Showing posts with label aging. Show all posts
Showing posts with label aging. Show all posts

Monday, February 04, 2013

Recent Studies Show Concerns With The Use of Tenofovir (Viread), Popular Drug in HIV Treatment



Tenofovir impairs enzyme that stops cells aging


This study let us know that NRTI drugs, already known for causing the damage to mitochondrial DNA that leads to peripheral neuropathy, fat loss and some other side-effects, also exert an effect on cellular DNA, and that in this case tenofovir may be the drug to keep an eye on.

Telomerase shortening is, by definition, a side-effect that won’t start causing symptoms for many years, and the study does provide a cautionary note in discussions about the possibility of very long-term side-effects associated with the use of tenofovir, both in HIV treatment and in pre-exposure prophylaxis.

More information here


************************************************************************************************************************************************

Changes in Fat Mitochondrial DNA and Function in Subjects Randomized to Abacavir+Lamivudine or Tenofovir DF+ Emtricitabine With Atazanavir-Ritonavir or Efavirenz: AIDS Clinical Trials Group Study A5224s, Substudy of A5202


"In conclusion, we have shown significant perturbation in mitochondrial indices after 96 weeks of nonthymidine NRTI containing regimens which were assigned randomly. In the TDF/FTC group, changes in oxidative phosphorylation complex I and complex IV activity levels consistently were inversely correlated with changes in several objective measures of body fat, including in both subcutaneous and visceral compartments"


  Patients with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection receiving thymidine nucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) experience a high rate of metabolic abnormalities, including lipoatrophy. Depletion of adipose tissue mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and impairment of the oxidative phosphorylation system are associated with lipoatrophy induced by thymidine NRTI containing regimens. Mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation enzymes nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (reduced; NADH) dehydrogenase (complex I) and cytochrome c oxidase (complex IV) contain polypeptides of mtDNA-encoded subunits and so are affected by mtDNA depletion.
In the current era of nonthymidine NRTI containing regimens, lipoatrophy incidence has significantly decreased but has not been completely prevented . In addition, subjects who have established lipoatrophy while taking thymidine NRTI containing regimens experience only a slow and incomplete resolution of lipoatrophy after switching to nonthymidine NRTI based therapy , putting into question the mitochondrial toxicity.

More information here

************************************************************************************************************************************************

Fortunately, 10 year observational data on the use of TDF show encouraging results in stabilization of reduced creatinine clearance


Association Between Tenofovir Exposure and Reduced Kidney Function in a Cohort of HIV-Positive Patients: Results From 10 Years of Follow-up


 "In this cohort, TDF exposure was associated with reduced kidney function, but the loss in eGFR attributable to TDF is relatively mild in a long-term perspective.

There has been debate about the association between TDF exposure and renal dysfunction and about the clinical impact of the loss in eGFR due to TDF exposure. Our study shows that the association was not of a high magnitude and that the quantified loss in eGFR attributable to TDF is relatively modest after many years of exposure. Importantly, the loss attributable to TDF seems to occur during the first year of exposure and stabilizes after that. Although the loss is maintained, it does not seem to further deteriorate with additional years of exposure. The clinical impact of this association need to be analyzed, taking into account the efficacy of TDF, but it is highly plausible that TDF exposure, although associated with reduced kidney function, has no severe adverse effects over the long term for most HIV-positive patients.”

More information here

Tuesday, November 06, 2012

HIV, Active HCV, Low Income Tied to Shorter Telomeres, a Cellular Aging Marker


From Natap.org


HIV, Active HCV, Low Income Tied to Shorter Telomeres, a Cellular Aging Marker
3rd International Workshop on HIV and Aging, November 5-6, 2012, Baltimore

Mark Mascolini

HIV infection, active HCV infection, and income below $15,000 a year independently predicted shorter telomere length in a study of 229 HIV-positive people and 166 HIV-negative people in a Vancouver cohort [1]. HIV infection had a slightly greater negative impact on telomere length than 10 years of age.

Telomeres cap the ends of chromosomes and shield them from damage. Shrinking with each cell division, telomeres shorten with age. Thus telomere length offers a marker of cellular aging. Telomeres may shorten more rapidly than normal when exposed to the oxidative stress resulting from HIV-induced inflammation, chronic immune activation, or treatment with antiretrovirals. And antiretroviral therapy itself may inhibit telomere activity.

To assess the impact of HIV and non-HIV variables on leukocyte telomere length, researchers conducted this prospective study of adults between 19 and 75 years old enrolled in the Vancouver's CARMA cohort between 2008 and 2011. Heterosexual sex and injection drug use are the prime routes of HIV acquisition in this socioeconomically disadvantaged study group.

The study included 229 HIV-positive people and 166 HIV-negative people, most of them women (79% and 71%). The HIV-positive and negative people were similar in age (median 40 and 38). The HIV group had a significantly higher proportion of blacks than the HIV-negative group (17% versus 1%, P < 0.01). Proportions of participants with an annual income below $15,000 were 45% in the HIV group and 54% in the HIV-negative group, a nonsignificant difference (P = 0.51).

