Tejido adiposo epicárdico en personas que viven con VIH: ¿una ventana hacia el riesgo cardiovascular? / Epicardial adipose tissue in people living with HIV: a window towards cardiovascular risk?

Introducción: En las personas que viven con el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (PVVIH) se han descripto desregulaciones metabólicas que podrían vincularse a un mayor riesgo cardiovascular.Objetivo: Evaluar el espesor del tejido adiposo epicárdico (ETAE) y la relación del mismo con parámetros clínicos y bioquímicos de riesgo cardiovascular en adultos que viven con VIH, comparados con controles seronegativos.Materiales y métodos: Observacional, inclusión prospectiva. Se incluyeron PVVIH >18 años y controles seronegativos para VIH, a los cuales se les midió el espesor de TAE en dos ejes por ecocardiograma transtorácico, así como el espesor de íntima media carotídea por ecografía doppler color.Resultados: 75 pacientes, 58,7% del sexo masculino, edad de 36 años (RIQ 22). 50,7% con VIH (CD4+: 512 cél/mm3 RIQ 382; 80% indetectables). IMC de 25,2 kg/m2 (RIQ 5,3) y circunferencia de cintura de 88,5 cm (DS 12,4), sin diferencias. Las PVVIH tuvieron menor HDL, mayor proteína C reactiva, mayor dímero D y mayor glucemia en ayunas. El ETAE fue mayor en las PVVIH (4,05 vs. 3,49 mm p=0,021), y se correlacionó con la edad, glucemia en ayunas y dímero D. En las PVVIH, se correlacionó con insulinemia, índice HOMA2-IR, HDL-c y dímero D. El tratamiento con Efavirenz se asoció a un mayor ETAE.Conclusión: Las PVVIH presentaron mayor inflamación sistémica de bajo grado y un mayor espesor de TAE que los controles sanos, el cual se asoció en este grupo a insulinorresistencia

Introduction: For people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV), metabolic deregulations have been described, which could be related to a higher cardiovascular risk.Objective: To assess the epicardial adipose tissue thickness (EATT), and the relationship between this value and clinical and biochemical parameters of cardiovascular risk in adults living with HIV, if compared to a healthy control group. Methods: Observational, with prospective inclusion. It included PLHIV >18 years and seronegative controls. All of them had their EAT measured in two axes by transthoracic echocardiogram, as well as the carotid intima-media thickness determined by color doppler ultrasound.Results: 75 patients, 58.7% male, age of 36 years (RIQ 22). 50.7% patients with HIV (CD4+ of 512 cells/mm3; and 80% undetectable). BMI was of 25.2 kg/m2 and waist circumference of 88.5 cm, without between-groups differences. PLHIV had lower HDL, higher C reactive protein, higher D-dimer and higher fasting blood glucose. EATT was higher in PLHIV (4.05 vs 3.49 mm, p=0.021), and this correlated with age, fasting blood glucose and D-dimer. In PLHIV, it correlated with insulinemia, HOMA2-IR index, HDL-c ; and D-dimer. Treatment with Efavirenz was associated with a higher EATT.Conclusion: PLHIV presented increased systemic inflammation of low grade and higher EATT than the seronegative control group. EATT was associated in PLHIV to insulin resistance

Enfermedades reumáticas y complicaciones metabólicas en pacientes con VIH-SIDA con tratamiento antirretroviral de alta eficiencia / Rheumatic Diseases and Metabolic Complications in HIV/AIDS Patients with Highly Efficient Antiretroviral Treatment

