Comparison of the Aptima HIV-1 Quant Dx assay with the COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HIV-1 v2.0 Test for HIV-1 viral load quantification in plasma samples from HIV-1-infected patients.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: HIV-1 RNA viral load (VL) in plasma samples of HIV-1-positive patients is used to assess the level of viral replication, the risk of disease progression, and the response and efficacy to antiretroviral treatment. Knowing the performance of different tests for HIV-1 RNA detection is, therefore, important for clinical care. This study compared the performance of the recently introduced Aptima HIV-1 Quant Dx assay (Hologic, Inc) and the standard COBAS AmpliPrep/COBAS TaqMan HIV-1 v2.0 Test (CAP/CTM2) (Roche Molecular System, Inc) for HIV-1 RNA quantitation. METHODS: Assay performance was assessed using 335 clinical samples, a standard HIV-1 low VL panel, and 2 diluted samples from well-characterized patients infected with different HIV-1 subtypes tested in 5 replicates over 3 days. All samples were tested on both assays to evaluate inter-assay agreement, both qualitatively and quantitively. Altogether, we evaluated assay sensitivity, linearity, accuracy, precision, repeatability, and reproducibility. RESULTS: Assay agreement for qualitative results in 335 clinical samples was fair (80.6%). Correlation of quantitative assay results (n = 164) was excellent (R 2 = 0.97), with 96.3% of the results within the 95% limit of assay agreement (-0.42 to +0.86 log), and 98.8% within 1 log of each other. Aptima-HIV-1 yielded results, on average, 0.22 log higher than CAP/CTM2. Both assays accurately quantitated the HIV-1 standard at low VL (R 2 ≥ 0.94), with all samples within 0.5 log of the target. CONCLUSION: Aptima-HIV-1 assay demonstrated sensitivity, accuracy, reproducibility, and precision for the detection and quantitation of HIV-1 RNA across a wide dynamic range of VLs. Its performance, together with full automation and high throughput, suggests that Aptima-HIV-1 could be a suitable assay for reliable monitoring of HIV-1 VL in patients undergoing treatment.

The traditional use of Vachellia nilotica for sexually transmitted diseases is substantiated by the antiviral activity of its bark extract against sexually transmitted viruses.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Vachellia (Acacia) nilotica and other plants of this genus have been used in traditional medicine of Asian and African countries to treat many disorders, including sexually transmitted diseases, but few studies were performed to validate their anti-microbial and anti-viral activity against sexually transmitted infections. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study was undertaken to explore whether the ethnomedical use of V.nilotica to treat genital lesions is substantiated by its antiviral activity against the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the herpes simplex virus (HSV) and the human papillomavirus (HPV). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The antiviral activity of V.nilotica was tested in vitro by virus-specific inhibition assays using HSV-2 strains, sensible or resistant to acyclovir, HIV-1IIIb strain and HPV-16 pseudovirion (PsV). The potential mode of action of extract against HSV-2 and HPV-16 was further investigated by virus inactivation and time-of-addition assays on cell cultures. RESULTS: V.nilotica chloroform, methanolic and water bark extracts exerted antiviral activity against HSV-2 and HPV-16 PsV infections; among these, methanolic extract showed the best EC50s with values of 4.71 and 1.80µg/ml against HSV-2 and HPV-16, respectively, and it was also active against an acyclovir-resistant HSV-2 strain with an EC50 of 6.71µg/ml. By contrast, no suppression of HIV infection was observed. Investigation of the mechanism of action revealed that the methanolic extract directly inactivated the infectivity of the HPV-16 particles, whereas a partial virus inactivation and interference with virus attachment (EC50 of 2.74µg/ml) were both found to contribute to the anti-HSV-2 activity. CONCLUSIONS: These results support the traditional use of V.nilotica applied externally for the treatment of genital lesions. Further work remains to be done in order to identify the bioactive components.

Impact of Different Antiretroviral Strategies on Total HIV-DNA Level in Virologically Suppressed HIV-1 Infected Patients.