Maternal age at the cohort member's birth was slightly but significantly lower in the HIV group than in the HIV-negative group (24 versus 26, P = 0.02), but paternal age at birth did not differ significantly by HIV status. The researchers had maternal and paternal age data for only half of the study group, so these variables were not included in the final multivariate model.

HIV-positive people had a median HIV infection duration of 9 years and a median lifetime antiretroviral duration of 4 years. Median nadir and current CD4 counts were 190 and 450, and 60% of HIV-positive people had an undetectable viral load at the study visit.

Univariate statistical analysis identified several factors associated with shorter telomere length: HIV infection (P = 0.031), HCV infection (P < 0.0001), income below $15,000 (P = 0.0002), having an older father or mother at birth (P = 0.0006 and P = 0.029), being black versus white (P = 0.031), being South Asian versus white (P = 0.018), older age (P < 0.0001), pack-years smoking (P = 0.017), and illicit drug use (P < 0.0001). Smoking, illicit drug use, and low income were associated with shorter telomere length only in HIV-negative people.

In the final multivariate analysis including HIV-positive and negative people, four variables were independently associated with shorter telomere length:

-- Every 10 years of age, beta -0.24, < 0.0001
-- HIV infection, beta -0.28, P = 0.004
-- Active HCV infection, beta -0.24, P = 0.004
-- Annual income below versus above $15,000, beta -0.32, P = 0.001

Cleared HCV infection did not predict shorter telomere length. Among the 229 people with HIV infection, shorter telomere length was not linked to current CD4 count, CD4 nadir, time since HIV diagnosis, antiretroviral duration, or number of treatment interruptions. Nor did those factors predict telomere length in 126 HIV-positive people with an undetectable viral load.

The Vancouver team concluded that--besides older age--HIV infection, active HCV infection, and low income predict shorter telomere length and "may therefore affect telomere maintenance and cellular aging." Because the beta value for HIV exceeded that for 10 years of age (-0.28 versus -0.24), they suggested that HIV infection has a greater impact on telomere shortening than a decade of age. The researchers speculated that low income may be a surrogate for lifestyle and environmental factors that directly affect telomere length.

The investigators proposed that the link between active HCV infection and shorter telomeres may mean ongoing HCV-induced immune activation or inflammation could affect leukocyte telomere length. They suggested that future research should weigh the impact of anti-HCV therapy on telomere length.

A workshop attendee observed that the study measured telomeres in all leukocytes--the collection of white cells in which granulocytes predominate. Lymphocytes (which include T cells) make up about 30% of leukocytes.

Reference
1. Zanet D, Thorne A, Sattha B, et al. Active hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, HIV+ status and low income are associated with shorter leukocyte telomere length in a cohort of HIV+ and HIV- adults. 3rd International Workshop on HIV and Aging. November 5-6, 2012, Baltimore. Abstract: O_07.

Thursday, March 08, 2012

Frailty & Muscle Loss Increase Mortality & Are Common in HIV+



Subject: NATAP/CROI: Frailty/Muscle Loss in HIV Increases Mortality & is Common

NATAP http://natap.org/
_______________________________________________



Frailty & Muscle Loss Increase Mortality & Are Common in HIV+

from Jules Levin at CROI Live in Seattle. This poster session is a
breakthrough in that it is identifying that muscle loss & frailty are
fairly common in HIV+ persons & they increase mortality. AND HCV & HBV
contribute to frailty in one study below.read this:

"Frailty is a significant predictor of mortality among both HIV+ and
at-risk IDU....... Impaired functional capacity is strongly associated
with lower bone density and lower muscle mass in middle-aged HIV-1+
persons......Co-morbidity Is Predictive of Muscle Strength in HIV+
Veterans: Results from the VACS Index....
Overall, 40% of SUN study participants aged ≤50 years with
well-controlled HIV infection were pre-frail or frail. The significant
association of pre-frailty and frailty with a history of opportunistic
infection suggests earlier diagnosis of HIV infection and prevention of
opportunistic infections may reduce risk for frailty.......Prevalence
of low muscle mass increases with age. The highest prevalence was found
in the 41- to 50-year age group. Predictors of FFMi change appear to be
associated with age, lipoatrophy recovery, and time. FFMi is associated
with all-cause mortality in HIV+ patients, suggesting that this
biological entity can provide prognostic information, in HIV+
patients..........We have recently demonstrated that patients with
prior exposure to nucleoside analog ARV, which inhibit DNA
polymerase-γ, accumulate acquired mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations
in skeletal muscle, in an apparent acceleration of the process seen in
normal aging. Here we explore an in vivo functional correlate in aging
HIV+ patients. Abnormalities of resting muscle pH handling have been
associated with fatigue and may contribute to functional decline in
this patient group."




Frailty and Pre-frailty in a Contemporary Cohort of HIV+ Adults

Nur Onen*1, P Patel2, J Baker3, L Conley2, J Brooks2, T Bush2, M
Kojic4, J Hammer5, E Overton6, and SUN Study Investigators

1Washington Univ Sch of Med in St Louis, MO, US; 2CDC, Atlanta, GA, US;
3Hennepin County Med Ctr, Univ of Minnesota, Minneapolis, US; 4Miriam
Hosp, Providence, RI, US; 5Denver Infectious Disease Consultants, CO,
US; and 6Univ of Alabama at Birmingham, US

Background:  HIV+ persons can become prematurely pre-frail and frail;
however, pre-frailty prevalence and risk factors for both frail and
pre-frail states have not been fully elucidated.

