The anti-inflammatory agent, mesalamine (5-aminosalicylic acid) has been shown to decrease mucosal inflammation in ulcerative colitis. The effect of mesalamine in HIV-infected individuals, who ...exhibit abnormal mucosal immune activation and microbial translocation (MT), has not been established in a placebo-controlled trial. We randomized 33 HIV-infected subjects with CD4 counts <350 cells/mm3 and plasma HIV RNA levels <40 copies/ml on antiretroviral therapy (ART) to add mesalamine vs. placebo to their existing regimen for 12 weeks followed by a 12 week crossover to the other arm. Compared to placebo-treated subjects, mesalamine-treated subjects did not experience any significant change in the percent CD38+HLA-DR+ peripheral blood CD4+ and CD8+ T cells at week 12 (P = 0.38 and P = 0.63, respectively), or in the CD4+ T cell count at week 12 (P = 0.83). The percent CD38+HLA-DR+ CD4+ and CD8+ T cells also did not change significantly in rectal tissue (P = 0.86, P = 0.84, respectively). During the period of mesalamine administration, plasma sCD14, IL-6, D-dimer, and kynurenine to tryptophan ratio were not changed significantly at week 12 and were similarly unchanged at week 24. This study suggests that, at least under the conditions studied, the persistent immune activation associated with HIV infection is not impacted by the anti-inflammatory effects of mesalamine.
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01090102.
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DOBA, IZUM, KILJ, NUK, PILJ, PNG, SAZU, SIK, UILJ, UKNU, UL, UM, UPUK
HIV-infected patients have accelerated atherosclerosis. Abacavir has been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular events, for reasons that remain to be elucidated. As endothelial dysfunction ...is central to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, we tested the hypothesis that current treatment with abacavir is associated with impaired endothelial function.
We studied a cohort of 61 antiretroviral-treated patients who had undetectable plasma HIV RNA levels. Endothelial function was assessed by measuring flow-mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery. We compared FMD in patients treated with or without abacavir, while adjusting for traditional risk factors and HIV-specific characteristics.
The median age was 50 years (interquartile range 45-57). The median duration of HIV infection was 18 years, and the median CD4 cell count was 369 cells/microl. Thirty patients (49%) were receiving abacavir. Overall, the median FMD in the HIV-infected patients was low (3.5%; interquartile range 2.3-5.6%). The FMD was lower in the abacavir-treated patients than those not on abacavir (2.8 vs. 4.9%, P = 0.01). After adjustment for traditional risk factors, HIV-specific factors, and baseline brachial artery diameter, current abacavir use was independently associated with lower FMD (P = 0.017). Duration of therapy and CD4 cell count were not associated with reduced FMD.
Endothelial function, a central mechanism in atherosclerosis and a marker of cardiovascular risk, is impaired among antiretroviral-treated patients with undetectable viral loads. Current use of abacavir was independently associated with impaired endothelial function. This finding suggests that abnormal endothelial function may underlie the clinically observed increased risk in myocardial infarction among abacavir-treated patients.
Background Individuals infected with HIV have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease; yet, the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Recent evidence has implicated the Tie-2 tyrosine ...kinase receptor system and its associated ligands ANG1 (angiopoietin 1) and ANG2 (angiopoietin 2) in maintaining vascular homeostasis. In the general population, lower ANG1 levels and higher ANG2 levels are strongly correlated with the development of cardiovascular disease. In this study, we aim to investigate the associations of HIV infection with angiopoietin levels and endothelial dysfunction. Methods and Results In this cross-sectional study, we compared measures of ANG1, ANG2, and endothelial dysfunction using flow-mediated vasodilation of the brachial artery in 39 untreated subjects infected with HIV, 47 treated subjects infected with HIV, and 46 uninfected subjects from the SCOPE (Observational Study of the Consequences of the Protease Inhibitor Era) cohort. Compared with uninfected controls, treated individuals infected with HIV had 53.1% lower mean ANG1 levels (
<0.01) and similar ANG2 levels. On the other hand, untreated individuals infected with HIV had similar ANG1 levels, and 29.2% had higher ANG2 levels (
<0.01) compared with uninfected controls. When compared with individuals with untreated HIV infection, those with treated HIV infection had 56% lower ANG1 levels (
<0.01) and 22% lower ANG2 levels (
<0.01).Both treated and untreated HIV infection were associated with significant impairment in hyperemic velocity, a key measure of microvascular dysfunction (median 61 versus 72 cm/s,
<0.01), compared with uninfected controls (median 73 cm/s). This difference persisted after adjustment for ANG1 and ANG2 levels. Interestingly, when compared with untreated individuals infected with HIV, treated individuals infected with HIV had worse hyperemic velocity (-12.35 cm/s,
=0.05). In contrast, HIV status, ANG1 levels, and ANG2 levels were not associated with macrovascular dysfunction as measured by flow-mediated dilatation and brachial artery diameter, 2 other measures of vascular homeostasis. Conclusions HIV infection affects the balance between levels of ANG1 and ANG2 and may disturb endothelial homeostasis through disruption of vascular homeostasis. Individuals with treated HIV had decreased ANG1 levels and similar ANG2 levels, whereas individuals with untreated HIV had similar ANG1 levels and increased ANG2 levels, suggesting that treatment status may alter the balance between ANG1 and ANG2. HIV also promotes endothelial dysfunction via impairment of microvascular dysfunction, independent of the Tie-2 receptor system; the finding of worse microvascular dysfunction in the setting of treated HIV infection may reflect the impact of viral persistence on the microvasculature or toxicities of specific antiretroviral regimens. Further research to clarify the mechanism of HIV-mediated endothelial dysfunction is necessary to advance treatment of cardiovascular complications of HIV infection.
