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Biomedical subjects

Pablo Tebas

Publications and source records attributed to Pablo Tebas.

36 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

Evaluation of the virological and metabolic effects of switching protease inhibitor combination antiretroviral therapy to nevirapine-based therapy for the treatment of HIV infection.

In spite of indisputable benefits, the use of antiretroviral therapy is associated with multiple metabolic complications. Switching to simpler regimens might maintain viral suppression, improve metabolic side effects, and provide insight into the pathogenesis of these complications. Our objective was to carefully characterize the virological and metabolic effects of switching from a successful protease inhibitor (PI)-based antiretroviral regimen to a nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based regimen with nevirapine (NVP). Forty patients, taking their first successful (less than 40 HIV RNA copies/ml) PI-based regimen, switched their PI to NVP. If patients did not tolerate NVP, substitution with efavirenz was allowed. The duration of the study was 48 weeks. At 12 weeks intervals subjects had multiple virological and metabolic parameters including glucose, insulin, C-peptide, glucagon, proinsulin, blood lipids, and lipoproteins. A subgroup of 18 patients also had body composition evaluations with DEXA scans and MRIs of the abdomen and the thighs as well as insulin tolerance tests. Ninety-five percent of the patients maintained viral suppression (95% CI 88-100%); only one patient failed and another developed hepatitis. There were improvements in glucose (decreased fasting glucose, insulin, and improved insulin tolerance) and lipid metabolism (decreased triglycerides and increased HDL), but no changes in body composition and bone mineral density. Our study supports a pathogenic role for PIs in the development of hypertriglyceridemia and insulin resistance, but a more limited role in the fat redistribution syndrome.

Alkynes↗

The HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir blocks osteoclastogenesis and function by impairing RANKL-induced signaling.

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), which includes HIV protease inhibitors (PIs), has been associated with bone demineralization. To determine if this complication reflects accelerated resorptive activity, we studied the impact of two common HIV PIs, ritonavir and indinavir, on osteoclast formation and function. Surprisingly, we find that ritonavir, but not indinavir, inhibits osteoclast differentiation in a reversible manner and also abrogates bone resorption by disrupting the osteoclast cytoskeleton, without affecting cell number. Ritonavir given in vivo completely blunts parathyroid hormone-induced osteoclastogenesis in mice, which confirms that the drug is bone sparing. In keeping with its antiresorptive properties, ritonavir impairs receptor activator of nuclear factor kappaB ligand-induced (RANKL-induced) activation of NF-kappaB and Akt signaling pathways, both critical to osteoclast formation and function. In particular, ritonavir is found to inhibit RANKL-induced Akt signaling by disrupting the recruitment of TNF receptor-associated factor 6/c-Src complex to lipid rafts. Thus, ritonavir may represent a bone-sparing PI capable of preventing development of osteopenia in patients currently on HAART.

Animals↗

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor induces modest increases in plasma human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 RNA levels and CD4+ lymphocyte counts in patients with uncontrolled HIV infection.

BACKGROUND: Studies have reported that plasma human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) RNA levels and CD4+ lymphocyte counts in HIV-infected patients improved after treatment with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). METHODS: In AIDS Clinical Trials Group Protocol 5041, 116 patients were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial of 16 weeks of 250 microg of GM-CSF administered subcutaneously 3 times/week, followed by open-label treatment for an additional 32 weeks. Patients had stable baseline plasma HIV-1 RNA levels of > or =1500 copies/mL and received constant antiretroviral regimens through at least the first 16 weeks of the study. RESULTS: After 16 weeks, the GM-CSF group tended to have greater, though clinically insignificant, increases in plasma HIV-1 RNA levels, compared with the placebo group (median change, +0.048 vs. -0.103 log copies/mL; P=.036, in a post hoc analysis). There were trends toward progressive modest increases in CD4+ lymphocyte counts with GM-CSF treatment at 16 weeks (median change, +14 vs. -6 cells/mm3; P=.06) and beyond. CONCLUSIONS: GM-CSF does not have an antiviral effect in patients with ongoing HIV replication but may increase CD4+ lymphocyte counts.

Adult↗

Visceral adiposity, C-peptide levels, and low lipase activities predict HIV-dyslipidemia.

