Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 7, 2026
Cell-free Biochemical Fluorometric Enzymatic Assay for High-throughput Measurement of Lipid Peroxidation in High Density Lipoprotein
Published on: October 12, 2017
Increased Pro-inflammatory Biomarkers and Cardiovascular Risk in Young Adults Living With Perinatal HIV in Thailand
Linda Aurpibul1, Kulkanya Chokephaibulkit2,3, Wipaporn Natalie Songtaweesin4,5
1Research Institute for Health Sciences, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Insights
Young adults with perinatally acquired HIV infection show elevated pro-inflammatory biomarkers, indicating increased cardiovascular disease risk. HIV care should prioritize viral control and managing metabolic factors to mitigate these risks.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Science
- Immunology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- Assessing pro-inflammatory biomarkers as potential indicators of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in Thai young adults with perinatally acquired HIV infection (YA-PHIV).
- Investigating the relationship between inflammation and CVD risk in a vulnerable population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), soluble CD163 (sCD163), and interleukin (IL)-18 in YA-PHIV.
- To determine if these biomarkers are associated with CVD risk and virologic status.
Main Methods:
- Serum samples from 347 YA-PHIV in Thailand were analyzed.
- hs-CRP, sCD163, and IL-18 levels were measured.
- Nonparametric statistical methods were used for data analysis.
Main Results:
- 49% of YA-PHIV had low hs-CRP levels (<1.0 mg/L), 25% had intermediate (1.0-<3.0 mg/L), and 26% had high (≥3 mg/L) CVD risk.
- YA-PHIV with virologic failure exhibited significantly higher levels of all three biomarkers compared to those with virologic suppression.
- Older age correlated with higher hs-CRP, and males were more likely to have elevated IL-18 levels.
Conclusions:
- Elevated pro-inflammatory biomarkers in YA-PHIV suggest persistent inflammation, especially in those with virologic failure.
- HIV management for YA-PHIV should emphasize virologic control and addressing modifiable metabolic risk factors.
- Regular monitoring for cardiovascular complications in aging YA-PHIV is crucial.
Background:
We assessed levels of pro-inflammatory biomarkers as possible surrogate markers of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in Thai young adults with perinatally acquired HIV infection (YA-PHIV).
Methods:
Serum samples and baseline data from YA-PHIV enrolled in a prospective cohort study from November 2020 to July 2021 at five tertiary care hospitals in Thailand were analyzed. We measured high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), soluble CD163 (sCD163), and interleukin (IL)-18 levels. Data were analyzed using nonparametric methods.
Results:
Among 347 YA-PHIV, 54% were female, the mean age was 21.7 ± 2.0 years, the median duration of antiretroviral treatment was 16.7 years (IQR 13.4-18.4), and 72 (21%) had virologic failure (HIV viral load >1000 copies/mL). The hs-CRP levels were <1.0 mg/L (low CVD risk) in 170 (49%), between 1.0-<3.0 (indicating intermediate CVD risk) in 88 (25%), and ≥3 mg/L (indicating high CVD risk) in 89 (26%). The median IL-18 level was 82.2 pg/mL (IQR 33.9-151.7), and sCD163 was 53.6 ng/mL (IQR 31.1-90.1). YA-PHIV with virologic failure had a significantly higher level for all three biomarker levels than those with virologic suppression. Increasing age was associated with hs-CRP >3 mg/L; males were more likely to have high levels of IL-18; no factors were associated with sCD163 level.
Conclusions:
Increased pro-inflammatory biomarkers in YA-PHIV support the presence of ongoing inflammation, particularly in those with virologic failure. HIV care for YA-PHIV should focus on virologic control and modifiable metabolic risk factors. Active monitoring for cardiovascular manifestations in YA-PHIV risk is warranted as they age.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System II: CRP, Hcy, and Cardiac Natriuretic Peptide Markers
These markers indicate stress or strain on the heart muscle:
Natriuretic Peptides (BNP)
Cardiac myocytes produce these hormones in response to ventricular stretching...
01:27Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
01:20Blood Studies for Cardiovascular System I: Cardiac Biomarkers
The essential diagnostic tools for detecting myocardial necrosis and monitoring individuals suspected of having acute coronary syndrome (ACS) include:
Troponins
Troponins, particularly cardiac troponins I and T, are the most precise and sensitive markers of myocardial injury. They are detectable within 4-6 hours of myocardial injury and remain...
01:26Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin...
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
01:30Coronary Artery Disease I: Introduction