relationship between EPO levels and degree of anaemia, CD4+ cell count and viral load of HIV infected treatment naive subjects and if there is any association with inflammatory cytokines. Subjects and Methods A total of 120 subjects aged 18-66 years, comprises (1) HIV infected treatment naive subjects who had anaemia with Hb level &lt;10g/dL. Control subjects were: (2) HIV infected non-anaemic, (3) non-HIV infected anaemic and (4) non-HIV infected non-anaemic individuals. Full blood count using automated counter; CD4+ cell count by semi-automated flow cytometer; and viral load were estimated. Serum erythropoietin levels, serum ferritin levels, CRP levels, TNF-α levels and IL-6 levels were estimated. Appropriateness of EPO response was determined by calculating EPO response ratio. Results Majority (72%) of the HIV infected anaemic patients had a normocytic hypochromic type of anaemia. A weak positive correlation between EPO levels and CD4+ cell count (r=0.075, p=0.572) was obtained. A significant negative correlation between EPO levels and haemoglobin levels (r=-0.268, p=0.003). Twenty-seven (71.05%) of the 38 HIV infected anaemic subjects had EPO response ratio less than 0.8. Serum ferritin level was significantly higher in HIV infected anaemic subjects compared to the controls (p=0.000). Serum interleukin-6 level was significantly higher in HIV infected anaemic subjects compared to HIV infected non-anaemic subjects (p=0.003). Serum C-reactive protein level was significantly higher in HIV infected anaemic subjects compared to non-HIV infected non-anaemic (p=0.004) and non-HIV infected anaemic subjects and(0.001). Serum tumour necrosis factor-α level was significantly higher in HIV infected anaemic subjects compared to other arms of the study population (p=0.000). Conclusion The present study revealed that HIV infected anaemic subjects had reduced serum EPO levels. However, serum inflammatory cytokines levels were raised in the same subjects. Disclosures: No relevant conflicts of interest to declare.

Hdl Redox Activity is Increased in HIV-Infected Men in Association with Macrophage Activation and Non-Calcified Coronary Atherosclerotic Plaque

HIV is associated with atherosclerosis and low high-density lipoprotein (HDL). With inflammation, HDL becomes dysfunctional. We previously showed that proinflammatory HDL has high HDL redox activity (HRA). In this study, we compare HRA in HIV-infected versus non-HIV-infected subjects and relate HRA to indices of macrophage activation and cardiovascular disease risk. 102 HIV-infected subjects and 41 matched non-HIV controls without clinical cardiovascular disease underwent coronary CT angiography (CTA) and testing for immune/inflammatory biomarkers. The effect of purified HDL from each study subject on the oxidation rate of dihydrorhodamine-123 (DOR) was normalized to the DOR of pooled HDL from healthy subjects. The normalized ratio DOR subject/DOR pooled was used as a measure of HRA, with higher HRA suggesting dysfunctional HDL. HRA was higher in HIV-infected versus non-HIV subjects (1.4 ±0.01 versus 1.3 ±0.01, P=0.03). In multivariate modelling for HRA among all subjects, HIV status remained positively related to HRA (P=0.02), even after controlling for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, comorbid conditions and immune activation. Among HIV-infected subjects, HRA correlated inversely with HDL (rho=-0.32, P=0.002) and log adiponectin (r=-0.28, P=0.006), and correlated positively with log sCD163 (r=0.24, P=0.02) - a monocyte/macrophage activation marker - and with the percentage of non-calcified coronary atherosclerotic plaque (r=0.29, P=0.03). sCD163 remained significantly associated with HRA in multivariate modelling among HIV-infected subjects (P=0.03). These data demonstrate increased HRA among HIV-infected subjects versus matched non-HIV subjects with comparable HDL levels. In HIV-infected subjects, HRA relates to macrophage activation and to non-calcified coronary atherosclerotic plaque, which may be rupture-prone. Further studies are needed in HIV-infected patients to elucidate the interplay between immune activation, HDL function and CVD risk. NCT 00455793.

Expression of Fibroblast Growth Factor-21 in Muscle Is Associated with Lipodystrophy, Insulin Resistance and Lipid Disturbances in Patients with HIV

BackgroundFibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21 is a novel regulator of glucose and lipid metabolism. Recently, increased FGF-21 mRNA expression in muscle was found in patients with type 2 diabetes, but the role for FGF-21 in muscle is not well understood. Patients with HIV-infection and lipodystrophy are characterised by various degree of lipid-driven insulin resistance. We hypothesized that muscle FGF-21 mRNA would be altered in HIV patients with lipodystrophy.DesignTwenty-five HIV-infected men with lipodystrophy (LD) and 15 age-matched healthy controls, received an oral glucose tolerance test and a euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp (50 mU/m2/min) combined with 6,6-H2 glucose infusion. Muscle biopsies were obtained and FGF-21 mRNA and glycogen synthase (GS) activity were measured.ResultsSubjects with HIV were insulin resistant compared with non-HIV subjects. Compared to controls, HIV subjects demonstrated a twofold increase of plasma FGF-21 from 70.4±56.8 pg/ml vs 109.1±71.8 pg/ml, respectively (p = 0.04) and an eight-fold increase in muscular FGF-21 mRNA expression (p = 0.001). Muscle FGF-21 mRNA correlated inversely with the rate of disappearance of glucose during insulin clamp (r = −0.54, p = 0.0009), and the GS fractional velocity in muscle (r = −0.39, p = 0.03), and directly with fasting insulin (r = 0.50, p = 0.0022), HOMA-IR (r = 0.47, p = 0.004), triglycerides (r = 0.60. P = 0.0001), waist-to-hip ratio (r = 0.51, p = 0.0001) and limb fat mass (−0.46, p = 0.004), but not to plasma FGF-21.ConclusionFGF-21 mRNA is increased in skeletal muscle in HIV patients and correlates to whole-body (primarily reflecting muscle) insulin resistance, but not to plasma FGF-21. Those findings add to the evidence that FGF-21 is a myokine and may suggest that muscle FGF-21 is working in a local manner.

Candida colonisation in asymptomatic HIV patients attending a tertiary hospital in Benin City, Nigeria

Background: Candidiasis is the commonest opportunistic fungal infection in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). CD4+ lymphocyte counts have been found to be a marker of HIV disease progression.Aim: This study focused on determining the spectrum of Candida isolates in urine, stool, and oral specimens among HIV patients in a tertiary hospital.Methods: A total of 300 subjects comprising of 200 HIV patients and 100 non-HIV subjects were used for this study. Three samples (urine, stool, and oral swab) were collected from each subject. Each specimen was processed using standard microbiological techniques and emergent Candida isolates were identified with CHROMagar™ Candida and sugar fermentation tests.Results: The overall prevalence of Candida colonisation among HIV patients was 52.5%. HAART-naive patients had a significantly higher prevalence (OR = 3.65; 95% CI = 2.03–6.56; p<0.0001) than their counterpart on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) (OR = 1.99; 95% CI = 1.13–3.50; p=0.0232). Female gender was a significant risk factor for acquiring Candida infection (OR = 3.40; 95% CI = 1.14–10.13; p=0.0289). The effect of age on prevalence of candidiasis was observed among HIV patients on HAART (p=0.0161). A CD4+ count <200 cells/µl was a significant risk factor for acquiring candidal infection only among HAART-naive patients (OR = 4.37; 95% CI = 1.60–11.95; p=0.0042). The five species of Candida recovered from this study were C. albicans, C. krusei, C. parapsilosis, C. tropicalis, and C. glabrata.Conclusion: There is a significant relationship between antiretroviral therapy, CD4+ counts, and the prevalence of candidiasis.

Cryopreservation modulates the detection of regulatory T cell markers

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) modulate the host response in infectious diseases and are key mediators of peripheral tolerance. Cryopreservation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is commonly used in immunological field studies where access to complex laboratory tests is not feasible. Our objective is to assess the effects of cryopreservation on the flow cytometric detection of surface and intracellular markers of Tregs. Heparinized venous blood was obtained from 36 healthy individuals and 15 HIV-1 infected subjects. PBMCs were isolated and stained for surface and intracellular markers of Tregs. PBMCs from each subject were cryopreserved in liquid nitrogen with DMSO; these cells were thawed and stained at a later date. All samples were analyzed by flow cytometry. The proportion of Tregs was compared using Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Cryopreservation decreased the proportion of Tregs identified by surface and intracellular markers in healthy individuals and in HIV-1 patients. The proportion of CD4+CD25+FoxP3+ was decreased from 3.13 to 2.16% (P < 0.001) for non-HIV subjects and from 2.68 to 0.94% (P < 0.001) for HIV subjects, compared to fresh samples. Significant reduction was also observed for CD4+CD25+CD127lo-neg. However, the effect varied considerably between samples. The effect was similar among HIV and non-HIV patients (P = 0.38). Cryopreservation modulates the detection of surface and intracellular markers of Tregs. These results confirm that research on Tregs, including studies of HIV-1 infected patients, should be carried out prospectively on fresh samples in order to obtain unbiased conclusions. Results using cryopreserved cells should be regarded as only preliminary.