Methods:  Using data from a contemporary prospective observational
cohort of HIV+ adults (SUN Study), we determined the percentages of
non-frail, pre-frail, and frail participants at the most recent study
visit by the respective presence of 0, 1 to 2, and ≥3 of 5 established
frailty criteria as shown in the table. We evaluated associations with
pre-frailty/frailty using logistic regression analysis.

Results:  Of 308 SUN Study participants assessed—79% men, 58%
non-Hispanic white, median age 47 years (interquartile range 41 to 53),
95% on combination ART, median CD4 cell count 650 cells/mm3 (IQR 467 to
799), and 93% HIV RNA <400 copies/mL—57% were non-frail, 38% pre-frail,
and 5% frail 
(61%, 36%, and 4%, respectively, among the 199 [65%]
participants aged ≤50 years). Prevalence of frailty criteria are
presented in the table; exhaustion and physical inactivity
predominated.
 In multivariate analysis, pre-frail/frail vs non-frail
participants were more likely of non-white race/ethnicity (54% vs 33%;
adjusted odds ratio 3.24; 95% confidence interval 1.78 to 5.91), to
have had an AIDS-defining opportunistic infection (35% vs 15%; aOR
2.55, 95%CI 1.29 to 5.02), to have poorer median perceived health
scores on the SF-12 health survey
 (1, IQR 1 to 2 vs 2, IQR 1 to 3; aOR
2.12, 95%CI 1.49 to 3.03), to have higher median PHQ-9 depression
scores (6, IQR 2 to 11 vs 3, IQR 0 to 5; aOR 1.11, 95%CI 1.04 to 1.18)
and to be older (median age 48 years, IQR 44 to 54 vs 46 years, IQR 40
to 52; aOR 1.04, 95%CI 1.01 to 1.07). Lower CD4 cell count nadir,
female sex, and unemployment were not independently associated with
pre-frailty/frailty.

Conclusions:  Overall, 40% of SUN study participants aged ≤50 years
with well-controlled HIV infection were pre-frail or frail.
 The
significant association of pre-frailty and frailty with a history of
opportunistic infection suggests earlier diagnosis of HIV infection and
prevention of opportunistic infections may reduce risk for frailty.
Racial disparities warrant further investigation.
-------------------

Low Muscle Mass in HIV+ Patients: Prevalence, Predictors, and Clinical
Implication


Giovanni Guaraldi*1, S Zona1, A Silva2, G Orlando1, F Carli1, A
Santoro1, N Crupi2, G Ligabue1, C Mussi1, and L Ferruci3

1Univ of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Italy; 2Hosp de Joaquim Urbano,
Porto, Portugal; and 3Natl Inst on Aging, NIH, Baltimore, MD, US

Background:  In HIV+ patients, muscle mass measured as fat free mass
index (FFMi = FFM/h2) in DXA has never been characterized in large
epidemiological cohorts. We aimed:  to describe the prevalence of low
muscle mass using t- and z-score, per age decades, defined as <–2 SD
from the mean FFMi for an Italian Caucasian population, respectively,
for the same age or in the age strata 30 to 39 years; to identify
predictors of FFMi change; and to assess the association between FFMi
and all-cause mortality in a large HIV+ cohort.

Methods:  This observational prospective study included all consecutive
patients from 2005 to 2011 who underwent at least 2 DXA scans,
performed 1 year apart. Univariate and multivariable longitudinal
linear regressions were built to evaluate FFMI change-associated
factors. Co-variates included in the models were:  age, sex, body mass
index (BMI), physical activity; change in leg fat percentage (assessed
with DXA), in visceral adipose tissue (VAT), and in total adipose
tissue of the abdomen (TAT) (assessed with abdominal CT); NRTI, NNRTI,
and PI cumulative exposure; CD4 nadir and recovery; vitamin D plasma
level; and time between DXA scans. A Cox model was built to predict the
impact of FFMi on all cause mortality after adjustment for age and sex.

Results:  A total of 1696 HIV+ patients (1046 men) were analyzed.
Median observation follow-up period was 3.5 years (IQR 2 to 5); 96% of
patients were on ART, and during the follow-up period 37 died. BMI
change and FFMI change appeared stable over time (ß = 0.001, p = 0.111;
ß = 0.001, p = 0.070, respectively). In men, the prevalence of low
muscle mass using t- and z-scores was 0.2% and 8.5%, respectively
. In
women, the prevalence of low muscle mass using t- and z-scores was 0%
and 1.5%, respectively. The highest prevalence of low muscle mass was
detected in the 41- to 50-year age group strata (t-score 0.5% and
z-score 16%). Predictors of FFMi change were:  age (ß = –0.01, p =
0.002), change of leg fat percentage (as a surrogate for lipoatrophy
recovery) (ß = –0.05, p <0.001), and time between DXA scans (ß = 0.17,
p = 0.013). FFMi was associated with all-cause mortality (HR 0.87,
95%CI 0.78 to 0.98) after adjustment for age and sex.