Introducción: La infección por VIH/SIDA constituye uno de los principales problemas de salud en el mundo con elevadas tasas de morbilidad y mortalidad demostradas. En diferentes estudios epidemiológicos ha quedado confirmado que 36,3 millones de personas vivían con el VIH hasta el año 2015 en todo el mundo. Hasta este momento 78 millones han sido infectados desde 1981, año en que comenzó la epidemia, y el 25 por ciento de los pacientes desconocen que están infectados, lo cual propicia el contagio. Objetivo: Realizar una revisión bibliográfica relacionada con la infección por el VIH/SIDA, sus complicaciones en las enfermedades reumáticas y metabólicas y su respuesta al tratamiento antirretroviral de alta eficiencia. Método: Se realizó una búsqueda bibliográfica en bases de datos nacionales e internacionales y en diferentes fuentes de información para recuperar los artículos relacionados con el tema sobre el VIH-SIDA, las complicaciones reumáticas y metabólicas y su respuesta al tratamiento antirretroviral de alta eficiencia, tema escogido para este trabajo. Resultados: Se recuperaron 78 artículos y nueve textos que trataban temas relacionados con la infección por VIH-SIDA; de ellos fueron útiles para nuestros objetivos 55 documentos que forman parte de nuestras referencias bibliográficas, los cuales agrupamos de acuerdo con los diferentes temas planteados para este estudio y se llegó a conclusiones útiles para nuestra comunidad científica. Conclusiones: Las enfermedades reumáticas y autoinmunes han sido diagnosticadas con mucha frecuencia en los pacientes infectados con el VIH-SIDA en Cuba y en el mundo antes del tratamiento antirretroviral de alta eficiencia, mediante el cual ha aumentado la expectativa de supervivencia de estos enfermos y disminuido la aparición de síntomas clínicos y afecciones, así como infecciones oportunistas, después de su inclusión en el enfoque terapéutico(AU)

Introduction: HIV/AIDS infection is one of the main health problems worldwide, with high morbidity and mortality. Different epidemiological studies have confirmed that 36.3 million people worldwide were living with HIV until 2015. So far, 78 million have been infected since 1981, the year in which the epidemic began, and 25 percent of patients do not know they are infected, which spreads infection. Objective: To carry out a literature review about HIV/AIDS infection, its complications in rheumatic metabolic manifestations, and its response to highly efficient antiretroviral treatment. Method: A literature search was carried out in the databases PudMed/MEDLINE, Cumed and Lilac, as well as in the regional information sources SciELO and ScienceDirect, using the key phrases manifestaciones reumáticas y VIH-SIDA [rheumatic manifestations and HIV-AIDS], complicaciones metabólicas y VIH-SIDA [metabolic complications and HIV-AIDS], tratamiento antirretroviral de alta eficiencia y VIH-SIDA [high-efficiency antiretroviral treatment and HIV-AIDS], in order to recover the articles about HIV-AIDS and rheumatic and metabolic complications and their response to highly efficient antiretroviral treatment. Results: 78 articles and nine texts dealing about the aforementioned topics were recovered; of them, 55 documents that are part of our bibliographical references were useful for our purposes, which were grouped according to the different topics proposed for this study. We reached useful conclusions for our scientific community. Conclusions: Rheumatic and autoimmune diseases have been diagnosed very frequently in patients infected with HIV/AIDS in Cuba and worldwide during the era prior to highly efficient antiretroviral treatment. Its incorporation into the therapeutic approach has increased the survival expectations of these patients, in addition to the substantial decrease in the appearance of clinical symptoms and conditions, especially the inflammatory arthritic conditions, seronegative spondyloarthropathies, psoriasis and opportunistic infections(AU)

Alterações metabólicas e estimativa de risco cardiovascular em pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS doze meses após o início da TARV / Metabolic changes and estimating cardiovascular risk of people living with HIV/AIDS twelve months after the start of HAART

A incidência de doenças cardiovasculares (DCV) chega a ser duas vezes maior em pessoas vivendo com HIV/AIDS (PVHA) devido aos danos pró-inflamatório causado pelo vírus e efeitos tóxicos de antirretrovirais incluindo as dislipidemias. O objetivo deste trabalho foi acompanhar o risco de DCV e marcadores metabólicos em PVHA. Trata-se de estudo longitudinal realizado antes e após 12 meses de inicio de antirretrovirais. Coletou-se variáveis socioeconômicas, clínicas, antropométricas e laboratoriais, e calculou-se escores de Framingham e PROCAM. Utilizaram-se os testes de Wilcoxon, T-Student e Qui-Quadrado na comparação das variáveis. A amostra basal deste estudo foi composta por 91 PVHA. Desses, 85% eram homens com mediana de idade igual a 31 anos e 94,5% declararam não ter história pregressa de dislipidemias. Foi observado aumento nos níveis de colesterol total (p0,05). Portanto, para a definição de risco real de DCV nesta população temos que considerar a inclusão de outras variáveis como alguns biomarcadores e, ainda, a mensuração ultrassonográfica da camada íntima carotídeas. Sendo assim, o cuidado compartilhado com outras áreas da saúde como nutricionistas e educadores físicos visando estimular a mudança de estilo de vida, pode qualificar o acompanhamento de PVHA reduzindo a incidência de eventos não infecciosos. (AU)

The incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is up to twice as high in people living with HIV / AIDS (PLWHA) because of the proinflammatory damage caused by the virus and antiretroviral toxicities including dyslipidemias. The objective of this study was to monitor the risk of CVD and metabolic markers in PLWHA. This is a longitudinal study before and after 12 months of antiretroviral beginning. They were collected socioeconomic, clinical, anthropometric and laboratory variables, and calculated scores of Framingham and PROCAM. They used the Wilcoxon paired tests, T-Student and Chi-square partition in the comparison of variables. The baseline sample was composed of 91 PLWHA. Of these, 85% were male with median age 31 years and 94.5% did not have a history of dyslipidemia. There was an increase in total cholesterol levels (p 0.05). Therefore, to define real risk of CVD in this population we have to consider the inclusion of other variables as some biomarkers, and also ultrasound measurement of carotid intima layer. Thus, the shared care with other health areas as physical nutritionists and educators to stimulate the change of lifestyle, can qualify PLWHA monitoring reducing the incidence of non-infectious events. (AU)

Biomarcadores de risco cardiovascular em pacientes HIV positivos tratados e não tratados com terapia antirretroviral / Biomarkers of cardiovascular risk in HIV-positive patients treated and untreated with antiretroviral therapy

No advento dos antirretrovirais potentes, os indivíduos infectados pelo vírus da imunodeficiência humana (HIV) começaram a apresentar risco maior para o desenvolvimento de doença cardiovascular (DCV). Este aumento do risco cardiovascular pode ser associado tanto à infecção viral quanto ao tratamento antirretroviral (TARV), que provocam mudanças pró-aterogênicas como o aumento do colesterol total e da lipoproteína de baixa densidade (LDL), além da diminuição da lipoproteína de alta densidade (HDL). A ativação imune e as alterações lipídicas são mecanismos associados com a infecção pelo HIV e com o risco de DCV. Este trabalho utilizou ensaios imunoenzimáticos para a determinação plasmática de biomarcadores emergentes de risco cardiovascular relacionados com modificações da lipoproteína de baixa densidade, a saber: LDL eletronegativa [LDL(-)] e formas oxidadas da LDL, ou seja, LDL-oxi (resíduos lisina da apolipoproteína B100 modificados com malondialdeído), LDL-HNE (resíduos lisina da ApoB100 modificados com 4-hidroxinonenal) e LDL-CML (resíduos lisina da ApoB100 modificados por carboximetila), além de biomarcadores relacionados com a resposta imune-inflamatória, ou seja, autoanticorpos IgG e IgM anti-LDL(-), imunocomplexo de LDL(-) [IC-LDL(-)], proteína amiloide sérica A (SAA) e mieloperoxidase (MPO). Também foram determinadas as concentrações séricas dos biomarcadores de risco relacionados às apolipoproteínas: apolipoproteína A-I (ApoA-I), apolipoproteína B (ApoB) e apolipoproteína E (ApoE). A população estudada incluiu indivíduos com infecção pelo HIV, tratados (HIV-TARV) e não tratados (HIV-NT) com terapia antirretroviral e indivíduos sem infecção pelo HIV (controle). Não foram identificadas diferenças para as concentrações de LDL(-), IC-LDL(-), anti- LDL(-)-IgM, SAA, ApoA-I, ApoB e ApoE entre os grupos estudados (HIV-TARV, HIV-NT e controle). A ApoA-I correlacionou-se positivamente com ApoB e ApoE (rs= 0,418 e rs= 0,347, Spearman, p<0,01) e a ApoB com a ApoE (rs= 0,286, Spearman, p<0,01). Verificou-se correlação inversa entre as concentrações de LDL(-) e IC-LDL(-) (rs= -0,214, Spearman, p<0,05). Os níveis de anti-LDL(-)-IgG correlacionaram-se positivamente com IC-LDL(-) e anti-LDL(-)-IgM (rs= 0,240, Spearman, p<0,05 e rs= 0,348, Spearman, p<0,01). As concentrações de LDL-CML correlacionaram-se positivamente com LDL(-), LDL-oxi, LDL-HNE e IC-LDL(-) (rs= 0,212, Spearman, p<0,05; rs= 0,214, Spearman, p<0,05; rs= 0,573, Spearman, p<0,01 e rs= 0,219, Spearman, p<0,05). O grupo HIV-NT apresentou níveis mais elevados de anticorpos anti-LDL(-)-IgG comparado ao grupo controle (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0,01). Em contraste, observou-se no grupo HIV-NT diminuição das concentrações de MPO, LDL-HNE e LDL-CML em relação ao grupo controle (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0,01). A comparação dos grupos HIV-NT e HIV-TARV demonstrou que o TARV promoveu diminuição das concentrações dos anticorpos anti-LDL(-)-IgG e aumentou os níveis de LDL-oxi (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0,01). O grupo HIV-TARV apresentou aumento das concentrações de LDL-oxi e diminuição dos níveis de MPO, LDL-HNE e LDL-CML em relação ao controle (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0,01). Em conclusão, a infecção pelo HIV modificou o biomarcador de inflamação MPO e o perfil de biomarcadores relacionados às modificações da LDL (menor formação de LDL-HNE e LDL-CML), além aumentar a resposta imune-humoral à LDL eletronegativa [anti-LDL(-)-IgG], enquanto o tratamento com antirretrovirais inibiu esta resposta. Os outros biomarcadores estudados não foram modificados pela infecção viral ou pelo tratamento antirretroviral

