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Background: Alterations in gut microbiota and blood metabolomic profiles have been implicated in HIV infection and cardiovascular disease. However, it remains unclear whether alterations in gut microbiota may contribute to disrupted host blood metabolomic profiles in relation to atherosclerosis, especially in the context of HIV infection. Methods: We analyzed cross-sectional associations between gut microbiota features and carotid artery plaque in 361 women with or at high risk of HIV (67% HIV+), and further integrated plaque-associated microbial features with plasma lipidomic/metabolomic profiles. Furthermore, in 737 women and men, we examined prospective associations of baseline gut bacteria-associated lipidomic and metabolomic profiles with incident carotid artery plaque over 7-year follow-up. Results: We found 2 potentially pathogenic bacteria, Fusobacterium and Proteus , were associated with carotid artery plaque; while the beneficial butyrate producer Odoribacter was inversely associated with plaque. Fusobacterium and Proteus were associated with multiple lipids/metabolites which were clustered into 8 modules in network. A module comprised of 9 lysophosphatidylcholines and lysophosphatidylethanolamines and a module comprised of 9 diglycerides were associated with increased risk of carotid artery plaque (risk ratio [95% CI], 1.34 [1.09–1.64] and 1.24 [1.02–1.51] per SD increment, respectively). Functional analyses identified bacterial enzymes in lipid metabolism associated with these plasma lipids. In particular, phospholipase A1 and A2 are the key enzymes in the reactions producing lysophosphatidylcholines and lysophosphatidylethanolamines. Conclusions: Among individuals with or at high risk of HIV infection, we identified altered gut microbiota and related functional capacities in the lipid metabolism associated with disrupted plasma lipidomic profiles and carotid artery atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND: People who inject drugs (PWID) in rural areas of the United States have had limited access to syringe service programs (SSP). Rural SSP have recently surged, but accompanying research is lacking about PWID utilization, barriers, and preferences for SSP design and how those preferences vary by gender. METHODS: Interviewer-administered surveys elicited information about utilization, barriers, and preferences for SSP design from 234 PWID recruited using respondent-driven sampling in Appalachian, Kentucky. Gender differences among reported barriers to utilizing SSP and preferences for program design were explored using Mantel-Haenszel chi-square tests. RESULTS: Overall, 49% of PWID had ever utilized an SSP. The most common reasons for not utilizing an SSP were lack of awareness (23%), fear of being seen or disclosing drug use (19%), and lack of need (19%). The most preferred SSP design was located within a health department (74%) and operating during afternoon hours (66%). Men were more likely than women to prefer SSP in health departments (80% vs. 65%, p = 0.01), while more women than men preferred staffing by health department personnel (62% vs. 46%, p = 0.02). Women were less likely to favor evening hours (55% vs. 70%, p = 0.02). Fewer women wanted SSP nurses (78% vs. 90%, p = 0.01), social workers (11% vs. 24%, p = 0.01), or people who use drugs (20% vs 34%, p = 0.02) to staff SSP. CONCLUSIONS: Despite recent scale-up, SSP in Appalachia remain under-utilized. PWID were open to a range of options for SSP design and staffing, though there were variations by gender. Implementation research that identifies best strategies for tailored SSP scale-up in rural settings should be considered.

Limited data are available regarding asymptomatic COVID-19 among people with HIV (PWH). Data on a representative subset of PWH enrolled in Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV, a global clinical trial, are presented here.Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV is an atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease prevention trial among 7770 PWH on antiretroviral therapy. Beginning April 2020, targeted data on coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) diagnosis and symptoms were collected during routine trial visits. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection was defined as either COVID-19 clinical diagnosis or presence of SARS-CoV-2 Immunoglobulin G (IgG) or Immunoglobulin A (IgA) receptor binding domain protein (antispike) antibodies in the absence of prior COVID-19 vaccine.The group (N = 2464) had a median age 53 years, 35% female sex, 47% Black or African American race, median CD4 count 649 c/mm 3 , and 97% with HIV VL400 cp/m. SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in 318 persons (13%): 58 with clinical diagnosis and 260 with detectable antibodies. Of these PWH, 304 completed symptom questionnaires: 121 (40%) reported symptoms, but 183 (60%) were asymptomatic. PWH with asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection were more likely to be from low-income or middle-income regions, of Black or African American race, older in age, and with higher atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score. Symptomatic COVID was more common with obesity, metabolic syndrome, and low HDL levels. CD4 counts and HIV viral suppression rates were similar among PWH with symptomatic vs. asymptomatic COVID.Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection is common among antiretroviral therapy-treated PWH globally. We determined that 60% of infections in PWH were asymptomatic. HIV clinicians must remain vigilant about COVID-19 testing among PWH to identify asymptomatic cases.