BACKGROUND: Total HIV-DNA load in peripheral blood cell (PBMCs) reflects the global viral reservoir that seems not to be affected by antiretroviral treatment. However, some studies reported a different permeability of different drugs in cellular compartments. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relation between the amount of total HIV-1 DNA and different treatment strategies. METHODS: Total HIV-1 DNA was quantified by real time PCR in PBMCs collected from 161 patients with long-term undetectable HIV-RNA receiving different therapy schedules (3-drug regimens or 2-drug regimen containing Raltegravir as integrase inhibitor). RESULTS: Overall, HIV patients who started therapy with a median pre-ART CD4+ cell count >400 cells/mm3 and HIV viral load of 3 log10 copies/ml, achieved a lower amount of HIV total DNA. No significant correlation was found in DNA size when patients were stratified on the basis of different therapeutic protocols. However, HIV DNA load analysis, when only performed in HIV patients with a median pre-ART CD4+ cell count >200 cells/mm3 and HIV viral load < 3 log10 copies/ml, showed a significative DNA decrease in Raltegravir treated group with respect to the NNRTIs-treated group. CONCLUSION: The data emphasize that HIV-DNA level represents a predictive factor in long-term suppressive therapy patients. In addition, the diminished reservoir, only observed in patients treated with the NRTI-sparing regimen RAL plus PI/r before immunological and virological derangement, suggests that latest generation drugs, such as integrase inhibitors, might represent an optimal chance in the management of HIV infection.

IFI16 reduced expression is correlated with unfavorable outcome in chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common leukemia in adults. Its clinical course is typically indolent; however, based on a series of pathobiological, clinical, genetic, and phenotypic parameters, patient survival varies from less than 5 to more than 20 years. In this paper, we show for the first time that the expression of the interferon-inducible DNA sensor IFI16, a member of the PYHIN protein family involved in proliferation inhibition and apoptosis regulation, is associated with the clinical outcome in CLL. We studied 99 CLLs cases by immunohistochemistry and 10 CLLs cases by gene expression profiling. We found quite variable degrees of IFI16 expression among CLLs cases. Noteworthy, we observed that a reduced IFI16 expression was associated with a very poor survival, but only in cases with ZAP70/CD38 expression. Furthermore, we found that IFI16 expression was associated with a specific gene expression signature. As IFI16 can be easily detected by immunohistochemistry or flow cytometry, it may become a part of phenotypic screening in CLL patients if its prognostic role is confirmed in independent series.

M48U1 and Tenofovir combination synergistically inhibits HIV infection in activated PBMCs and human cervicovaginal histocultures.

Microbicides are considered a promising strategy for preventing human immunodeficiency virus (HIV-1) transmission and disease. In this report, we first analyzed the antiviral activity of the miniCD4 M48U1 peptide formulated in hydroxyethylcellulose (HEC) hydrogel in activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) infected with R5- and X4-tropic HIV-1 strains. The results demonstrate that M48U1 prevented infection by several HIV-1 strains including laboratory strains, and HIV-1 subtype B and C strains isolated from the activated PBMCs of patients. M48U1 also inhibited infection by two HIV-1 transmitted/founder infectious molecular clones (pREJO.c/2864 and pTHRO.c/2626). In addition, M48U1 was administered in association with tenofovir, and these two antiretroviral drugs synergistically inhibited HIV-1 infection. In the next series of experiments, we tested M48U1 alone or in combination with tenofovir in HEC hydrogel with an organ-like structure mimicking human cervicovaginal tissue. We demonstrated a strong antiviral effect in absence of significant tissue toxicity. Together, these results indicate that co-treatment with M48U1 plus tenofovir is an effective antiviral strategy that may be used as a new topical microbicide to prevent HIV-1 transmission.

HIV and kidney: a dangerous liaison.

Kidney disease represents an important health concern among HIV-infected individuals, with an estimated prevalence ranging between 2.4 and 17%. The widespread use of antiretroviral drugs has changed the epidemiology of kidney disease in the HIV positive population, drastically reducing the percentage of patients affected by HIV-associated nephropathy (HIVAN), a complication characterized by apoptosis and de-differentiation of renal epithelial cells and podocytes. However, impaired kidney function remains an important issue among HIV-infected patients because of their long-term exposure to antiretroviral drugs and the growing burden of traditional risk factors associated with chronic renal disease. Furthermore, since HIV infects renal epithelial cells, kidney is a potential reservoir site that needs to be considered in future eradication studies. This review summarizes the main risk factors associated with chronic kidney disease in HIV-infected patients and discusses the contribution of viral infection and antiretroviral therapy to the pathogenesis of renal damage, emphasizing the need to monitor kidney status during the follow-up of HIV-infected patients.