Dialysis-associated morbidity, ultrafiltration, and cardiovascular variables in children with HIV infection

Children infected with HIV on maintenance hemodialysis (HD) have increased mortality with adequate single pool Kt/V, as compared to non-HIV children on HD. It is unclear if HIV subjects on HD have similar dialysis-associated morbidity (DAM) and blood volume changes (dBV) as non-HIV subjects. It is also unclear how those variables are related to left ventricular mass index (LVMI), shortening fraction (SF), pre- and postdialysis blood pressure and mortality. We investigated the relationship between LVMI, SF and dBV and DAM using noninvasive monitoring of hematocrit in HIV vs. non-HIV subjects and their association with mortality. We used a cross-sectional study design and analyzed 18 pediatric subjects (9 had vertically transmitted HIV) on HD over a 17-month period. HIV subjects tolerated fluid removal during HD treatments as well as non-HIV subjects. In our study we confirmed an association of LVMI with DAM in subjects on HD. We found that HIV subjects who did not survive had a significantly lower SF and similar viral load as compared to subjects who survived. Noninvasive monitoring of hematocrit in HIV subjects with compromised heart function allows effective ultrafiltration. Routine echocardiography should be periodically performed in all HIV-infected children on renal replacement therapy because subclinical abnormalities, i.e. increased LVMI or reduced SF in this population can be predictors of mortality.

Regulation of oxidative stress in response to acute aerobic and resistance exercise in HIV-infected subjects: a case–control study

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected subjects have increased levels of oxidative stress which could impair immunological function and therefore contribute to the progression of AIDS. These characteristics are usually evaluated at rest and responses to exercise have yet to be evaluated. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of a bout of aerobic exercise followed by resistance exercises on antioxidant system in HIV-infected and non-HIV subjects. There were included 14 cases (HIV-positive) and 14 controls (HIV-negative). The exercise protocol consisted of a single session of 20 minutes on a cycloergometer followed by a set of six resistance exercises. The activity of glutathione S-transferase (GST) and catalase were measured in plasma samples, total glutathione (TGSH) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were measured in erythrocytes. T CD4+ cells, T CD8+, viral load, complete blood count, and white blood count were also assessed. All measurements were performed at three times: baseline, after aerobic exercise, and after resistance exercises. At baseline, the HIV group had lower GST activity than controls, but after the exercise session GST values were similar in both groups. Compared to the control group TGSH was significantly lower in the HIV group at baseline, after aerobic and resistance exercises. The control group presented higher TBARS values after aerobic exercise compared to the HIV group. The neutrophil count was lower in the HIV group after aerobic and resistance exercises. These data indicate that HIV-infected subjects had lower antioxidant activity at rest. Physical exercise stimulated the enzymatic activity similarly in both groups.

Prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among HIV patients in Benin City, Nigeria

This study was carried out to determine the presence of intestinal parasites and their correlation with CD4+ T-cell counts and demographics among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-positive patients in Benin City, Nigeria. Stool specimens from 2,000 HIV-positive patients and 500 controls (HIV-negative individuals) were examined for ova, cysts, or parasites, using standard procedures. In addition, patient's blood samples were analyzed for CD4 counts by flow cytometry. An overall prevalence rate of 15.3% was observed among HIV-positive patients while 6.2% was noted among non-HIV subjects. HIV status was a significant (P<0.0001) risk factor for acquiring intestinal parasitic infections. Male gender, CD4 count <200cell/µl, and diarrhea were significantly associated with an increased prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections among HIV-positive patients. The level of education, occupation, and source of water among HIV patients significantly (P<0.0001) affected the prevalence of intestinal parasitic infections. Ascaris lumbricoides was the most predominant parasite in both HIV-positive patients and controls. A CD4 count <200 cells/µl was significantly associated with only Isospora belli and Cryptosporidium infections. The presence of pathogenic intestinal parasites such as A. lumbricoides, hookworm, Giardia intestinalis, Entamoeba histolytica, Trichuris trichiura, and Taenia species among HIV-infected persons should not be neglected. Cryptosporidium species and I. belli were the opportunistic parasites observed in this study. Routine screening for intestinal parasites in HIV-positive patients is advocated.

S2083 Correlation of TRANSIENT ELASTOGRAPHY with APRI and Fib-4 in a Cohort of Patients with Congenital Bleeding Disorders and HCV Infection or HIV/HCV Co-Infection

