Evaluation of endothelial function and arterial stiffness in HIV-infected patients: a pilot study

Abstract

Endothelial dysfunction is common in HIV-infected patients. In general, none of the analysed factors had an effect on endothelial function but cART had a negative effect on arterial stiffness.

Increased vascular function and superoxide dismutase activity in physically active vs inactive adults living with HIV

“…Therefore, we have extended the current knowledge by originally demonstrating that not only macrovascular function, but also angiogenesis and, to a certain extent, antioxidant activity might be favored in patients that underwent regular physical training. This is particularly important considering the high prevalence of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases among this group …”

“…This is particularly important considering the high prevalence of endothelial dysfunction and cardiovascular diseases among this group. 13,14 Improvements in endothelial function rely not only on the number of vessels, but also on oxidative status. 35 HIV infection triggers a massive production of oxygen reactive species, therefore increasing oxidative stress.…”

“…Furthermore, it is acknowledged that endothelium cells are variably permissive for HIV infection, producing cytokines and free radicals in response to increased inflammation which results in vascular complications . In fact, endothelial dysfunction is more prevalent in HIV‐infected patients than in healthy people of similar age . This feature deserves attention, since this is a major risk factor for several cardiovascular diseases .…”

“…13 In fact, endothelial dysfunction is more prevalent in HIV-infected patients than in healthy people of similar age. 14,15 This feature deserves attention, since this is a major risk factor for several cardiovascular diseases. 16 Prevention and therapeutic strategies are therefore essential to reduce cardiovascular risk among people living with HIV under cART.…”

Opinion: Inhibition of Blood-Brain Barrier Repair as a Mechanism in HIV-1 Disease

“…Clinically, endothelial cell dysfunction and general wound repair has been problematic in the HIV-1-infected patient population, with several reports highlighting delays in healing time and related complications, including secondary infections of these wounds (Lord, 1997; Davis et al, 1999; Diz Dios et al, 1999; Miyamoto et al, 2006; Arildsen et al, 2013; Wang et al, 2013; Francisci et al, 2014; Balsam et al, 2015; Fitzpatrick et al, 2016). While the mechanisms orchestrating endothelial repair, particularly considering those of the BBB, are not entirely defined, some molecular effectors and interconnecting pathways have been identified in the literature for their demonstrated involvement in repair processes in various model systems.…”