Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 9, 2026

Peptide-based Identification of Functional Motifs and their Binding Partners
14:28

Peptide-based Identification of Functional Motifs and their Binding Partners

Published on: July 1, 2013

Immune system changes after the death of a partner in HIV-positive gay men

M E Kemeny1, H Weiner, R Duran

  • 1Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles 90024, USA.

Psychosomatic Medicine
|November 1, 1995
PubMed

Insights

The death of a partner can negatively impact immune function in men with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). Bereavement is linked to immune changes that may worsen HIV progression.

Area of Science:

  • Psychoneuroimmunology
  • Immunology
  • HIV/AIDS Research

Background:

  • The death of an intimate partner is a significant stressor.
  • The impact of bereavement on immune function in HIV-positive individuals is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate immune changes in HIV-seropositive men following the death of their partner.
  • To explore the association between depressed mood and these immune alterations.

Main Methods:

  • Comparison of immune parameters between bereaved and nonbereaved HIV-positive gay men.
  • Assay of immunological markers (immune activation, T-cell proliferation) before and after bereavement.
  • Control for lifestyle factors (substance use, AZT).

Main Results:

  • HIV-positive bereaved men showed increased immune activation post-bereavement.
  • A significant decrease in T-cell proliferative response was observed in bereaved men.
  • These immune changes were independent of drug use, alcohol, smoking, or AZT.

Conclusions:

  • Partner death is associated with detrimental immune changes in HIV-positive men.
  • These changes are relevant to HIV disease progression.
  • Bereavement represents a significant psychosocial stressor impacting immune health in this population.

More Related Videos

Isolation of Exosomes from the Plasma of HIV-1 Positive Individuals06:46

Isolation of Exosomes from the Plasma of HIV-1 Positive Individuals

Published on: January 5, 2016

Exergaming in Older People Living with HIV Improves Balance, Mobility and Ameliorates Some Aspects of Frailty07:27

Exergaming in Older People Living with HIV Improves Balance, Mobility and Ameliorates Some Aspects of Frailty

Published on: October 6, 2016

Related Concept Videos

Cell-mediated Immune Responses01:40

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

Overview
Immunodeficiency Diseases01:25

Immunodeficiency Diseases

Immunodeficiency disorders are conditions in which the immune system's ability to fight infectious disease and cancer is compromised or entirely absent. The immune system comprises a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from potentially harmful invaders. When this system is deficient or not functioning properly, it leaves the body susceptible to infections, diseases, or other complications.
There are three main causes of immunodeficiency disorders...
Sexually Transmitted Infections01:26

Sexually Transmitted Infections

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I01:29

Pulmonary Tuberculosis I

Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a contagious illness primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lung parenchyma but can also impact other body parts.
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Cryptococcal Meningitis01:27

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cryptococcal meningitis is a life-threatening opportunistic infection predominantly associated with HIV/AIDS, accounting for over 100,000 deaths annually worldwide. However, it also affects individuals with other forms of immunosuppression, including those undergoing immunosuppressive therapy, organ transplant recipients, patients with innate immunodeficiencies, and individuals with hematological disorders. The infection is caused mainly by Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii,...
Amebiasis01:28

Amebiasis

Entamoeba histolytica, a protozoan parasite, is responsible for intestinal and extraintestinal amebiasis. Though a significant proportion of infections remain asymptomatic, approximately 50 million individuals annually are estimated to present with clinical disease, resulting in up to 100,000 deaths globally. The disease burden is disproportionately high in regions with lower socioeconomic status, such as parts of India, Africa, Mexico, and Latin America.Etiology and TransmissionThe infective...