Purpose:Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) may develop fulminant hepatitis if coinfected with Hepatitis A virus (HAV) or Hepatitis B virus (HBV). We sought to determine if our African-American (AA) and Hispanic population with CHC were tested and vaccinated as per AASLD guidelines. We also studied immunity patterns in HIV co-infected patients. Methods:We conducted a retrospective study at our university affiliated community health care center involving CHC patients seen in the hepatitis clinic from January 2004 to December 2007. Data on demographics, HIV status, HAV and HBV serology and vaccination was recorded. Patients with decompensated liver disease, acute HAV and active HBV were excluded. Results:Among 174 patients with CHC, 131 (75.2%) were Hispanics and 38 (21.8%) were AA. The prevalence of HAV immunity was higher than that of HBV (65% vs.40%,p 0.05). AA subjects were more likely to be tested for HAV and HBV immunity compared to Hispanics (76% vs. 59% p=NS; 92% vs. 82% p=NS respectively), though this difference did not reach statistical significance. Among 28 subjects co-infected with HIV (16%, n=174), the likelihood of being tested for immunity to HAV was higher than non-HIV subjects (93% vs. 61% p<0.0001). The prevalence of immunity to HAV or HBV did not differ in the two groups (p=NS). Conclusion:Among AA and Hispanics with CHC, we found a significantly higher prevalence of immunity to HAV than previously reported. Interestingly, immunity to HAV was higher than that to HBV. There is a disparity in the practice of testing for immunity to HAV compared to HBV. Despite established AASLD vaccination guidelines, HAV and HBV vaccination rates are yet sub-optimal. Increased physician awareness is necessary to ensure implementation of AASLD vaccination guidelines for HAV and HBV in minority patients with Chronic hepatitis C.

S2082 Disparities in Screening and Immunization in Hispanics and African Americans with Chronic Hepatitis C

Purpose:Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) may develop fulminant hepatitis if coinfected with Hepatitis A virus (HAV) or Hepatitis B virus (HBV). We sought to determine if our African-American (AA) and Hispanic population with CHC were tested and vaccinated as per AASLD guidelines. We also studied immunity patterns in HIV co-infected patients. Methods:We conducted a retrospective study at our university affiliated community health care center involving CHC patients seen in the hepatitis clinic from January 2004 to December 2007. Data on demographics, HIV status, HAV and HBV serology and vaccination was recorded. Patients with decompensated liver disease, acute HAV and active HBV were excluded. Results:Among 174 patients with CHC, 131 (75.2%) were Hispanics and 38 (21.8%) were AA. The prevalence of HAV immunity was higher than that of HBV (65% vs.40%,p 0.05). AA subjects were more likely to be tested for HAV and HBV immunity compared to Hispanics (76% vs. 59% p=NS; 92% vs. 82% p=NS respectively), though this difference did not reach statistical significance. Among 28 subjects co-infected with HIV (16%, n=174), the likelihood of being tested for immunity to HAV was higher than non-HIV subjects (93% vs. 61% p<0.0001). The prevalence of immunity to HAV or HBV did not differ in the two groups (p=NS). Conclusion:Among AA and Hispanics with CHC, we found a significantly higher prevalence of immunity to HAV than previously reported. Interestingly, immunity to HAV was higher than that to HBV. There is a disparity in the practice of testing for immunity to HAV compared to HBV. Despite established AASLD vaccination guidelines, HAV and HBV vaccination rates are yet sub-optimal. Increased physician awareness is necessary to ensure implementation of AASLD vaccination guidelines for HAV and HBV in minority patients with Chronic hepatitis C.

S2085 Non-Invasive Hepatic Fibrosis Assay Scores Increase with Increasing Age in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C

Purpose:Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C (CHC) may develop fulminant hepatitis if coinfected with Hepatitis A virus (HAV) or Hepatitis B virus (HBV). We sought to determine if our African-American (AA) and Hispanic population with CHC were tested and vaccinated as per AASLD guidelines. We also studied immunity patterns in HIV co-infected patients. Methods:We conducted a retrospective study at our university affiliated community health care center involving CHC patients seen in the hepatitis clinic from January 2004 to December 2007. Data on demographics, HIV status, HAV and HBV serology and vaccination was recorded. Patients with decompensated liver disease, acute HAV and active HBV were excluded. Results:Among 174 patients with CHC, 131 (75.2%) were Hispanics and 38 (21.8%) were AA. The prevalence of HAV immunity was higher than that of HBV (65% vs.40%,p 0.05). AA subjects were more likely to be tested for HAV and HBV immunity compared to Hispanics (76% vs. 59% p=NS; 92% vs. 82% p=NS respectively), though this difference did not reach statistical significance. Among 28 subjects co-infected with HIV (16%, n=174), the likelihood of being tested for immunity to HAV was higher than non-HIV subjects (93% vs. 61% p<0.0001). The prevalence of immunity to HAV or HBV did not differ in the two groups (p=NS). Conclusion:Among AA and Hispanics with CHC, we found a significantly higher prevalence of immunity to HAV than previously reported. Interestingly, immunity to HAV was higher than that to HBV. There is a disparity in the practice of testing for immunity to HAV compared to HBV. Despite established AASLD vaccination guidelines, HAV and HBV vaccination rates are yet sub-optimal. Increased physician awareness is necessary to ensure implementation of AASLD vaccination guidelines for HAV and HBV in minority patients with Chronic hepatitis C.