Conclusions:  Prevalence of low muscle mass increases with age. The
highest prevalence was found in the 41- to 50-year age group.
Predictors of FFMi change appear to be associated with age, lipoatrophy
recovery, and time
. FFMi is associated with all-cause mortality in HIV+
patients, suggesting that this biological entity can provide prognostic
information, in HIV+ patients.
---------------------

Frailty Predicts Mortality in a Cohort of HIV+ and At-risk IDU

Damani Piggott*, A Muzaale, S Mehta, T Brown, S Leng, and G Kirk

Johns Hopkins Univ, Baltimore, MD, US

Background:  Frailty, a syndrome of diminished physiologic reserve with
increased stressor vulnerability, predicts hospitalization, disability,
and mortality in older HIV– adults. We have previously observed a
significant association between frailty and HIV+, particularly advanced
HIV infection, among injection drug users (IDU). In this study, we
evaluated the impact of frailty on mortality in a cohort of aging HIV+
and at-risk IDU.

Methods:  Frailty was assessed biannually from 2005 to 2008 among
current and former IDU in the ALIVE cohorts and was defined by the
presence of ≥3 of 5 standard criteria:  weakness (grip strength), slow
gait speed, weight loss, low physical activity, and exhaustion. Cox
proportional hazards models with time-varying co-variates were used to
estimate the risk (hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals) for
all-cause mortality among frail persons relative to their robust
counterparts (defined by the absence of any criteria) and to non-frail
persons.

Results:  For 1230 subjects at baseline, the median age was 48 years,
89% were African American, 418 (34%) were female, and 351 (29%) were
HIV+. The prevalence of frailty was 9%, while 31% met no frailty
criteria. In Cox multivariable analysis of 3365 person-visits,
increasing age and HIV status were associated with increased mortality
risk.
 Adjusting for age, race/ethnicity, gender, educational level, and
HIV status, frail persons had a 3.4-fold increased risk of death
relative to robust persons
 (HR 3.42, 95%CI 1.66 to 7.03). In stratified
analysis, increased mortality risk with frailty was observed among both
HIV– persons (HR 2.91, 95%CI 1.06 to 7.96) and HIV+ persons (HR 4.05,
95%CI 1.39 to 11.8). Controlling for advanced HIV infection (CD4 <350,
HIV RNA+), frailty remained a significant predictor of mortality (HR
3.13, 95%CI 1.25 to 7.82). In comparison to non-frail persons, similar
associations of frailty with mortality were observed.

Conclusions:  Frailty is a significant predictor of mortality among
both HIV+ and at-risk IDU
. Frailty provides prognostic information even
when accounting for advanced HIV disease suggesting that standardized
assessment may inform prediction of significant clinical endpoints.
Further exploration of the biological mechanisms and clinical utility
of frailty may aid management of aging HIV+ persons.
------------------------

Mitochondrial Function in vivo in Aging HIV+ Patients

Brendan Payne*1,2, M Trenell2, K Hollingsworth2, J Baxter3, V Lee4, E
Wilkins3, A Price1, and P Chinnery2

1Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; 2Newcastle Univ,
Newcastle upon Tyne, UK; 3Northern Manchester Gen Hosp, UK; and
4Manchester Royal Infirmary, UK

Background:  We have recently demonstrated that patients with prior
exposure to nucleoside analog ARV, which inhibit DNA polymerase-γ,
accumulate acquired mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) mutations in skeletal
muscle, in an apparent acceleration of the process seen in normal
aging. Here we explore an in vivo functional correlate in aging HIV+
patients.

Methods:  We recruited older HIV+ patients in clinical care (n = 24;
age 48 to 74 years) and age-matched controls (HIV–). Phosphorus
magnetic resonance spectroscopy (31P-MRS) was performed using a 3-T
scanner. Spectra were obtained from gastrocnemius/soleus at rest and
during recovery from brief exercise. Key measures were:  adenosine
triphosphate (ATP) production during recovery (as Qmax (ADP), maximal
rate of adenosine diphosphate (ADP) clearance; τ1/2 (PCr), half-life of
phosphocreatine); and pH handling. In HIV+ subjects, comparison was
made with cellular mitochondrial function by COX (cytochrome c oxidase)
histochemistry of lower-limb muscle biopsy.

Results:  Basal parameters of ATP metabolism differed between subjects
groups:  ADP (mean ±SD) HIV+ 10.2±0.7 mM, HIV– 9.5±0.5 mM (p = 0.001);
PCr HIV+ 41.0±15.2 mM, HIV– 30.7±2.1 mM (p = 0.003). Furthermore, basal
ADP levels in HIV+ subjects correlated with biopsy COX defect (r =
0.45, p = 0.032). In contrast, dynamic measures of ATP production
during exercise recovery were similar in HIV+ and control subjects:
Qmax (ADP) (mean±SD) HIV+ 26.6±18.6 mM/min, HIV– 23.0±10.2 mM/min; Ï„1/2
(PCr) HIV+ 29.9±13.4 s, HIV– 27.5±8.3 s. There was more variance seen
in the HIV+ than the HIV– group, however no disease or treatment
variable was significantly correlated with ATP production rate, nor was
cellular COX defect. HIV+ subjects showed disordered pH handling
compared with HIV– controls as evidenced by higher basal pH (mean±SD,
7.07±0.03 vs 7.04±0.02, p = 0.001) and post-recovery pH (7.09±0.03 vs
7.06±0.02, p = 0.008) but similar exertional minimum pH (6.98±0.13 vs
7.00±0.03, ns). Resting pH correlated with COX defect (r = 0.42, p =
0.044).

