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Vitamin D levels and markers of arterial dysfunction in HIV

Cecilia M Shikuma1, Todd Seto, Chin-Yuan Liang

  • 1University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii 96816, USA. shikuma@hawaii.edu

AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses
|October 8, 2011
PubMed

Insights

Low vitamin D levels in HIV patients are linked to arterial dysfunction. This study found associations between lower vitamin D and impaired blood vessel function, highlighting potential cardiovascular risks in this population.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Health
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • HIV infection is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
  • Vitamin D deficiency is common in HIV-infected individuals.
  • Antiretroviral therapy (ARV) may influence CVD risk and vitamin D levels.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels and markers of arterial dysfunction in HIV-infected adults.
  • To assess associations with flow-mediated dilation (FMD), carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT), and coronary artery calcium (CAC).

Main Methods:

  • 100 HIV-infected adults on stable ARV therapy were enrolled in the Hawaii Aging with HIV-Cardiovascular Cohort Study.
  • 25(OH)D levels were measured using chemiluminescent immunoassay.
  • Relationships between 25(OH)D and FMD, cIMT, and CAC were analyzed using correlation, Kruskal-Wallis, relative risks, and regression models.

Main Results:

  • A significant positive correlation was found between 25(OH)D levels and FMD (r=0.30, p=0.01).
  • No significant correlation was observed between 25(OH)D and cIMT (r=-0.05, p=0.76).
  • Lower 25(OH)D levels were associated with a slightly higher risk of coronary artery calcium (CAC) (RR=1.02, p=0.04).

Conclusions:

  • Lower vitamin D levels are associated with subclinical arterial dysfunction in HIV-infected individuals.
  • These findings suggest a link between vitamin D status and vascular health in this population.
  • Further research is warranted to understand the clinical significance and potential interventions.

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