Protease inhibitor-based highly active antiretroviral therapy (PI-HAART) has been implicated in dyslipidemia, peripheral insulin resistance, and abnormal adipose tissue deposition in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, or AIDS. In vitro evidence indicates that some PIs reduce adipocyte lipoprotein (LPL) and hepatic lipase (HL) expression and activities. We examined whether LPL and HL activities are reduced in HIV-infected patients with dyslipidemia. Fasting serum lipids, glucoregulatory hormones, and postheparin LPL and HL activities, as well as whole body and regional adiposity, were measured in 19 HIV-seronegative controls, 9 HIV+ patients naive to all anti-HIV medications, 9 HIV+ patients naive to PIs, 9 HIV+ patients with prior PI experience but not currently receiving PIs, and 47 HIV+ patients receiving PI-HAART. The PI-HAART group had low LPL and HL activities. However, multiple linear regression analysis indicated that low postheparin LPL activity contributed only partially to HIV-dyslipidemia. Central adiposity and high C-peptide levels (an indicator of high insulin secretion) were stronger predictors of HIV-dyslipidemia. Low LPL and HL activities, by themselves, were insufficient to explain HIV-dyslipidemia because the PI-naive group had low LPL and HL activities but had normal adiposity, C-peptide levels, and serum lipid and lipoprotein levels. HDL-cholesterol was lower in PI-HAART and PI-naive groups than seronegative controls and was directly associated with LPL activity. These findings suggest that HIV-dyslipidemia is mediated primarily by factors that influence triglyceride and lipoprotein synthesis (e.g., central adiposity and hyperinsulinemia) and mediated only partially by factors that influence triglyceride clearance (e.g., lipase activity).

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Emerging bone problems in patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus.

Recently, a high incidence of osteopenia and osteoporosis has been observed in individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This problem appears to be more frequent in patients receiving potent antiretroviral therapy. Other bone-related complications in HIV-infected individuals, including avascular necrosis of the hip and compression fracture of the lumbar spine, have also been reported. People living with HIV have significant alterations in bone metabolism, regardless of whether they are receiving potent antiretroviral therapy. The underlying mechanisms to account for these observations remain unknown, although studies are underway to examine the relationship between the bone abnormalities and other complications associated with HIV and antiretroviral therapy. HIV-infected patients with osteopenia or osteoporosis should be treated similarly to HIV-seronegative patients with appropriate use of nutritional supplements (calcium and vitamin D) and exercise. Hormone replacement and antiresorptive therapies might be also indicated.

Anti-HIV Agents↗

HIV-protease inhibitors impair vitamin D bioactivation to 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D.

BACKGROUND: A high prevalence of bone demineralization occurs in people living with HIV/AIDS. The contribution of HIV itself and its treatment is still unclear. Protease inhibitors (PIs) are potent inhibitors of the cytochrome p450 enzyme system. Three cytochrome p450 mixed function oxygenases control serum levels of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH) D ), which is responsible for vitamin D actions in target tissues including bone. The 25- and 1alpha-hydroxylases regulate 1,25(OH) D synthesis and 24-hydroxylase 1,25(OH) D catabolism. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether HIV-protease inhibitors (ritonavir, indinavir, nelfinavir) impair the activity of the main enzymes involved in 1,25(OH) D homeostasis. DESIGN AND METHODS: Studies were conducted in the human hepatocyte (H3B)- and monocyte (THP-1) cell lines, expressing 25-hydroxylase and 1alpha-hydroxylase, respectively. The 24-hydroxylase expression was induced in macrophages by exposure to 1,25(OH) D. Conversion rates of vitamin D to 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D ]; 25(OH)D to 1,25(OH) D or 24,25(OH) D, and 1,25(OH) D degradation were quantified in untreated and HIV-PI-treated cells after C -cartridge extraction and high-performance liquid chromatography purification of 25(OH)D - 24,25(OH) D - and 1,25(OH) D fractions. RESULTS: The PIs impair hepatocyte 25(OH)D - and macrophage 1,25(OH) D synthesis in a reversible, dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, PIs inhibit 1,25(OH) D -degradation in macrophages with lower potency than that elicited on 1alpha-hydroxylase. Thus, reduced macrophage 1,25(OH) D production is the net effect of PIs action. CONCLUSIONS: In intact cells, HIV-PIs markedly suppress the activities of 25- and 1alpha-hydroxylase, which are critical in 1,25(OH) D synthesis, while exerting mild inhibition of 24-hydroxylase, responsible for 1,25(OH) D catabolism. If PIs elicit a similar potency in inhibiting these critical steps for 1,25(OH) D homeostasis, defective 1,25(OH) D production could contribute to the bone demineralization in HIV patients.

