Atherosclerosis in patients infected with HIV is influenced by a mutant monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 allele

Area of Science:

• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Infectious Diseases
• Genetics

Background:

• HIV infection is associated with premature atherosclerosis, sharing pathogenic pathways with cardiovascular disease.
• Investigated the role of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and CCR-2 gene mutations in atherogenesis among HIV patients.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine if MCP-1 and CCR-2 gene polymorphisms are involved in the development of atherosclerosis in HIV-infected individuals.
• To assess the association between MCP-1 gene variants, MCP-1 levels, and subclinical atherosclerosis in this population.

Main Methods:

• Carotid and femoral artery ultrasonography was used to detect subclinical atherosclerosis in 183 HIV patients.
• Genotyping for MCP-1-2518G and CCR-2 64I polymorphisms was performed, alongside measurement of circulating MCP-1 levels.
• A population-based control group (n=348) was used for comparison of polymorphisms.

Main Results:

• The MCP-1-2518G polymorphism was significantly more prevalent in HIV patients with subclinical atherosclerosis (47.5%) compared to those without (18.2%).
• HIV patients with atherosclerosis exhibited higher MCP-1 plasma concentrations.
• The MCP-1-2518G allele was independently associated with subclinical atherosclerosis (OR 5.72) and showed a trend towards more rapid intima-media thickness progression.

Conclusions:

• HIV-infected patients carrying the MCP-1-2518G allele have a significantly elevated risk (approximately 5-fold) for developing atherosclerosis.
• The MCP-1-2518G allele is a potential genetic marker for increased atherosclerosis risk in the context of HIV infection.