Objective Metabolic abnormalities including diabetes, dyslipidemia, hypertension, and abdominal obesity occur commonly in HIV patients, are associated with increased coronary artery calcification (CAC), and contribute to increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) in this population. We hypothesized that lifestyle modification (LSM) and metformin would improve CVD indices in HIV patients with metabolic syndrome. Design A randomized, placebo controlled trial to investigate LSM and metformin, alone and in combination, over one year, among 50 HIV-infected patients with metabolic syndrome. Methods We assessed CAC, cardiovascular and metabolic indices. Results Among the participants, duration of HIV-infection was 14±1 yr and duration of antiretroviral therapy was 6±1 yr. Metformin-treated subjects demonstrated significantly less progression of CAC (−1±2 vs. 33±17, P=0.004, metformin vs. placebo) whereas the effect of LSM on CAC progression was not significant (8±6 vs. 21±14, P=0.82, LSM vs. no LSM). Metformin had a significantly greater effect on CAC than LSM (P=0.01). Metformin-treated subjects also demonstrated less progression in calcified plaque volume (−0.4±1.9 vs. 27.6±13.8 mm3, P=0.008) and improved HOMA-IR (P=0.05) compared to placebo. Subjects randomized to LSM vs. no LSM showed significant improvement in HDL (P=0.03), hsCRP (P=0.05), and cardiorespiratory fitness. Changes in CAC among the 4 groups: 1) no LSM, placebo (43±30); 2) LSM, placebo (19±7); 3) no LSM, metformin (1±1); and 4) LSM, metformin (−4±6) were different (P=0.03 for ANOVA and linear trend across groups), the majority of this effect was mediated by metformin. Results are mean ± SEM. Conclusion Metformin prevents plaque progression in HIV-infected patients with the metabolic syndrome.

Adipose tissue accumulating in the dorsocervical area in HIV lipodystrophy does not appear to be classical BAT. However, DIO2 expression is increased in DSAT among patients with HIV lipodystrophy, particularly those with increased visceral adiposity, and is positively associated with energy expenditure.

Objective Endothelial function and carotid intima media thickness (cIMT) were investigated in a cohort of 54 healthy adults without known cardiovascular disease. Methods Pulse wave amplitude was determined with peripheral arterial tonometry (PAT) to obtain the reactive hyperemia (RH)-PAT ratio. Ultrasound was used to determine cIMT. Results cIMT and RH-PAT were significantly associated (rho = −0.35, P = 0.02) in univariate analysis. RH-PAT was significantly associated with age, triglycerides, fasting glucose, HDL, WHR, waist circumference and VAT. cIMT was associated with age, smoking history, fasting glucose, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and LDL. In multivariate regression analyses, triglyceride level (P = 0.04) remained a significant determinant of RH-PAT whereas systolic blood pressure (P = 0.02) and smoking pack-year history (P = 0.046) were significant determinants of cIMT. Conclusion Determinants of cIMT and RH-PAT were different, dominated by triglyceride and abdominal adiposity measures for RH-PAT but traditional risk factors including blood pressure, glucose, smoking and LDL for cIMT.

Overexpression of the human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)/neu glycoprotein receptor in breast cancer is associated with increased risk of brain metastases, especially in patients with advanced disease. Improvements in the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer has led to prolonged survival of patients with advanced disease, but the prevention and management of central nervous system metastases still poses unique clinical challenges given the associated morbidity and mortality of this site of disease. HER2-positive brain metastases are treated with surgery, radiation (stereotactic radiosurgery or whole brain radiotherapy), and systemic therapies, and are best managed by an experienced multidisciplinary team. The present article aims to provide an overview to our approach to treatment of HER2-positive brain metastases, including a review of agents with central nervous system activity, as well as management suggestions for several nuanced clinical scenarios.