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Updated: Dec 2, 2025
Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Atherosclerotic Lesions in the Murine Aortic Sinus
Published on: December 7, 2013
Morphological and Histopathological Study of Autopsied Patients with Atherosclerosis and HIV
Mariana Silva Oliveira1, Bianca Gonçalves da Silva Torquato1, Simone Yumi Tsuji1
1General Pathology Department, Triângulo Mineiro Federal University, St: Frei Paulino, 30. Zip Code: 38025-180, Uberaba, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
Insights
Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection increases aortic collagen fibers and mast cell density, potentially accelerating cardiovascular disease and atherosclerosis. Further monitoring of HIV patients is crucial for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Pathology
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Biology
Background:
- Chronic Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection causes vascular inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.
- HIV and antiretroviral drugs contribute to cardiovascular disease progression.
- Atherosclerosis risk is elevated in HIV-positive individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate aortic collagen fiber percentage and mast cell density (chymase, tryptase) in HIV patients.
- To compare these markers in patients with and without HIV and/or atherosclerosis.
- To understand the impact of HIV on aortic tissue composition.
Main Methods:
- Aortic tissue samples from 22-69 year-old autopsied patients were analyzed.
- Samples were categorized into four groups: HIV+/atherosclerosis+, HIV+/atherosclerosis-, HIV-/atherosclerosis+, and HIV-/atherosclerosis- (Control).
- Collagen fiber percentage and mast cell density were quantified using histological analysis and statistical software.
Main Results:
- HIV patients exhibited higher collagen fiber percentages in the aorta, irrespective of atherosclerosis.
- Aortic tissue from HIV patients with atherosclerosis showed increased chymase and tryptase mast cell density.
- A negative correlation between collagen fibers and age was observed in non-HIV patients with atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- HIV-induced inflammation may alter aortic collagen and promote atherosclerosis.
- These findings highlight the increased cardiovascular risk in HIV patients.
- Regular cardiovascular monitoring is essential for managing HIV-associated complications.
Background:
Chronic infection by HIV evolves with a vascular inflammatory action causing endothelial dysfunction. The action of the virus, as well as the side effects of antiretroviral drugs, contribute to the progression of cardiovascular diseases. The present study aimed to evaluate the percentage of collagen fibers and the density of mast cells, chymase and tryptase, in aortas of patients with and without HIV, and also patients with and without atherosclerosis.
Methods:
Aortic fragments were obtained from autopsied patients aged 22-69 years and selected regardless of the cause of death or underlying disease. The samples were divided into four groups, (1) Group with HIV and with atherosclerosis; (2) Group with HIV and without atherosclerosis; (3) Group without HIV and with atherosclerosis; (4) Group without HIV and without atherosclerosis (Control). The percentage of collagen fibers was analyzed in the intima-media layer and the density of mast cells was analyzed in all aortic layers. Graphpad Prism 5.0® software was used for statistical analysis.
Results:
There were more collagen fibers in HIV patients, with or without atherosclerosis. The group with HIV and atherosclerosis presented a higher density of chymase and tryptase mast cells. The correlation between collagen fibers and age was negative in the non-HIV group and with atherosclerosis.
Conclusion:
The inflammatory process resulting from HIV infection may be relevant in the alteration of aortic collagen fibers and in triggering or accelerating atherosclerosis. The study is important because HIV patients have increased risks for the development of cardiovascular diseases, and follow-up is necessary to prevent such diseases.
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