Conclusions:  The altered basal ATP metabolite levels in HIV+ subjects
coupled with preserved dynamic function, despite cellular mitochondrial
defects on biopsy, suggests functional compensation to an acquired
mtDNA defect, once therapy has been switched to a cleaner agent.
Abnormalities of resting muscle pH handling have been associated with
fatigue and may contribute to functional decline in this patient group.
-----------------------

Functional Impairment Is Associated with Low Bone and Muscle Mass in
Middle-aged HIV-1+ Persons


Kristine Erlandson*, A Allshouse, C Jankowski, S MaWhinney, W Kohrt,
and T Campbell
Univ of Colorado Denver, Aurora, US

Background:  Physical function impairment may be accelerated in the
presence of osteoporosis, obesity, or sarcopenia. HIV+ persons have
early physical impairment, but little is known about the contributions
of bone or body composition changes to impairment in persons aging with
HIV-1.

Methods:  We conducted a prospective study of 45- to 65-year-old HIV-1+
subjects who had been on ART >6 months and whose plasma HIV-1 RNA <48
copies/mL. Low functioning (LF) and high functioning (HF) subjects were
identified by deficits on both Fried’s frailty criteria and the Short
Physical Performance Battery and were matched by age, gender, and time
since HIV diagnosis. Bone, fat, and muscle were assessed by
densitometry. Osteoporosis was defined as T-score ≤–2.5, osteopenia as
T-score <–1 but >–2.5, sarcopenia as appendicular skeletal muscle index
(ASMI) <5.45 kg/m2 (female) and <7.26 kg/m2 (male). Insulin-like growth
factor (IGF)-1 and IGF-binding protein (BP)-3 were measured. Stratified
logistic regression for categorical variables and linear mixed effects
regression for continuous variables were estimated to account for
correlation within matched pairs. Body mass index (BMI), tobacco, and
nadir CD4+ T cells were adjusted in models of bone loss.

Results:  We identified 30 LF and matched them to 48 HF subjects; mean
age 52.7 years, CD4 T cell 598, 96% HIV-1 viral load <48 copies/mL, 18%
female, 77% white, 17% Hispanic. LF and HF were similar in age,
duration of ART, tenofovir use, and CD4 T- cells (all p >0.2). LF
subjects had significantly lower BMD and T scores at the hip and spine;
differences remained significant in multivariate analyses.
 Although all
persons with BMI <18.5 kg/m2 were LF, LF trended toward higher relative
body fat content. LF subjects had a greater prevalence of sarcopenia
(50% vs 25%, p = 0.04), lower lean mass, and lower IGF-1/IGFBP3.


Conclusions:  Impaired functional capacity is strongly associated with
lower bone density and lower muscle mass in middle-aged HIV-1+ persons. 

Whether bone or muscle loss is the result of disuse due to impairment,
or if low muscle or bone mass, mediated through effects of IGF-1, leads
to impairment by progressive weakness or inflammatory pathways remains
to be established. Further studies should investigate the role of
increased muscle/bone mass and increased IGF-1 on preserving functional
independence as persons with HIV age.
--------------------------

Co-morbidity Is Predictive of Muscle Strength in HIV+ Veterans: Results
from the VACS Index


Krisann Oursler*1, J Tate2, T Gill2, K Crothers3, T Brown4, S Crystal5,
J Womack2, D Leaf6, J Sorkin1, A Justice2, and Veterans Aging Cohort
Study Project Team

1Univ of Maryland Sch of Med and Publ Hlth and VA Maryland Hlthcare
System, Baltimore, US; 2Yale Univ Sch of Med and Publ Hlth and VA
Connecticut Hlthcare System, New Haven, US; 3Univ of Washington,
Seattle, US; 4Johns Hopkins Univ, Baltimore, MD, US; 5Rutgers Univ, New
Brunswick, NJ, US; and 6Univ of California, Los Angeles Sch of Med and
Greater Los Angeles VA Hlthcare System, US

Background:  Despite improved survival, HIV+ adults have increased risk
for physical disability due to muscle weakness, poor ambulatory
function, and low cardiorespiratory fitness. The objective of this
study was to determine whether the VACS Index, a comprehensive index of
generalized organ injury based on routine clinical laboratory data, is
associated with hand-grip and leg-strength, 6-minute walk distance, and
cardiorespiratory fitness (peak oxygen consumption, VO2 peak).

Methods:  HIV+ patients enrolled in the Veterans Aging Cohort Study
(VACS) participated in this cross-sectional study at the Baltimore VA
Medical Center from 2004 to 2007. The VACS Index was calculated
incorporating hemoglobin, FIB-4, eGFR, hepatitis C infection, CD4
count, HIV-1 viral load, and age; higher score reflected greater
co-morbidity. Analyses included nonparametric correlation (Spearman’s
rank) and linear regression models.

