| Abstract |
 Dr.
Bausserman's CFAR-funded research is focused on cellular adhesion
molecules (CAMs) and their relation to HIV antiretroviral
therapies and cardiovascular disease. With the increased longevity
of HIV+ patients, there is a growing concern about the development
of cardiovascular problems that may develop. CAMs facilitate
leukocyte adhesion, an important step in the initiation of
the atherosclerotic process. Soluble CAMs are markers of endothelial
dysfunction and are elevated in vascular disease. CAM expression
is induced by cytokines and by oxidized LDL. Oxidized LDL
is itself a risk factor for CVD disease. HDL inhibits LDK
oxidation by means of enzyme paraoxonase (PON) which is transported
in plasma in association with HDL. Both PON and HDL are inversely
related to CVD disease. Dr. Bausserman has prelimary findings
that suggest that three circulating CAMs, intercellular adhesion
molecule-1 (sICAM-1), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1)
and E-selectin are elevated in HIV+ women. Concentrations
are not correlated with plasma HIV RNA, CD4 cell counts, or
tumor necrosis factor alpha but sICAM-1 and sVCAM are inversely
related to HDL3 levels. Dr. Bausserman postulates that the
increase in CAMs may in part be mediated by LDL which is oxidized
pr susceptible to oxidization due to low HDL levels in these
patients. Dr Bausserman is now conducting a cross-sectional
study to compare sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, E-selectin and P-selectin
concentrations in 25 HIV+ men and 25 HIV+ women and age, sex
and race matched controls. They will also compare LDL oxidation
and paraoxonase activity in HIV+ patients and controls to
determine the relationship to serum CAM concentrations. Covariates
will include HIV RNA levels, CD4 count and concentration of
the cytokines TNF-alpha, IL-1 and IL-6.
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