Abstract Introduction Understanding cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among Chinese American children would allow us to target individuals in this group who are at the greatest risk for ...developing CVD early in life. The purpose of this study is to examine cardiovascular risk factors (increased blood pressure BP, total cholesterol, low-density lipoproteins, triglycerides, decreased high-density lipoproteins, and increased body mass index BMI) in Chinese American children. Method A cross-sectional design was used. A total number of 65 children, aged 8 to 10 years, and their mothers participated in the study. Measurements of the children’s weight, height, BP, blood sample, level of physical fitness, activity level, and dietary intake were collected. Mothers completed questionnaires regarding family history of CVD and level of acculturation. Results A low level of physical activity and high paternal BMI were associated with higher systolic BP in the children. A low level of physical activity was also found to be a risk factor for higher LDL and systolic BP in the children. A high birth weight and lower parental acculturation level were risk factors for higher BMI in the children. Discussion The findings suggest that a low level of physical activity and high BMI are associated with increased risk of CVD in Chinese American children. The development of culturally appropriate programs that promote an active lifestyle and reduce weight is critical in CVD prevention in Chinese American populations.
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GEOZS, IJS, IMTLJ, KILJ, KISLJ, NUK, OILJ, PNG, SAZU, SBCE, SBJE, UL, UM, UPCLJ, UPUK, ZRSKP
Purpose: To identify barriers and discuss strategies for recruitment of older Chinese immigrants into clinical research studies.
Methods: A systematic review was conducted using Preferred Reporting ...Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). PubMed, WEB of Science, CINAHL Plus, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched from 2001 to 2014. Empirical studies with Chinese immigrants aged 60 or older were identified and analyzed. Numerical analysis, such as calculation of response rates as indexes for recruitment outcomes, was conducted. Content analyses for recruitment barriers were abstracted.
Results: Thirteen studies of 4753 subjects were analyzed. Response rates ranged from 39% to 99%. Recruitment barriers include younger old age (i.e., 60-70 years old), low health literacy, longer length of stay in the US, limited English speaking ability, low acculturation, time constraints, inadequate transportation, social stigma about diseases, and mistrust of researchers.
Discussion: Recruitment can be facilitated by overcoming the aforementioned barriers, which include the following strategies: 1) using convenience sampling methods, particularly personal referral; 2) using special techniques to recruit younger subgroup of Chinese elders, such as doing outreach on holidays or weekends; 3) communicating effectively using participants native language; 4) exercising cultural competency; 5) establishing relationships of trust with participants and community leaders; 6) answering misconceptions about clinical trials; 7) providing incentives for participation; and 8) proper selection of research and interview locations.
Background
Individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at increased risk for cardiovascular disease, partly due to systemic inflammation and endothelial dysfunction. B‐cells play an important ...pathogenic role in the inflammatory process that drives RA disease activity. Rituximab, a chimeric murine/human monoclonal antibody that depletes B‐cells, is an effective therapy for RA. The purpose of this study was to determine whether B‐cell depletion with rituximab reduces systemic inflammation and improves macrovascular (brachial artery flow‐mediated dilation, FMD) and microvascular (reactive hyperemia) endothelial function in RA patients.