Acute onset myopericarditis as unusual presentation of primary HIV infection.

A 30-year-old man was admitted to hospital after complaining of a retrosternal burning pain, radiating to the jugular region, and to both upper limbs. An electrocardiography examination showed a ST segment elevation involving the lower-lateral leads. A trans-thoracic ultrasonography showed findings compatible with an acute myopericarditis. All performed serological testings excluded other recent infections with cardiac tropism. Among screening tests, a peripheral lymphocyte subset analysis was performed and an inversion of the CD4/CD8 ratio was found. Therefore, HIV testing was performed and proved positive for HIV-1 antibodies. The discovery of a primary HIV infection with involvement of a vital organ led us to start HAART. On day 20, our patient underwent a right heart catheterization and endomyocardial biopsy. During the following days, the clinical conditions of our patient improved, and a further heart ultrasonography documented a mild pericardial thickening as a result of the recent myopericarditis. Also the evolving changes of ECG were compatible with a benign evolution of myopericarditis. The histopathologic studies revealed a mild fibrosis of the myocardial right ventricular tissue, and inflammatory findings compatible with a recent myocarditis. At the real-time PCR analysis on bioptic sample, only HHV6 DNA and HIV-DNA were reactive. An immunofluorescence staining was performed to highlight the HIV p24 protein and a positive signal was detected in myocardial tissue. Considering the low avidity level of the anti-HIV IgG antibodies and the positivity of HIV-DNA in the endomyocardial tissue, we believe that the clinical manifestation presented can be referred to the recent primary HIV-infection.

HIV-1 early and late diagnosis in the Emilia Romagna Region (Italy): a three year study.

It is crucial to establish the timing of infection and distinguish between early and long-lasting HIV-1 infections not only for partner notification and epidemiological surveillance, but also to offer early drug treatment and contain the spread of infection. This study analyzed serum and/or plasma samples with a first positive HIV antibody/antigen result coming from different Medical Centers in the Emilia Romagna Region, North East Italy, using the avidity assay, Western Blotting, RNA viral load, CD4 cell counts and genotyping assay. From May 2013 to May 2016, we certified 845 new HIV-1 infections, 18.7% of which were classified on the basis of avidity index as recent infections and 81.3% as long-lasting infections, with an estimated conversion time exceeding six months at the time of study. Western Blotting showed reactivity to only one or two HIV-1 proteins in recently infected patients (RIPs), while a complete pattern to gag, env and pol proteins was observed in most long-lasting infected patients (LLIPs). The median age, gender, nationality and risk transmission factors were comparable in RIPs and LLIPs. Phylogenetic analysis performed in available plasma disclosed B strains, non-B subtypes and circulating recombinant forms (CRFs) in both groups of patients, with a major presence of CRFs in non-Italian HIV subjects. The large number of patients unaware of their HIV status makes it crucial to discover hidden epidemics and implement appropriate targeted public health interventions.

Effects of Antiretroviral Molecules on Survival and Gene Expression of An Osteoblast-like Cell Line.

BACKGROUND: The advent of combined antiretroviral therapy effectively undermined the evolution of HIV disease. Nevertheless, clinical observations indicated a clear association between therapy and the impairment of bone mineral density. OBJECTIVE: We selected some antiretroviral compounds used in clinical practice, to study their impact on bone health and their possible implication in the onset of bone disease. METHOD: Scalar concentrations of several antiretroviral drugs (used in single and in combination) were tested on an osteoblast-like cell line, HOBIT cells, to analyse cell survival and gene expression of selected bone markers. RESULTS: None of the tested concentrations of Tenofovir, Emtricitabine, Nevirapine, Maraviroc or Raltegravir induced any significant apoptosis activation at our experimental conditions. Only some protease inhibitors and Efavirenz, at high concentration, determined a significant activation of programmed cell death. In parallel experiments, protease inhibitors used in combination with Tenofovir and Emtricitabine, increased apoptosis. Furthermore, we performed a study of mRNA expression of specific genes involved in osteoblast biology and in bone synthesis and observed that some protease inhibitors induced a selective decrease of some osteogenic markers. CONCLUSION: All the protease inhibitors included in this study trigger apoptosis at the highest concentration analysed, suggesting great caution in HIV-patients co-infected with HBV or HCV, where elevated plasma concentrations of drugs could be reached as a consequence of liver failure. Lastly, an increased apoptosis rate and an impairment of osteogenic markers were recorded only in the presence of Nelfinavir, suggesting a role of protease inhibitors in the alteration of osteoblast biology.