In the advent of potent antiretroviral therapy, individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) have showed an increased risk for developing cardiovascular disease (DCV). Studies have discussed that the increased risk may be related to both the disease and antiretroviral treatment (TARV), that produced pro-atherogenic changes such as increased of total cholesterol and low density lipoprotein (LDL) and decreased high density lipoprotein. The immune activation and the lipid modifications are well known mechanisms related to HIV infection and the risk of DCV. This study used immunoassays for plasma quantification for emerging biomarkers of cardiovascular risk related to modification of low density lipoprotein: electronegative LDL [LDL(-)] and oxidized forms of LDL, LDL-oxi (lysine residues of apolipoprotein B100 modified by malondialdehyde), LDL-HNE (lysine residues of ApoB100 modified by 4-hydroxynonenal) and LDL-CML (lysine residues of ApoB100 modified by carboxymethyl) and biomarkers associated to immune and inflammatory responses, IgG and IgM autoantibodies anti-LDL(-) and immunecomplexe of LDL(-) [IC-LDL(-)], serum amyloid A protein (SAA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO). Also, were determined serum concentrations of risk biomarkers related to apolipoproteins: apolipoprotein A-I (ApoA-I), apolipoprotein B (ApoB) and apolipoprotein E (ApoE). The studied population included patients with HIV infection, treated (HIV-TARV) and untreated (HIV-NT) with antiretroviral therapy and individuals without HIV infection (controle). No differences were identified for concentrations of LDL(-), ICLDL(-), anti-LDL(-)-IgM, SAA, ApoA-I, ApoB and ApoE between studied groups (HIV-TARV, HIV-NT and controle). The ApoA-I was positively correlated to ApoB and ApoE (rs= 0,418 e rs= 0,347, Spearman, p<0,01) and ApoB to ApoE (rs= 0,286, Spearman, p<0,01). There was an inverted correlation between LDL(-) and IC-LDL(-) (rs= -0.214, Spearman, p<0,05). The levels of anti-LDL(-)-IgG were positively correlated to IC-LDL(-) and antibodies anti-LDL(-)-IgM (rs= 0.240; Spearman; p <0.05 and rs= 0.348; Spearman; p <0.01). The concentrations of LDL-CML were positively correlated to LDL(-), LDL-oxi, LDL-HNE e IC-LDL(-) (rs= 0,212, Spearman, p<0,05; rs= 0,214, Spearman, p<0,05; rs= 0,573, Spearman, p<0,01 e rs= 0,219, Spearman, p<0,05). The HIV-NT group showed higher levels of anti-LDL(-)-IgG compared to Control group (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0,01). In contrast, was observed lower levels for HIV-NT group to MPO, LDL-HNE and LDL-CML when compared to Control group (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0,01). The comparison of HIV-NT and HIV-TARV groups demonstrated that TARV caused a decrease of concentrations of anti-LDL(-)-IgG antibodies and an increased of LDL-oxi levels (Kruskal-Wallis, p <0.01). The HIV-TARV group showed increased LDL-oxi concentrations and decreased at levels of MPO, LDL-HNE e LDL-CML when compared to Control (Kruskal-Wallis, p<0,01). In conclusion, the HIV infection changed the biomarker of inflammation MPO and the profile of biomarkers related to modifications of LDL (lower concentrations of LDL-HNE and LDL-CML), as well as increased the humoral-immune response to electronegative LDL [anti-LDL(-)-IgG], while treatment with antiretroviral therapy inhibited this response. The other studied biomarkers were not modified either by viral infection or antiretroviral treatment