Methods and Results
RA patients received a single course of rituximab (1000 mg IV infusion at baseline and on day 15). FMD, reactive hyperemia, inflammatory markers, and clinical assessments were performed at baseline, week 12, and week 24. Twenty patients (95% female, median age 54 years) completed the study. Following treatment, FMD improved from a baseline of 4.5±0.4% to 6.4±0.6% at 12 weeks (mean±SE; P<0.0001), followed by a decline at week 24; a similar pattern was observed for hyperemic velocity. Significant decreases in RA disease scores, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and circulating CD19+ B‐cells were sustained through week 24. Cholesterol and triglycerides became significantly although modestly elevated during the study.
Conclusions
Depletion of B‐cells with rituximab improved macrovascular and microvascular endothelial function and reduced systemic inflammation, despite modest elevation in lipids. Given these results, rituximab should be evaluated in the future for its possible role in reducing excess cardiovascular risk in RA.
Clinical Trial Registration
URL http://ClinicalTrials.gov. Unique identifier: NCT00844714.
OBJECTIVES:To determine whether intensification with raltegravir improves endothelial function in antiretroviral-treated HIV-infected individuals.
DESIGN:Randomized, double-blinded, ...placebo-controlled study.
METHODS:Fifty-six subjects with treatment-mediated viral suppression for at least 1 year were randomized to add 400 mg of raltegravir twice daily or matching placebo for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was the difference in rate of change in endothelial function as assessed by flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery from baseline to week 24 between the raltegravir and placebo groups. Linear mixed models were used to evaluate the association of treatment group with changes in FMD, immune activation, and measures of viral persistence.
RESULTS:At baseline, the median CD4 T-cell count was 498 cells/mm, nadir CD4 T-cell count was 191 cells/mm, duration of HIV infection was 18 years, FMD was 3.3%, and hyperemic velocity (a marker of microvascular function) was 68.3 cm. There were no significant differences between treatment groups in rate of change in FMD (raltegravir group+0.032% per week, placebo group+0.023% per week; P = 0.60). There were also no differences between treatment groups in rate of change in hyperemic velocity, immune activation, or viral persistence. In multivariable analysis, older age, longer duration of HIV infection, and current abacavir use were associated with lower FMD. Lower CD4 T-cell count and current abacavir use were associated with lower hyperemic velocity.
CONCLUSIONS:The addition of raltegravir to suppressive antiretroviral therapy did not have a significant impact on cardiovascular risk, as assessed by endothelial function (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00843713).
Abstract only
Introduction:
The role of methamphetamine (meth) cessation in the functional recovery of methamphetamine-associated HF (meth-HF) is unknown.
Objective
To evaluate the role of active ...meth use on cardiopulmonary function in participants with meth-HF.
Methods:
We recruited participants from a longitudinal cohort study of meth-HF and used cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) with maximal effort upright cycle ergometer to assess exercise cardiorespiratory function. Descriptive analysis was used to study associations between cardiopulmonary function and 1) active use and 2) ejection fraction (EF) recovery.
Results:
Of those assessed for eligibility (n = 55), 11 were deceased and 30 could not be contacted/declined participation. Ten studies were completed of the 14 scheduled, with three no-shows and one termination due to pre-test PVCs. Of those who completed studies, 90% were male, median age was 52 years 40, 54 and duration of HF was 33 months 16, 58. Five were active users, and five had a recovered EF. All were on quad-guideline-directed medical therapy (GDMT) for a median duration of 15 months 9.1, 29. Baseline EF was 28% 21, 42, and EF closest to CPET date was 50% 42, 59. Peak VO
2
(% predicted) in prior vs. active use was 73 66, 75 and 60 48, 66; in persistently low vs. recovered EF, it was 75 66, 75 and 63 60, 66 (
Figure 1A
). Adjusted heart rate reserve (aHRR, %) in prior vs. active use was 42 37, 43 and 46 44, 58; in persistently low vs. recovered EF, it was 58 44, 62 and 37 35, 43 (
Figure 1B
). In prior vs. active use, VO
2
pulse (VO
2
/HR, mL/beat) was 16 15, 17 and 13 12, 15. One participant died of sudden cardiac death between CPET and time of analysis.
Conclusions:
To our knowledge, this is the first study looking at cardiorespiratory fitness in the setting of meth use and HF. Our preliminary findings suggest that peak VO
2
and aHRR remain low, which suggests the presence of persistent cardiac effects of meth use despite cessation of use and/or recovery of EF.
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