HIV-1 gp120 impairs the differentiation and survival of cord blood CD34+ HPCs induced to the erythroid lineage.

Anemia is the most common hematological abnormality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Besides chronic disease, opportunistic infections, nutritional deficiencies and antiretroviral drug toxicity, the direct role of HIV in the development of anemia has not yet been fully investigated. To explore the HIV-related mechanisms involved in the genesis of anemia, we used two experimental designs. In the first, HPCs purified from cord blood were challenged with HIV-1IIIb or recombinant gp120 (rgp120) and then committed to erythrocyte differentiation (EPO-post-treated HPCs). In the second, HPCs were first committed to differentiate towards the erythroid lineage and only afterwards challenged with HIV-1IIIb or rgp120 (EPO-pre-treated HPCs). Our results showed that HPCs and EPO-induced HPCs were not susceptible to HIV-1 infection. In addition, the two experimental designs (EPO post or pre-treated HPCs) independently showed that HIV-1IIIb or rgp120 were able to induce the impairment of survival, proliferation, and differentiation albeit differing in kinetics and extent. Interestingly, the gp120 interaction with CD4 and CXCR4 played a pivotal role in the impairment of erythrocyte differentiation by inducing TGF-b1 expression. These observations reveal an important additional mechanism involved in the genesis of anemia suggesting a complex competition between EPO-positive regulation and HIV-negative priming regarding erythrocyte survival, proliferation and maturation.

Calcaneal quantitative ultrasound (QUS) and dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) bone analysis in adult HIV-positive patients.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients have an increased risk of developing osteopenia or osteoporosis compared with healthy individuals. Our aim was to compare dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), the gold standard for measuring bone mineral density (BMD), with bone quantitative ultrasound (QUS), an alternative technique for predicting fractures and screening low BMD, at least in postmenopausal populations. We analyzed DXA and QUS parameters to investigate their accuracy in the diagnosis and prediction of bone alterations in a cohort of 224 HIV-1-positive patients. The speed of sound (SOS), broadband ultrasound attenuation (BUA) and stiffness index (SI) parameters showed a moderate correlation with DXA, especially with total-body BMD (r coefficient of 0.38, 0.4 and 0.42 respectively), particularly in the female subgroup. In addition, multivariate analysis of HIV-positive patients assessed for vertebral fractures indicated that QUS was more effective than DXA at predicting the risk of fracture. QUS can be used as an additional tool for analyzing bone density in HIV-positive patients and its case of use and low cost make it especially suitable for resource-limited settings where DXA is not employed.

Durable viral suppression in an HIV-infected patient in the absence of antiretroviral therapy.

We describe the case of a young woman with an acute HIV infection characterized at onset by neurological features. The patient spontaneously controlled her HIV infection and recovered in a short period of time. The patient's clinical and virological history showed a peculiar evolution of HIV infection, with an MDR HIV-1 in CSF and a wild HIV strain in PBMCs. The patient's PBMC showed a rapid shift from a wild type to an MDR strain in few days.

Peptide-derivatized SB105-A10 dendrimer inhibits the infectivity of R5 and X4 HIV-1 strains in primary PBMCs and cervicovaginal histocultures.

Peptide dendrimers are a class of molecules that exhibit a large array of biological effects including antiviral activity. In this report, we analyzed the antiviral activity of the peptide-derivatized SB105-A10 dendrimer, which is a tetra-branched dendrimer synthetized on a lysine core, in activated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) that were challenged with reference and wild-type human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) strains. SB105-A10 inhibited infections by HIV-1 X4 and R5 strains, interfering with the early phases of the viral replication cycle. SB105-A10 targets heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) and, importantly, the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) assay revealed that SB105-A10 strongly binds gp41 and gp120, most likely preventing HIV-1 attachment/entry through multiple mechanisms. Interestingly, the antiviral activity of SB105-A10 was also detectable in an organ-like structure of human cervicovaginal tissue, in which SB105-A10 inhibited the HIV-1ada R5 strain infection without altering the tissue viability. These results demonstrated the strong antiviral activity of SB105-A10 and suggest a potential microbicide use of this dendrimer to prevent the heterosexual transmission of HIV-1.