Results:  We included 2 women and 53 men:  91% African American race,
mean age of 52 (SD 7) years. The VACS Index was inversely correlated
with hand-grip strength (r = –0.36, p = 0.01) and lower extremity
strength (quadriceps, r = –0.45, p <0.01), but was not significantly
associated with 6-minute walk distance (r = –0.26, p = 0.07) or VO2
peak (r = –0.13, p = 0.3). A 20-point higher VACS Index score was
associated with a 10% lower leg strength (mean 76 newtons; 95%CI –124
to –29; p <0.001; see the figure), which remained significant after
adjustment for muscle cross-sectional area (p = 0.04). The VACS Index
explained 34% of the variance in specific leg strength. In contrast, an
index restricted to CD4 count, viral load, and age did not correlate
with any of these measures (p >0.08).

Conclusions:  In this sample of predominantly African American men
ranging in age from 31 to 72 years, the VACS Index was significantly
associated with upper and lower extremity strength
. The VACS Index may
be valuable for identification of patients at high risk for disability
due to muscle weakness. Association of Leg Strength with the VACS Index.

Friday, October 21, 2011

Wednesday, June 08, 2011

AIDS Nelson Vergel, AIDS expert, talks HIV and healthy aging by Kate Sosin, Windy City Times


http://bit.ly/lRCGbu



AIDS Nelson Vergel, AIDS expert, talks HIV and healthy agingby Kate Sosin, Windy City Times2011-06-08

Nelson Vergel and Jeff Berry from TPAN. Photo by Kate Sosin



Nelson Vergel is not what you think of when you say "AIDS over 50."With hefty round muscles pushing out against a tight blue t-shirt and a lively demeanor, Vergel looks more like Mighty Mouse than a person resistant to nearly every HIV drug on the market. But Vergel is in the business of de-bunking myths about aging with HIV, and while his own HIV is a struggle, he's also the living example of his work.
Vergel presented some of the latest findings on HIV and aging at Center on Halsted May 31, during his free talk, "Promising Advances in HIV Cure and Healthy Aging Research." The event was sponsored by Test Positive Aware Network.
The Houston-based author and activist focused heavily on the scientific reasons why a cure to HIV/AIDS is both a distant dream and an impending reality. But while Vergel is following progress on possible cures, his own work focuses on informing other HIV-positive people on the changes HIV causes in the body and strategies for living well with the virus.
"We're getting older. What is the quality of life going to be?" Vergel asked an audience of about 30 people.
According to Vergel, medication is just one of four useful in battling HIV. He also includes stress reduction, exercise, and nutrition.

In three years, he said, there will be four once-a-day HIV pills on the market (there is currently just one—Atripla). Still, HIV drug production is slowing because it's less profitable than other drugs.
"We're moving into a new world," Vergel said. He expects that some HIV patients will be asked to go off their medications in time so that new possible cures can be tested.
That possible cure might include one found four years ago in an American living in Germany. The famous "Berlin Patient" may have been cured of his HIV when he received a bone marrow transplant from a donor whose genetic mutations made him resistant to HIV. Research on that method is ongoing, Vergel said, but it's also still very risky and not enough information is available to make it a viable option yet.
In the meantime, Vergel recommends nutrition and exercise. Because people living with HIV are at heightened risk of osteoporosis, HPV, and other illnesses, Vergel said it is especially important to remain vigilant about getting screened for other illnesses, especially HPV.
"We're not talking about bottoms or tops or women or men," Vergel said. "[HPV] is affecting everyone."
Medicine aside, exercise is the best medicine, said Vergel. "We [HIV-positive people] have an acceleration of the aging process by about 15 years," Vergel said. "Frailty in aging is most related to body strength."
Vergel suggests leg squats for preventing frailty. He also said a healthy combination of cardio and muscle resistance can slow the aging process.
New research has also shown merits of some vitamins in relieving some HIV symptoms. D vitamins can help maintain bone strength, while B vitamins can help relieve depression. Vergel warned, however, that patients talk to their doctors about vitamins as some can interact with HIV medications.
Vergel doesn't stop at health, however. His talk also included strategies for fighting changes in body fat and fat under the skin (also known as lipohypertrophy and lipoatrophy) because Vergel said, "it's not about getting older. It's about getting your healthy look back as you age."
Vergel thinks that a lot of doctors are reluctant to offer facial treatments to HIV patients who lose fat under facial skin because they see it as unnecessary, but he said that changes to body weight prevent some people from going on medication at all. However, a number of treatments exist for preventing weight changes while on HIV medication.
Finally, Vergel discussed testosterone treatments, which he has covered in his latest book Testosterone: A Man's Guide. Testosterone is often taken by HIV-positive patients to combat fatigue, lack of motivation, poor appetite, and muscle loss. Vergel warns that these should be taken with caution because they can fuel cancer.
Before making any decisions, he said, talk to your doctor. But do your own homework, too, he said because not every doctor will cover all the bases on HIV management.
"The thing is, we don't have standards," he said. "We don't have guidelines."
Information on Vergel's work as well as his complete slideshow presentation is available on his website:www.powerusa.org .










