Microbial translocation and cardiometabolic risk factors in HIV infection

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Infectious Diseases
• Cardiology

Background:

• Antiretroviral therapy has shifted HIV infection to a chronic condition.
• This transition has increased the burden of non-AIDS-related chronic disorders, including cardiovascular disease.
• The relative risk of myocardial infarction in HIV patients is approximately double that of the general population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review advances linking HIV-induced gut mucosal alterations and microbial translocation to cardiometabolic risk factors.
• To explore potential HIV-specific pathogenetic mechanisms for these increased risks.
• To inform novel strategies for prophylaxis and treatment.

Main Methods:

• Review of recent scientific literature and studies.
• Analysis of associations between microbial translocation markers and cardiovascular risk factors.
• Exploration of potential pathogenetic links between gut health and cardiovascular outcomes in HIV.

Main Results:

• Markers of microbial translocation are strongly associated with cardiovascular risk factors.
• These include dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension, coagulation abnormalities, endothelial dysfunction, and carotid atherosclerosis.
• HIV-induced gut mucosal changes may contribute to increased cardiometabolic risk.

Conclusions:

• Microbial translocation is a potential driver of cardiometabolic risk in HIV infection.
• Further research is needed to confirm if targeting gut microbiota can reduce cardiovascular events.
• Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for developing targeted interventions in aging HIV populations.