Journal of investigative medicine : the official publication of the American Federation for Clinical Research
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Since the emergence of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1)-infected patients have demonstrated dramatic decreases in viral burden and opportunistic infections, and an overall increase in life expectancy. Despite these positive HAART-associated outcomes, it has become increasingly clear that HIV-1 patients have an enhanced risk of developing cardiovascular disease over time. Clinical studies are instrumental in our understanding of vascular dysfunction in the context of HIV-1 infection. ⋯ We analyze recent in vitro and in vivo studies examining endothelial toxicity in response to HIV-1 proteins or in response to the various classes of antiretroviral drugs. Furthermore, we discuss the multiple mechanisms by which HIV-1 proteins and HAART injure the vascular endothelium in HIV-1 patients. By understanding the molecular mechanisms of HIV-1 protein- and antiretroviral-induced cardiovascular disease, we may ultimately improve the quality of life of HIV-1 patients through better drug design and the discovery of new pharmacological targets.
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To study whether low plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) reported in Asian Indians is common in both men and women when compared with whites and whether it is related to increased body mass index (BMI) and plasma triglyceride concentration. ⋯ Increased prevalence of low HDL-C independently of obesity or hypertriglyceridemia is observed in women but not in men of Asian Indian origin. The sex gap in HDL-C is significantly smaller in Asian Indians compared with whites independent of geographical location.
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The peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) gamma is a member of the nuclear hormone receptor superfamily of ligand-activated transcription factors. Thiazolidinediones, pharmacological ligands for PPARgamma, are currently used in the management of type 2 diabetes. ⋯ Furthermore, thiazolidinedione PPARgamma ligands reduced pulmonary hypertension and vascular remodeling in several experimental models of pulmonary hypertension. This report reviews current evidence that PPARgamma may represent a novel therapeutic target in pulmonary hypertension and examines studies that have begun to elucidate mechanisms that underlie these potential therapeutic effects.