Tuesday, June 07, 2011

Nelson's lecture in Chicago addresses aging with HIV



CHICAGO – A long-time AIDS activist and author spoke May 31 at Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted, about recent breakthroughs in research and potential issues persons with HIV/AIDS might face as they get older.
Matt Simonette
Long-time AIDS activist and author Nelson Vergel

Nelson Vergel, who lives in Houston, said that he has lived with HIV for 27 years at the beginning of his talk, “Promising Advances in HIV Cures and Healthy Aging Research,” which was sponsored by Test Positive Aware Network.
Even as the GLBT community observes a rather grim milestone, the 30th anniversary of the CDC publishing its first reports of AIDS on June 5, 1981, Vergel said much still needs to be understood about the infection, especially its implications for the aging process.
“We’re all getting older and there are things that are showing up in all of us,” Vergel said.
Vergel, a former chemical engineer, opened by discussing the state of current research on vaccines and cures for the infection. He lamented that many pharmaceutical companies, not having made tremendous profits in recent years with HIV/AIDS drugs in America, have ratcheted back investment in that area.
“When it comes to potent new drugs, we’re getting drier and drier,” Vergel said. “Unfortunately, it is market driven.” He did add, however, that some companies have been preparing new one-pill-a-day treatments that might eventually replace more complex treatments.
“I tell people, if you take one vitamin a day, you’ll get used to this,” Vergel said.
He also discussed Timothy Ray Brown, also known as “the Berlin Patient,” who seems to have had the AIDS virus completely wiped clear from his body thanks to a stem cell bone marrow transplant.
“It’s not until now that people are using the ‘c-word,’” Vergel said.
But while Brown’s story should inspire hope—Vergel’s own mother was ready to begin a fundraiser for him so he could have the same treatment—a great deal of research and testing must take place before Brown’s situation can be duplicated.
New studies in the wake of Brown’s case “are asking for a lot from people,” according to Vergel. Subjects are expected to get off HIV meds and undergo extremely invasive testing procedures, among other requirements.
Another consideration is that chemotherapy played so heavily into Brown’s treatment. “What are we going to do with the healthy (men and women) who don’t have leukemia?” Vergel asked.
By 2015, over 50 percent of persons with HIV/AIDS will be over the age of 50. As such, both medical professionals and the government will have to rethink standard treatments for people who are aging and have the infection.
“We’re going to live longer, but what’s our quality of life going to be?” Vergel asked.
Many infected individuals, for example, must contend with facial wasting. But Medicare usually refuses to pay for treatments unless a physician marks in the patient’s file that the person is suffering from a depression brought about by the wasting.
“Most people just want to get their face back, but you have to have ‘depression’ on your chart in order to have anything done about it,” Vergel said, adding that community activists need to start advocating on behalf of physicians as well as patients.
“Many doctors are refusing (to see Medicare patients) because Medicare doesn’t want to pay enough,” he said.
Vergel suggested that persons with HIV/AIDS be extra vigilant in guarding against afflictions beguiling older Americans. Bone density scans, exercise and vitamin D, for example can help stave off osteoporosis.
HPV infections were another condition to be concerned with. Vergel said the condition was common—“We’re not talking top or bottom, men or women,” he said—and concerned individuals should not be afraid to ask their physician about having an anuscopy done to check for anal warts if they think they might need it.
Doctors are rarely proactive about that particular procedure, Vergel said, adding that it was not the same thing as a colonoscopy, which usually is probing for gastro-intestinal issues.
Infected individuals are often “more frail by about 15 years,” Virgil suggested, so he said good overall advice is to be sure to take plenty of exercise.
“Exercise is the best therapy for most health problems,” Vergel said.

