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HIV-related mechanisms in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular diseases

Davide Gibellini1, Marco Borderi, Alberto Clò

  • 1aMicrobiology Section, Department of Haematology and Oncological Sciences bInfectious Diseases Section, Department of Internal Medicine, Aging and Nephrology, University of Bologna, Bologna cDepartment of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste dInteruniversity Consortium, National Institute Biostructure and Biosystems, Rome, Italy.

Journal of Cardiovascular Medicine (Hagerstown, Md.)
|May 10, 2013
PubMed

Insights

HIV infection increases cardiovascular disease risk through direct effects on blood vessels and lipid metabolism, impacting both treated and untreated patients. This review explores these key HIV-related mechanisms promoting atherosclerosis.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Pathophysiology

Background:

  • HIV infection significantly elevates the risk of cardiovascular events.
  • Cardiovascular complications like atherosclerosis and myocardial infarction occur in both treated and untreated HIV-positive individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the primary HIV-related mechanisms contributing to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in HIV-positive patients.
  • To explore the direct and indirect effects of HIV on vascular structures and cellular targets.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on HIV and cardiovascular disease.
  • Analysis of HIV's impact on cellular targets (macrophages, endothelial cells).
  • Examination of HIV's effects on lipid metabolism and inflammatory pathways.

Main Results:

  • HIV directly and indirectly affects vessel structures, independent of traditional risk factors.
  • HIV disrupts macrophage and endothelial cell biology.
  • HIV profoundly alters lipid metabolism and inflammatory cytokine networks, promoting atherogenesis.

Conclusions:

  • HIV infection drives atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease through specific molecular and cellular mechanisms.
  • Understanding these pathways is crucial for managing cardiovascular risk in HIV-positive patients.

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