Posts tagged HIV
HPV and Increased HIV Risk Linked
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Vaccination
Human papillomavirus, or HPV, has been linked to several genital cancers. These infections are particularly troublesome in countries where poverty and HIV are also rampant. Vaccines that protect against HPV infection have proven effective but certain threats still exist.
Moreover, this type of infection has been studied extensively in women, but limited attention has been given to its effects in men. A five-year study of HPV links this disease to an increased risk for HIV in men.
The tragic fact is that in certain places, like Kenya, the leading cause of death is HIV and AIDS. A study of over 2,500 Kenyan men was conducted to see if there was a connection between an infection caused by HPV and the risk of HIV infection. 61 of the men observed in the study had acquired HIV at some point during the trial. Unfortunately, there was a link: It was found that those who had HPV were at greater risk for acquiring HIV, and this proved true whether or not the male was circumcised. This comes as sad news: Each year, HIV claims nearly 2 million lives worldwide. The information gathered in this study showed that greater attention to the prevention of these diseases still has to be made.
One glimmer of hope is inoculation. As mentioned, there is a single-dose vaccine available for HPV, and it is useful in preventing HPV-borne cancers. Extensive research still has to be done to determine if this alone is enough to prevent HIV as well. The effects of the HPV vaccine and the results of administering it to men still have to be studied. However, it is still highly recommended for women to receive the vaccine.
New Light on Cardiovascular Disease in HIV Patients
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Research
Atherosclerosis has been noted in HIV patients. For a while it had been thought that certain therapies like antiretroviral therapies (ART) may have been contributing factors; other factors included smoking. New research is showing that this may not necessarily be the cause of cardiovascular disease in each case.
Studies have been conducted on HIV-positive patients in regard to smoking, ART and cardiovascular disease. However, the results were muddled, and understanding the exact nature of the relationships between each factor remained unclear. In a newer, recently-concluded study, some of these relationships were cleared up.
A group of participants were followed for 2 years consisting of HIV-positive patients, some who had never had ART, and others who were currently on the therapy. Neither group contained smokers—actually, no participant had ever smoked. There was also a control group of 50 individuals with no history of HIV infection. Each person was tested as to their cardiovascular health by measuring the thickness of their carotid intima-media. This precursor to arteriosclerosis would give insight as to which individuals were most at risk. What researchers found was that those most at risk for cardiovascular disease were patients who had been infected with HIV for over 8 years. This included those who had never been on antiretroviral therapy.
Those with a long history of HIV infection had more inflammation and were less receptive to anti-inflammatory drugs. This is significant because this weakened response is common in those at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Researchers still need more information, and this was only a small study. They have found, however, that longer infection time increases a person’s risk for atherosclerosis. While this is true, they are not saying that HIV is the cause. More research is needed to determine the other risk factors involved.
Congress Passes HOPE Act
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Research
The law recently passed has made it possible to lift a ban on organ donors who are HIV-positive. The HOPE (HIV Organ Policy Equity) Act was finally passed. The law is for those who wish to donate their organs, even if they are HIV-positive. These organs are then given to fellow HIV-positive patients who are experiencing organ failure and are in need of a transplant. There are a number of issues that helped this law to pass, and here is a look at some of these, along with some of the benefits.
To begin with, the number of those needing an organ transplant is greater than the actual number of available organs, and this shortage creates waiting lists. In the meantime, modern medical therapies have greatly helped those with HIV to lead normal and healthy lives. This being the case, there are fewer deaths from HIV. However, there is a rise in the number of kidney and liver failures among those who are HIV-positive. This is becoming the number one cause of death amongst those living with the virus.
Each group in the case benefits with the passing of the HOPE Act: Organ donors who are HIV-positive can now donate and contribute in ways that they want to; the organ pool will now have hundreds (if not more) organs to choose from. This reduces the wait time for those in need of a transplant. For persons needing an organ who do not have HIV, the odds are now pushed in a more favorable direction as well: There are less people on the wait list, and the number of organs being donated is greater.
Medical research on how to better get HIV-positive organs into patients will further develop guidelines. In turn, better understanding of HIV-positive interactions between organs and patients should help increase the success rate of a transplant.
New Protein Could Be Breakthrough in HIV Prevention
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in HIV Prevention
The race to eradicate HIV and improve the vaccine has led to an exciting new development. Researchers within the last few weeks have published new findings regarding a protein and sugar molecule that has the potential to not only neutralize HIV, but that can connect to various strains of the virus as well.
The protein that was created mimics the outer layer of the HIV. The part of the layer that can bind to antibodies is the area researchers were targeting. This key part of the cell is where neutralizing the virus takes place. One of the factors that make the creation of this protein so important is that it may help scientists answer some of the most complex issues facing the prevention of HIV. For one thing, an antibody that can target multiple strains of the virus is hard to come by. Another problem is the response of the immune system: At times it is beneficial, but other responses can be negative and unwanted. Researchers are hoping that, with this protein, the immune system will be free to respond in a positive, beneficial way. The protein with the sugar molecule is better able to bond to the outer coat of the virus. It is hoped that broad-spectrum antibodies will be allowed to form. If this happens, the antibodies that can do the most neutralizing will have a better chance to complete their task.
Another benefit to the proteins is the potential to trigger a response from the white blood cells that produce antibodies. Should the antibodies produced by these B cells do what researchers are hoping, results could be disastrous for the virus. This aspect is what scientists are focusing on to develop an effective vaccine. Much more information is needed, as well as testing on animal subjects. This does not, however, negate the importance that this finding will have on the future of the battle against HIV.
Cloaking Ability of HIV Could Lead to New Treatment
10 years ago
by ADMIN
in Experimental Treatment
Since the discovery of HIV, just how the virus managed to replicate undetected by the body was somewhat of a mystery—until now. Researchers have recently discovered a mechanism used to protect the whereabouts of the virus and which allows it to multiply undisturbed. How did this come about, and what does it mean for the future of HIV? Here is a brief look at what was uncovered.
A team of scientists has recently identified two molecules that aid HIV by allowing the virus to hide within the host cell. By isolating these molecules, researchers have learned that the virus remains hidden, as it were, from the immune system by using a cloaking ability. Under normal circumstances, when a virus invades a cell, the immune system is tripped and an anti-virus attack ensues. Until recently it was unknown exactly how HIV could sneak past this trigger. With the use of these molecules, HIV disguises itself within a healthy cell. While remaining undetected by the immune system, it begins to multiple and mutate. This has made it both difficult to target and treat. Now, researchers are hopeful that this new information can help bring about a new way to effectively treat and contain the infection.
There are many benefits to this new light. Allowing the body to identify and attack the HIV on its own could be groundbreaking. Also, current treatments can be made more effective. Mutations and resistance to drug therapies may also be reduced. Disabling the cloaking device may make it easier to target the infection before it spreads and could be useful in developing vaccines. Armed with this important information, scientists are now able to push ahead in a positive direction to reducing the devastating effects of HIV.
