Association of Systemic Inflammation With Retinal Vascular Caliber in Patients With AIDS

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Immunology
• Vascular Biology

Background:

• Systemic inflammation is a known complication in patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (AIDS).
• Retinal vascular changes can serve as indicators of systemic health.
• Understanding these links may offer insights into cardiovascular risk in this population.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between retinal vascular caliber and systemic inflammation biomarkers in individuals with AIDS.
• To identify specific inflammatory markers and clinical factors related to retinal arteriolar and venular dimensions.

Main Methods:

• Retinal vascular caliber (arterial and venular) was measured from photographs in 454 participants with AIDS.
• Plasma levels of inflammatory biomarkers including C-reactive protein (CRP), IL-6, IP-10, KT ratio, and I-FABP were quantified.
• Statistical analyses, including simple and multiple linear regression, were performed.

Main Results:

• Elevated CRP, IL-6, and IP-10 were associated with wider retinal venules; elevated KT ratio with narrower arterioles.
• Age, black race, and age-related macular degeneration (AMD) were linked to both arteriolar and venular dilation.
• Hyperlipidemia correlated with narrower venules, cardiovascular disease with narrower arterioles, and IL-6 with wider venules.

Conclusions:

• Retinal vascular caliber in AIDS patients is associated with age, race, AMD, hyperlipidemia, cardiovascular disease, and specific systemic inflammation biomarkers.
• These findings highlight the potential of retinal imaging as a non-invasive tool to assess systemic inflammation and vascular health in AIDS.
• Further research can explore therapeutic strategies targeting inflammation to mitigate vascular complications in this cohort.