Little is known regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination rates in people with HIV (PWH), a vulnerable population with significant morbidity from COVID-19. We assessed COVID-19 vaccination rates among 6952 PWH in the Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV (REPRIEVE) compared to region- and country-specific vaccination data. The global probability of COVID-19 vaccination through end of July 2021 was 55% among REPRIEVE participants with rates varying substantially by Global Burden of Disease (GBD) superregion. Among PWH, factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination included residence in high-income regions, age, white race, male sex, body mass index, and higher cardiovascular risk. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT02344290.

Background Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) through direct lysis of infected lung epithelial cells, which releases damage-associated molecular patterns and induces a pro-inflammatory cytokine milieu causing systemic inflammation. Anti-viral and anti-inflammatory agents have shown limited therapeutic efficacy. Soluble CD24 (CD24Fc) blunts the broad inflammatory response induced by damage-associated molecular patterns via binding to extracellular high mobility group box 1 and heat shock proteins, as well as regulating the downstream Siglec10-Src homology 2 domain–containing phosphatase 1 pathway. A recent randomized phase III trial evaluating CD24Fc for patients with severe COVID-19 (SAC-COVID; NCT04317040) demonstrated encouraging clinical efficacy. Methods Using a systems analytical approach, we studied peripheral blood samples obtained from patients enrolled at a single institution in the SAC-COVID trial to discern the impact of CD24Fc treatment on immune homeostasis. We performed high dimensional spectral flow cytometry and measured the levels of a broad array of cytokines and chemokines to discern the impact of CD24Fc treatment on immune homeostasis in patients with COVID-19. Results Twenty-two patients were enrolled, and the clinical characteristics from the CD24Fc vs. placebo groups were matched. Using high-content spectral flow cytometry and network-level analysis, we found that patients with severe COVID-19 had systemic hyper-activation of multiple cellular compartments, including CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD56+ natural killer cells. Treatment with CD24Fc blunted this systemic inflammation, inducing a return to homeostasis in NK and T cells without compromising the anti-Spike protein antibody response. CD24Fc significantly attenuated the systemic cytokine response and diminished the cytokine coexpression and network connectivity linked with COVID-19 severity and pathogenesis. Conclusions Our data demonstrate that CD24Fc rapidly down-modulates systemic inflammation and restores immune homeostasis in SARS-CoV-2-infected individuals, supporting further development of CD24Fc as a novel therapeutic against severe COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: The Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV (REPRIEVE) is a multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial, designed to test whether a statin medication can prevent cardiovascular disease in people with HIV. REPRIEVE recently completed enrollment of 7557 participants at over 100 clinical sites globally. Participant groups of focus were women, and racial and ethnic minorities. OBJECTIVE: To describe recruitment methods and strategies developed by the REPRIEVE Clinical Coordinating Center (CCC) and share best practices learned from the recruitment process. METHODS: Enrollment targets were agreed upon with the primary funder, the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) and were milestone driven. Milestones included number of sites activated, number of participants enrolled within specific time frames, and proportion of women and minorities enrolled. Strategies to achieve these milestones and included structured interviews with site-designated REPRIEVE Recruitment Champions to develop best practices, development of a multimedia campaign, and site level recruitment support. RESULTS: Recruitment initiated March, 2015 and completed March, 2019. The final accrual target was 7500 participants over 48 months. The trial met this target within the time specified. Overall, 10,613 screens were completed, 48% of participants enrolled from sites outside of North America, 32% were female, 44% were black or African American, and 25% were Hispanic or Latino. CONCLUSIONS: REPRIEVE met its overall projected recruitment goal by using multiple, simultaneous strategies to specifically target a diverse population including minority subgroups. REPRIEVE benefited from the development of recruitment strategies with clear targets and communication of accrual targets to study teams.