Expression & immunogenicity of malaria merozoite peptides displayed on the small coat protein of chimaeric cowpea mosaic virus.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Foreign peptide sequences can be inserted into the betaB-betaC loop of the cowpea mosaic virus (CPMV) small coat protein (SCP) to yield functional chimaeric viruses. Immunisation with chimaeric CPMV elicits immune responses that protect against human immunodeficiency and mink enteritis viruses. The present study was undertaken to investigate the expression of a B cell epitope from the merozoite surface antigen-1 of the malaria parasite Plasmodium falciparum (PfMSP1) in CPMV for an epitope based vaccine. METHODS: DNA encoding a 19 aa sequence (VTHESYQEL VKKLEALEDA, termed P109), the N-terminus of the mature PfMSP1, was cloned into SCP gene yielding a chimaeric virus CPMV-P109. CPMV-P109 was propagated in cowpea plants. The immunogenicity of purified recombinant virus in rabbits was investigated. RESULTS: CPMV-P109 developed a systemically spreading infection in cowpea, with normal viral morphology. The P109 epitope was detected on CPMV-P109 by ELISA with an antiserum produced against homopolymeric P109. Immunisation of rabbits with CPMV-P109 yielded antibodies that, although were predominantly directed against virus-specific epitopes, also recognized the P109 peptide on the recombinant virus and free P109 peptide. These antibodies however, did not react with the native antigen on merozoite by immunofluorescence. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: The results indicate that selecting immunodominant peptide epitopes and presenting them in a near native conformation are important for generating biologically relevant antibodies in the CPMV expression system. Further, the findings draw attention to the importance of measuring immune responses to the viral vector antigens, a preponderance of which can result in undesirable effects such as autoimmunity and hypersensitivity in immunized hosts.