25-Hydroxyvitamin D3 1-alpha-Hydroxylase↗

Nonnucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor resistance among antiretroviral-naive HIV-positive pregnant women.

From 1999 to 2001, the overall prevalence of resistance in the antiretroviral (ART)-naive population in St. Louis, Missouri, was 17%. We sought to determine if resistance testing in ART-naive HIV-positive pregnant women identified resistant mutations, which would modify our initial choice of therapy. A retrospective chart review was performed on all HIV-positive pregnant women seen from January 2000 to December 2001 at a university hospital. There were 72 pregnancies. Twenty-seven of 72 patients were ART naive. Genotype testing was performed in 18 of 27 naive patients. Three of 18 ART-naive patients (17%) had primary resistance (95% CI: 4%-41%) by genotype to NNRTIs. The primary mutation, G190S, conferring resistance to NNRTIs was present in 1 patient. Another had the K103N mutation. One had the K103R mutation, which conferred phenotypic resistance to NNRTIs by 8.3-fold, warranting a change in the initial regimen. In our community, resistance testing in ART-naive pregnant patients is warranted. Switching later to a more complex regimen during pregnancy may adversely affect adherence, resulting in virologic failure. Strategies to avoid prescribing a suboptimal regimen include waiting to initiate ART until the resistance testing results are available and/or beginning ART with a protease inhibitor-based regimen if the patient is already in the third trimester of pregnancy at the time of her initial clinic presentation.

Adolescent↗

Longitudinal evolution of bone mineral density and bone markers in human immunodeficiency virus-infected individuals.

The underlying mechanisms of several bone disorders in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected persons and any relation to antiretroviral therapy have yet to be defined. A longitudinal study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of osteopenia or osteoporosis in HIV-infected persons; to assess bone mineralization, metabolism, and histomorphometry over time; and to evaluate predisposing factors. A total of 128 patients enrolled the study, and 93 were observed for 72 weeks. "Classic" risk factors (low body mass index, history of weight loss, steroid use, and smoking) for low bone mineral density (BMD) and duration of HIV infection were strongly associated with osteopenia. There was a weak association between low BMD and receipt of treatment with protease inhibitors; this association disappeared after controlling for the above factors. Markers of bone turnover tended to be elevated in the whole cohort but were not associated with low BMD. BMD increased slightly during follow-up. Traditional risk factors and advanced HIV infection play a more significant pathogenic role in the development of osteopenia and osteoporosis associated with HIV infection than do treatment-associated factors.

Adult↗

Management of chronic hepatitis B in an HIV-positive patient with 3TC-resistant hepatitis B virus.

Chronic viral hepatitis has emerged as one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality among HIV-positive patients. These individuals are at risk for aggressive chronic active hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, and eventually, death. Currently available therapies for hepatitis B are limited and include interferon-alpha, lamivudine (3TC), and adefovir. Tenofovir (TDF), a recently approved drug for the treatment of HIV, is also active against hepatitis B. We report the case of a HIV-positive patient with liver cirrhosis secondary to chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) with evidence of resistance to 3TC. The patient was initially accepted as a liver transplant candidate. However, when TDF was added to his treatment, a remarkable virologic and histopathologic improvement was achieved. The patient was subsequently removed from the liver transplant program and has not suffered from any further hepatic complications.

Adenine↗

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate therapy for chronic hepatitis B in human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis B virus-coinfected individuals for whom interferon-alpha and lamivudine therapy have failed.

A significant proportion of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infected patients are coinfected with hepatitis B virus (HBV). Currently available treatments for chronic hepatitis B (interferon [IFN]-alpha and lamivudine [3TC]) have limited long-term utility because of side effects or of the development of resistance. Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) is a nucleotide analog with excellent activity in vitro against HBV, which is also active against 3TC-resistant HBV variants. In this 24-week pilot study, the anti-HBV activity of TDF was prospectively evaluated in a cohort of 6 HIV coinfected subjects for whom 3TC and IFN therapy had previously failed. At baseline, all patients were taking 3TC or FTC and were hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis B e antigen positive; 4 had cirrhosis. Baseline HBV load was 7.95 log(10) copies/mL. By weeks 12 and 24, HBV load had decreased by 3.1 log(10) copies/mL and 4.3 log(10) copies/mL, respectively. There was a transient increase of transaminases after the initiation of treatment. No patient developed HBe antibodies. TDF is a very promising drug for the treatment of chronic hepatitis B in HIV-infected individuals.