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is more frequent among people with HIV (PWH) and may relate to traditional and nontraditional factors, including inflammation and immune activation. A critical need exists to develop effective strategies to prevent CVD in this population.The Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV (REPRIEVE) (A5332) is a prospective, randomized, placebo-controlled trial of a statin strategy for the primary prevention of major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in PWH with low to moderate traditional risk. At least 7,500 PWH, 40-75 years of age, on stable antiretroviral therapy, will be randomized to pitavastatin calcium (4 mg/d) or identical placebo and followed for up to 8 years. Participants are enrolled based on the 2013 American College of Cardiology (ACC)/American Heart Association (AHA) atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk score and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) level with a goal to identify a low- to moderate-risk population who might benefit from a pharmacologic CVD prevention strategy. Potential participants with a risk score ≤ 15% were eligible based on decreasing LDL-C thresholds for increasing risk score7.5% (LDL-C190 mg/dL for risk score7.5%, LDL-C160 mg/dL for risk score 7.6%-10%, and LDL-C130 mg/dL for risk score 10.1%-15%). The primary objective is to determine effects on a composite end point of MACE. Formal and independent adjudication of clinical events will occur using standardized criteria. Key secondary end points include effects on MACE components, all-cause mortality, specified non-CVD events, AIDS and non-AIDS events, and safety.To date, REPRIEVE has enrolled7,500 participants at approximately 120 sites across 11 countries, generating a diverse and representative population of PWH to investigate the primary objective of the trial.REPRIEVE is the first trial investigating a primary CVD prevention strategy in PWH. REPRIEVE will inform the field of the efficacy and safety of a statin strategy among HIV-infected participants on antiretroviral therapy and provide critical information on CVD mechanisms and non-CVD events in PWH.

Background We aimed to investigate whether there are differences in cardiac structure and systolic and diastolic function evaluated by 2‐dimensional echocardiography among men living with versus without HIV in the era of combination antiretroviral therapy. Methods and Results We performed a cross‐sectional analysis of 1195 men from MACS (Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study) who completed a transthoracic echocardiogram examination between 2017 and 2019. Associations between HIV serostatus and echocardiographic indices were assessed by multivariable regression analyses, adjusting for demographics and cardiovascular risk factors. Among men who are HIV+, associations between HIV disease severity markers and echocardiographic parameters were also investigated. Average age was 57.1±11.9 years; 29% of the participants were Black, and 55% were HIV+. Most men who were HIV+ (77%) were virally suppressed; 92% received combination antiretroviral therapy. Prevalent left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction (ejection fraction 3 versus Conclusions HIV seropositivity was independently associated with greater LV mass index, left atrial and RV sizes, lower RV function and diastolic abnormalities, but not left ventricular ejection fraction, which may herald a future predisposition to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction among men living with HIV.

Background Patterns of antiretroviral therapy (ART) use and immunologic correlates vary globally, and contemporary trends are not well described. Methods The REPRIEVE trial (Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV) enrolled persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who were aged 40–75 years, receiving ART, and had low-to-moderate cardiovascular disease risk. ART use was summarized within Global Burden of Disease (GBD) super-regions, with adjusted linear and logistic regression analyses examining associations with immune parameters and key demographics. Results A total of 7770 participants were enrolled, with a median age of 50 years (interquartile range, 45–55 years); 31% were female, 43% were black or African American, 15% were Asian, 56% had a body mass index >25 (calculated as weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared), and 49% were current or former smokers. The median CD4 T-cell count was 620/µL (interquartile range, 447–826/ µ L), and the median duration of prior ART use, 9.5 years (5.3–14.8) years. The most common ART regimens were nucleoside/nucleotide reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) plus nonnucleoside reverse-transcriptase inhibitor (43%), NRTI plus integrase strand transfer inhibitor (25%), and NRTI plus protease inhibitor (19%). Entry ART varied by GBD region, with shifts during the trial enrollment period. In adjusted analyses, entry CD4 cell count and CD4/CD8 ratio were associated with GBD region, sex, entry regimen, duration of ART, and nadir CD4 cell count; CD4 and CD8 cell counts were also associated with body mass index and smoking status. Conclusions There were substantial variations in ART use by geographic region and over time, likely reflecting the local availability of specific medications, changes in treatment guidelines and provider/patient preferences. The analyses of CD4 cell counts and CD4/CD8 ratios may provide valuable insights regarding immune correlates and outcomes in people living with HIV. Clinical Trials Registration NCT02344290.