Cytomegalovirus co-infection in patients with HIV/AIDS in north India.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a frequent opportunistic infection in immunocompromised individuals particularly those receiving organ transplants and harbouring HIV infection. The classical CMV syndrome may be seen in only a small percentage of patients and tissue diagnosis is cumbersome, costly and requires hospitalization. Hence there is an urgent need to establish accurate and early diagnosis for proper institution of therapy. An attempt was made to detect active CMV co-infection in patients with HIV/AIDS using three assays and the positivity rates in the 2 groups compared. METHODS: In the present study, we used a highly sensitive polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for immediate early gene of CMV, pp65 antigenaemia assay and IgM ELISA assay to detect the presence of CMV co-infection in 37 patients with AIDS and 32 healthy HIV seropositives. Thirty healthy laboratory workers served as normal controls. RESULTS: Of the 37 patients with AIDS, 12 (32.4%) showed a positive reaction by PCR and only 4 patients were positive by the antigenaemia assay. Of the 32 HIV seropositives, only one was positive by PCR (3%), and all were negative for antigen assay. None of the controls showed positivity by any of the tests. The difference in PCR positivity rates between HIV seropositives and patients with AIDS was significant (P < 01). IgM antibodies were positive in four (10.3%) AIDS patients and only one (3%) HIV seropositive, the difference was insignificant. The difference in antigen positivity between IIIV seropositives and AIDS patients was also insignificant. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION: CMV appears to be an important co-infection in patients with AIDS in India and PCR is a powerful tool for detection of CMV in blood and is superior to the antigenaemia assay. PCR can be performed with a small volume of blood avoiding any invasive procedure, and can provide quick information for timely institution of therapy.

Structural biology of chemokine receptors

Chemokine receptors are G protein-coupled receptors that mediate migration and activation of leukocytes as an important part of a protective immune response to injury and infection. In addition, chemokine receptors are used by HIV-1 to infect CD4 positive cells. The structural bases of chemokine receptor recognition and signal transduction are currently being investigated. High-resolution X-ray diffraction and NMR spectroscopy of chemokines indicate that all these peptides exhibit a common folding pattern, in spite of its low degree of primary-sequence homology. Chemokines' functional motifs have been identified by mutagenesis studies, and a possible mechanism for receptor recognition and activation is proposed, but high-resolution structure data of chemokine receptors is not yet available. Studies with receptor chimeras have identified the putative extracellular domains as the major selectivity determinants. Single-amino acid substitutions in the extracellular domains produce profound changes in receptor specificity, suggesting that motifs in these domains operate as a restrictive barrier to a common activation motif. Similarly HIV-1 usage of chemokine receptors involves interaction of one or more extracellular domains of the receptor with conserved and variable domains on the viral envelope protein gp 120, indicating a highly complex interaction. Elucidating the structural requirements for receptor interaction with chemokines and with HIV-1 will provide important insights into understanding the mechanisms of chemokine recognition and receptor activation. In addition, this information can greatly facilitate the design of effective inmunomodulatory and anti-HIV-1 therapeutic agents

A influencia da atividade fisica para portadores do virus HIV / The influence of physical activity in individuals infected with HIV

A infeccao pelo HIV e a AIDS em um pequeno espaco de tempo tornaran-se uma epidemia mindial e juntamente com elas surgiram muitas duvidas com relacao ao desenvolvimento dos portadores do virus HIV em atividades fisicas.Assim o proposito do presente estudo foi o de revisar a influencia da atividade fisica em portadores do virus HIV e da AIDS.A revisao de literatura mostrou que a atividade fisica deve ser prescrita levando-se em consideracao o estagio da doenca e o estado de saude do individuo.Ficou evidente que a atividade fisica proporciona diversos beneficios para as pessoas que possuem o virus.O envolvimento em programas de exercicios pode trazer melhoras na parte imunologica no aspecto psicologico,amenizando os disturbios de humor e os problemas de socializacao e de auto-estima que surgem desde o momento do diagnostico positivo,proporcionando uma condicao e aparencia fisica mais desejavel.Concluindo pode-se dizer que os exercicios irao melhorar a qualidade de vida,possibilitando uma maior longevidade.Entretanto,deve-se estar atento quanto ao volume ou dose ideal de exercicios para cada individuo,de forma que eles tragam efeitos beneficos e nao sejam prejudiciais a um orgabismo ja debilitado