Adenine↗

Effect of prolonged discontinuation of successful antiretroviral therapy on CD4+ T cell decline in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients: implications for intermittent therapeutic strategies.

This study evaluates the change in CD4(+) T cell counts among patients who achieved complete viral suppression and subsequently discontinued highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). We included 72 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1-infected patients with plasma HIV RNA loads of <500 copies/mL for at least 3 months who then discontinued therapy for at least 12 weeks. The median CD4(+) T decay while off HAART was 16 cells/mm(3)/month (interquartile range, -6 to -34 cells/month). The mean follow-up after therapy ended was 45 weeks. The slope of the CD4(+) T cell decay was inversely correlated with the increase of CD4(+) T cells while receiving HAART, baseline virus load, CD4(+) T cell count at the time therapy was discontinued, age, and duration HIV RNA levels were undetectable. In a multiple regression analysis model, the increase of CD4(+) T cells while receiving therapy and age were independently associated with the rate of CD4(+) T cell loss.

Adult↗

A phase II randomized study of the virologic and immunologic effect of zidovudine + stavudine versus stavudine alone and zidovudine + lamivudine in patients with >300 CD4 cells who were antiretroviral naive (ACTG 298).

Before the development of multidrug regimens for treatment of patients with HIV infection single or dual nucleoside therapy was the standard of care. The present study was designed to examine the relative short (12-week) and long-term (48-week) activity of zidovudine (ZDV) vs stavudine (d4T) vs the combination in antiretroviral naive patients. The study was modified so that lamivudine (3TC) was added to ZDV after 12 weeks of monotherapy. A total of 129 subjects entered the study; however, not all were followed for 48 weeks as the study was terminated early due to changing standards of care. The median baseline viral load and CD4 cell count were 10,008 copies/ml and 407 cells/mm(3), respectively. There were no significant differences in the initial (12-week) change in viral load across the three arms. The viral load reduction at 48 weeks was greater in the ZDV/ZDV plus 3TC arm, with an average change of -0.91 log(10) copies/ml than in the d4T alone (-0.47 log(10) copies/ml) or d4T plus ZDV (-0.33 log(10) copies/ml), p = 0.03 and 0.02, respectively. There was a marginally significant increase in the CD4 cell count at Week 12 in the d4T arm as compared to the ZDV/ZDV plus 3TC arm. In general the treatments were well tolerated. The combination of d4T plus ZDV did not result in additional antiviral suppression as compared to either drug alone at 12 weeks and appeared to have less antiviral activity after Week 12. Based on this study and other data, combining d4T and ZDV is not recommended.

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome↗

Once-daily antiretroviral therapies for HIV infection: Consensus Statement of an Advisory Committee of the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care.

OBJECTIVE: Adherence is essential to successful virologic outcome of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Documented factors contributing to poor adherence include toxicity, food requirements, and pill burden. Once-daily antiretroviral therapies for HIV infection offer potential benefit by decreasing pill burden and dosing frequency, which may subsequently improve treatment adherence. This Consensus Statement is intended to offer guidance to physicians actively involved in HIV/AIDS care. PARTICIPANTS: Eight physicians with expertise in HIV medicine were invited by the International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care (IAPAC) to serve on an ad hoc Advisory Committee. CONSENSUS PROCESS: IAPAC convened the Advisory Committee in June 2002 to develop a draft Consensus Statement. Scientific and clinical research, and other data in published literature and abstracts from scientific conferences were considered by strength of evidence. A Subcommittee updated the Consensus Statement in October 2002 to reflect relevant data presented at the XIV International AIDS Conference and the 42nd Interscience Conference on Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy. This document represents consensus agreement of the Advisory Committee. CONFLICT OF INTEREST DISCLOSURE: The International Association of Physicians in AIDS Care sponsored and coordinated the development of this Consensus Statement with an unrestricted educational grant from Bristol-Myers Squibb. The opinions expressed in this Consensus Statement represent only those of the Advisory Committee.

Anti-Retroviral Agents↗