Sunday, March 06, 2011

The Long-Term Survivor Dilemma


From

http://www.thebody.com/content/art60472.html?ts=pf




February 14, 2011



"Nelson, what am I going to do?"
This sentence is part of a conversation that I seem to be having everywhere I go with my seminars -- one that manifests from a communal concern that many of us are sharing as we age as HIV long-term survivors.
A long-term survivor and activist friend of mine in San Francisco sat down with me for dinner and shared his fear of financial doom as he gets older with HIV. Like many of us, he left his career over 15 years ago due to HIV-related disability during years when we thought we had little ahead of us. As years went by, he became part of the large group of us who were committed full time to getting healthier again. Overcoming side effects, fatigue and other issues became a full-time job for years. Thoughts of replacing this full-time self-care job for a remunerated one never crossed our minds. Short-term goals were all we had for years.
With the advent of friendlier drugs and long-term virus suppression, many of us are confronted with a dilemma faced by few healthy people our age. Fear of financial doom in old age has replaced the fear of death that was part of our psyche for so many years.
Many people with HIV on permanent disability struggle by on less than $1,000 a month to pay all their bills. Others who get payments from private disability policies from their last job will lose them when they reach age 65. But who thought we were going to live to be 65 anyway!?
"Nelson, I am afraid to live to see my 80s and be a broke old man." "I would like to make money but am afraid of losing my disability and health care." "I am 57 and have a 16-year vacuum in my resume." "Who is going to hire me at this age, especially now in a recession, even if I tried to do what I used to before disability?" "If I did get a job, I am not sure if I can hold it with my frequent bouts of fatigue." "Is my fatigue related to not having a full-time job?" These sentences come from different mouths connected by a communal energy that is bursting to be expressed, but too ashamed to admit it.
As lucky survivors of a whole generation eroded by death, most of us are looking forward to a full life while searching for clarity and courage to regain financial security as we age with this disease.
In my PozHealth Yahoo group of over 3,200 people, most of us have lived with HIV for over 15 years and are aging with HIV. Some of us have only gotten to an undetectable viral load in the past three years. A few are still struggling with multidrug resistance. We often discuss obscure back- to-work programs that are scattered around the country. Some mention disability back-to-work programs like PASS or a trial work period to try to see if one can hold a job before getting out of disability. Most people's denial, confusion, inertia, fear of future health issues and/or just plain lack of trust in the system have been barriers to accessing these options. Some now stand on a cliff with a halting courage, poised to jump into the unknown.
Most of us have learned that a life purpose is key to health. Some of us have opted for reinventing ourselves without losing our benefits by being volunteer activists, writers, advisory board members at research sites, going back to school while strapped for cash, or doing cash-paying odd jobs for which many are overqualified. Most wonder how or if this work can lead to skill building or networking to ready us for the jump.
As we speak more about the science related to aging with HIV in conferences everywhere, the communal anxiety of surviving and aging with HIV is not addressed.
The social aspects of surviving HIV while living under national poverty income levels and with fragile medication access through financially troubled ADAP systems need to be addressed much like we address access to care and scientific research in HIV.
This is a great opportunity for large nonprofits that are now losing their funding. They may want to redirect their missions to empowering those of us who want to become part of a financially productive work force. Survivor training programs that coach people about their options while addressing their anxiety of the unknown are desperately needed.
Send Nelson an e-mail.
Get e-mail notifications every time Nelson's blog is updated.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Mitochondrial damage in adipose tissue of untreated HIV-infected patients.


Naive patients not on treatment also have some changes in their mitochondria.  So boys and girls, take your carnitine, coenzyme q-10 and B vitamins to protect your tiny energy factories that seem to be affected by the virus and its treatments.  Decrease in mitochondria or its DNA has been linked to aging and other diseases.


We saw a great presentation from Dr Wallace, expert on mitochondria, at the Aging and HIV Conference in Baltimore this past October.  Here is an interview with him

Monday, October 04, 2010

Report from the Aging and HIV Workshop- Frailty


Today was the start of the first international workshop on Aging and HIV in Baltimore.

The program was started by Dr L. Ferrucci who gave the first presentation on frailty. He works in geriatrics and presented general data from previous studies in the general aging HIV negative population. He presented compelling data that showed that people lose lean body mass (via a syndrome. called age related sarcopenia) and strength in people as they age, and those decreases are correlated to higher mortality. Also, inflammation markers like interleukin 6 increase with age, and levels of over 2.5 pg/ml in the blood have been linked to disability due to loss of muscle strength and mass. He also added that aging related inflammation can decrease brain volume and may be implicated in depression and other health issues.

Dr Joseph Margolick from the MACS Cohort presented previously published frailty data from this cohort that followed 4959 men who have sex with men since 1984 until 2006. Some of these men got infected with HIV and have been followed up before and after infection. A total of 1045 patients with HIV were followed. 75% of them had undetectable HIV viral load.

The frailty related phenotype (FRP) (i.e., the physical characteristics of frailty) was identified using 1 item selected from the questionnaires for each of the following 4 components: weight loss (answer yes to since your last visit, have you had unintentional weight loss of at least 10 pounds), exhaustion [answer yes to during the past 4 weeks, as a result of your physical health, have you had difficulty performing your work or other activities (for example, it took extra effort)?], slowness (answer yes, limited a lot to does your health now limit you in walking several blocks?), and low physical activity level (answer yes, limited a lot to does your health now limit you in vigorous activities, such as running, lifting heavy objects, participating in strenuous sports?). The assessment of weakness (ie, grip strength) was not incorporated into the MACS protocol until October 2005 and therefore could not be used in defining the FRP. A participant was considered as having the FRP at the visit if at least 3 of the 4 components were present. The FRP thus defined had a prevalence of 4.4% among MACS HIV-uninfected men aged 65 years and older, which was similar to the prevalence of frailty observed in the Cardiovascular Health Study for men of similar ages.

Frailty improved with the introduction of HAART. However, after adjusting for most important factors, frailty was still higher in HIV+ men compared to HIV- men. In fact, frailty of a 55 year old HIV+ man may be similar to that of a 65 year old HIV negative man.

Basal metabolic rate has also been found to be higher in HIV+ men compared to HIV- ones.

No therapeutic intervention data was presented to review the effect of exercise, testosterone replacement, and other factors on frailty in HIV+ men.

Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Doctors Seek Way to Treat Muscle Loss


Nandrolone can do this easily, as long as doctors have a very close monitoring on hematocrit since older men tend to have more problems with polycythemia

Support PoWeR

Program For Wellness Restoration

Health News

Blog Archive

The Cure of HIV is Possible in Our Lifetime