Key Points Question What is the extent of coronary artery disease among people with well-controlled HIV and low to moderate risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), and how is coronary artery disease associated with traditional risk, inflammatory, and immune activation indices? Findings In this cohort study of 755 people with HIV, coronary plaque was highly prevalent. Critical stenosis was rare, but higher-risk plaque features, including vulnerable plaque and high Leaman scores, were seen in approximately one-fifth of participants; plaque indices were associated with ASCVD risk scores and, independently, indices of inflammation and immune activation. Meaning These findings suggest that people with HIV at low to moderate risk of cardiovascular disease have a significant prevalence of coronary plaque associated with inflammation and immune activation markers., This cohort study examines the prevalence of coronary artery disease (CAD) among adults with well-controlled HIV and low to moderate risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease using computed tomography angiography and assessment of inflammation and immune activation biomarkers., Importance Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is increased among people with HIV (PWH), but little is known regarding the prevalence and extent of coronary artery disease (CAD) and associated biological factors in PWH with low to moderate traditional CVD risk. Objectives To determine unique factors associated with CVD in PWH and to assess CAD by coronary computed tomography angiography (CTA) and critical pathways of arterial inflammation and immune activation. Design, Setting, and Participants This cohort study among male and female PWH, aged 40 to 75 years, without known CVD, receiving stable antiretroviral therapy, and with low to moderate atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk according to the 2013 American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association pooled cohort equation, was part of the Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV (REPRIEVE), a large, ongoing primary prevention trial of statin therapy among PWH conducted at 31 US sites. Participants were enrolled from May 2015 to February 2018. Data analysis was conducted from May to December 2020. Exposure HIV disease. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was the prevalence and composition of CAD assessed by coronary CTA and, secondarily, the association of CAD with traditional risk indices and circulating biomarkers, including insulin, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1), interleukin (IL) 6, soluble CD14 (sCD14), sCD163, lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (LpPLA2), oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL), and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Results The sample included 755 participants, with a mean (SD) age of 51 (6) years, 124 (16%) female participants, 267 (35%) Black or African American participants, 182 (24%) Latinx participants, a low median (interquartile range) ASCVD risk (4.5% [2.6%-6.8%]), and well-controlled viremia. Overall, plaque was seen in 368 participants (49%), including among 52 of 175 participants (30%) with atherosclerotic CVD (ASCVD) risk of less than 2.5%. Luminal obstruction of at least 50% was rare (25 [3%]), but vulnerable plaque and high Leaman score (ie, >5) were more frequently observed (172 of 755 [23%] and 118 of 743 [16%], respectively). Overall, 251 of 718 participants (35%) demonstrated coronary artery calcium score scores greater than 0. IL-6, LpPLA2, oxLDL, and MCP-1 levels were higher in those with plaque compared with those without (eg, median [IQR] IL-6 level, 1.71 [1.05-3.04] pg/mL vs 1.45 [0.96-2.60] pg/mL; P = .008). LpPLA2 and IL-6 levels were associated with plaque in adjusted modeling, independent of traditional risk indices and HIV parameters (eg, IL-6: adjusted odds ratio, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.02-1.12; P = .01). Conclusions and Relevance In this study of a large primary prevention cohort of individuals with well-controlled HIV and low to moderate ASCVD risk, CAD, including noncalcified, nonobstructive, and vulnerable plaque, was highly prevalent. Participants with plaque demonstrated higher levels of immune activation and arterial inflammation, independent of traditional ASCVD risk and HIV parameters.