The lipoprotein profile in HIV infected patients

Infection can change plasma lipoproteins by increasing the triglycerides and decreasing the cholesterol plasma levels. This process is thought to be result of alterations in lipoprotein metabolism produced by cytokines that mediate the immune response, including tumor necrosis factor, interleukin-1 and the interferons. The acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) has been shown to accompanied by increased plasma triglyceride levels and a trend toward decreased plasma cholesterol levels. Plasma low density lipoprotein (LDL) patterns are also changed by infection and patients with AIDS have increased levels of small dense particles. Decreases in high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apoliprotein A-I, and an increase in lipoprotein (a) [Lp(a)] are the usual lipidic disorders during HIV infection, even in those patients with CD4 lynphocyte counts above 400 cells/mmü. Plasma lipoproteins possess well-recognized transport functions. Certain classes of these lipoproteins can also regulate selected metabolic functions of a variety of cell types. Among these bioregulatory properties is the regulation of lymphocyte function and regulation of immune response. Thus, a number of immune functions may be significantly influenced by the lipoprotein alterations present in AIDS. Furthermore, the decreased HDL-C and increased triglycerides and Lp(a) are associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction and some cardiovascular events have been reported in HIV positive individuals. This paper describes lipoprotein alterations during HIV infection, and evaluates their relationship to immune function and atherogenic profile

Construction and characterization of M13 bacteriophages displaying gp120 binding domains of human CD4.

The envelope glycoprotein, gp120, on the surface of HIV interacts with the human CD4 molecule and thus helps the virus in gaining entry into the T-helper cells. To display the gp120 binding domains of human CD4 on the surface of the bacteriophage M13, two types of vectors have been constructed. In these, the first 176 amino acids of the human CD4 have been fused with the minor coat protein, gIIIp, of M13 bacteriophage for surface display. The Western blot analysis revealed that using the phage based vector, M13CD41923, all the copies of gIIIP (3-5 per virion) were present as fusion protein indicating multivalent display. In the phagemid based vector, phage particles were produced only upon infection of the cells carrying pVCCD43426, with the helper phage, M13KO7. Thus these phage particles carried both, the fusion protein as well as the unfused gIIIp, as shown by Western blot analysis. The presence of large amount of unfused gIIIp ensured that the phage particles did not display more than one fusion protein per phage particle, thus leading to monovalent display. Phage particles produced by both vectors could be captured on immobilized gp120, thereby showing that the displayed CD4 domains were functional.

Síndrome de inmunodeficiencia adquirida (SIDA): definición; historia; epidemiología; etiología; dimensiones sociales; prevención / Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS): definition; history; epidemiology; ethiology; social dimension; prevention

Este trabajo de revisión, que fue expuesto durante el Simposio SIDA`90, incluye los conceptos fundamentales sobre la historia de la epidemia del síndrome de inmunodefiencia adquirida (SIDA), los últimos datos epidemiológicos, tanto a nivel mundial como de la Argentina, los grupos poblacionales de riesgo y las formas de transmisión. Se describe también al agente etiológico del síndrome, el virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV), su estructura, su arquitectura genética y su forma de replicación. Por último, se analizan los alcances sociales de la enfermedad, los principales métodos de prevención y las medidas sanitarias, legales y educativas necesarias, que permitan una eficaz atención del paciente y eficientes acciones preventivas

Inmunopatología del SIDA / Immunopathology of AIDS

El virus de la inmunodeficiencia humana (HIV) es un retrovirus, que exhibe tropismo selectivo por células del sistema inmunológico. Tiene acceso al interior celular mediante la molécula CD4, presente fundamentalmente sobre los linfocitos T colaboradores. La unión se da por interacción entre el CD4 y una glicoproteína de la cápside viral, la gp120. La infección de la célula es irreversible, ya que el material genético viral se incorpora, en forma de provirus, el genoma de la célula huésped, donde puede permanecer en estado latente durante un período de tiempo que varía entre unos meses y varios años. La activación del provirus se da en forma conjunta con la activación celular, lleva a la producción elevada de partículas virales. El hecho más significativo es la disminución de células T CD4+ atribuido, al menos en parte, al efecto citopático del virus. De la población total de linfocitos CD4+, solo un pequeño número es susceptible de infección viral, lo cual dificulta la interpretación de su marcada disminución. Teniendo en cuenta que el blanco preferido del virus es una célula central dentro del sistema inmune, puede comprenderse la amplia gama de alteraciones inmunológicas, que presentan los individuos infectados, que lleva a la severa inmunodeficiencia observada en los pacientes con SIDA