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BACKGROUND: Steatohepatitis is common in persons living with HIV and may be associated with gut microbial translocation (MT). However, few studies have evaluated the gut-liver axis in persons living with HIV. In the Womens Interagency HIV Study, we examined the associations of HIV and circulating biomarkers linked to MT and gut damage using the FibroScan-aspartate aminotransferase (FAST) score, a noninvasive surrogate for steatohepatitis with advanced fibrosis. METHODS: Among 883 women with HIV and 354 without HIV, we used multivariable regression to examine the associations of HIV and serum biomarkers linked to MT and gut damage (kynurenine and tryptophan ratio, intestinal fatty acid-binding protein, soluble CD14, and soluble CD163) with a log-transformed FAST score after adjusting for key covariates. We used a path analysis and mediation models to determine the mediating effect of each biomarker on the association of HIV with FAST. RESULTS: HIV infection was associated with a 49% higher FAST score. MT biomarker levels were higher in women with HIV than women without HIV (P < .001 for each). MT biomarkers mediated 13% to 32% of the association of HIV and FAST score. CONCLUSIONS: Biomarkers linked to MT and gut damage are associated with a higher FAST score and mediate the association of HIV with a higher FAST score. Our findings suggest that MT may be an important mechanism by which HIV increases the risk of steatohepatitis with advanced fibrosis.

BackgroundWe investigated whether there exists an association between dietary acid load and kidney function decline in women living with HIV (WLWH) receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).SettingOne thousand six hundred eight WLWH receiving ART in the WIHS cohort with available diet data and a baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) ≥15 mL/minute/1.73 m2.MethodsA brief dietary instrument conducted from 2013 to 2016 under the Food Insecurity Sub-Study was used for assessing fruits and vegetables (FV) and protein intake. A mixed-effects model with random intercept and slope was used to estimate subjects' annual decline rate in eGFR and the association between FV intake and eGFR decline, adjusting for sociodemographics, serum albumin, comorbidities, time on ART, ART drugs, HIV markers, and baseline eGFR. We evaluated whether markers of inflammation mediated the effect of FV intake on decline in eGFR, using causal mediation analysis.ResultsWe found a dose-response relationship for the association of FV intake and eGFR decline, with lesser annual decline in eGFR in the middle and highest tertiles of FV intake. An increase of 5 servings of FV intake per day was associated with a lower annual eGFR decline (-1.18 [-1.43, -0.94]). On average, 39% of the association between higher FV intake and slower eGFR decline was explained by decreased levels of inflammation.ConclusionsPlant-rich diet was associated with slower decline in kidney function. Inflammation is a potential path through which diet may affect kidney function. The findings support an emerging body of literature on the potential benefits of plant-rich diets for prevention of chronic kidney disease.

Rationale: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with chronic lung disease and impaired pulmonary function; however, longitudinal pulmonary function phenotypes in HIV are undefined. Objectives: To identify pulmonary function trajectories, their determinants, and outcomes. Methods: We used data from participants with HIV in the Pittsburgh HIV Lung Cohort with three or more pulmonary function tests between 2007 and 2020. We analyzed post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and FEV1/FVC, and diffusing capacity of the lung for carbon monoxide (DlCO) using group-based trajectory modeling to identify subgroups of individuals whose measurements followed a similar pattern over time. We examined the association between participant characteristics and trajectories using multivariable logistic regression. In exploratory adjusted analyses restricted to individuals with available plasma cytokine data, we investigated the association between 18 individual standardized cytokine concentrations and trajectories. We compared mortality, dyspnea prevalence, respiratory health status, and 6-minute-walk distance between phenotypes. Results: A total of 265 participants contributed 1,606 pulmonary function measurements over a median follow-up of 8.1 years. We identified two trajectories each for FEV1 and FVC: "low baseline, slow decline" and "high baseline, rapid decline." There were three trajectory groups for FEV1/FVC: "rapid decline," "moderate decline," and "slow decline." Finally, we identified two trajectories for DlCO: "baseline low" and "baseline high." The low baseline, slow decline FEV1 and FVC, rapid decline, and moderate decline FEV1/FVC, and baseline low DlCO phenotypes were associated with increased dyspnea prevalence, worse respiratory health status, and decreased 6-minute-walk distance. The baseline low DlCO phenotype was also associated with worse mortality. Current smoking and pack-years of smoking were associated with the adverse FEV1, FEV1/FVC, and DlCO phenotypes. Detectable viremia was the only HIV marker associated with the adverse DlCO phenotype. C-reactive protein and endothelin-1 were associated with the adverse FEV1 and FVC phenotypes, and endothelin-1 trended toward an association with the adverse DlCO phenotype. Conclusions: We identified novel, distinct longitudinal pulmonary function phenotypes with significant differences in characteristics and outcomes. These findings highlight the importance of lung dysfunction over time in people with HIV and should be validated in additional cohorts.

ObjectiveTo test whether substance use mediates the associations between gender-based violence (GBV) and suboptimal adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART), and GBV and poor engagement in care, among women living with HIV (WLHIV) in the United States (US).DesignWe analyzed longitudinal data collected among 1717 WLHIV in the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS).MethodsFrom 2013 to 2017, WLHIV completed semi-annual assessments on GBV, substance use, and HIV treatment and care. Adjusted multilevel logistic regression models were built to estimate the impact of GBV on; suboptimal (

Neuropsychiatric complications are common among women with HIV (WWH). The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying these complications are not fully known but likely driven in part by immune modulation. We examined associations between T-cell activation states which are required to mount an effective immune response (activation, co-stimulation/normal function, exhaustion, senescence) and neuropsychiatric complications in WWH. 369 WWH (78% HIV RNA undetectable/

BackgroundAs employment, financial status, and residential location change, people can gain, lose, or switch health insurance coverage, which may affect care access and health. Among Women's Interagency HIV Study participants with HIV and participants at risk for HIV attending semiannual visits at 10 U.S. sites, we examined whether the prevalence of coverage types and rates of coverage changes differed by HIV status and Medicaid expansion in their states of residence.MethodsGeocoded addresses were merged with dates of Medicaid expansion to indicate, at each visit, whether women lived in Medicaid expansion states. Age-adjusted rate ratios (RRs) and rate differences of self-reported insurance changes were estimated by Poisson regression.ResultsFrom 2008 to 2018, 3,341 women (67% Black, 71% with HIV) contributed 43,329 visits at aged less than 65 years (27% under Medicaid expansion). Women with and women without HIV differed in their proportions of visits at which no coverage (14% vs. 19%; p

Long-acting injectable (LAI) modalities have been developed for ART and PrEP. Women face unique barriers to LAI use yet little research has examined women's perceptions of potential LAI HIV therapy candidates. We conducted 89 in-depth interviews at six Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) sites with women living with HIV (n = 59) and HIV-negative women (n = 30) from 2017 to 2018. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic content analysis. Participants identified specific sub-populations who could most benefit from LAI over daily pills: (1) young people; (2) women with childcare responsibilities; (3) people with adherence-related psychological distress; (4) individuals with multiple sex partners; and (5) people facing structural insecurities such as homelessness. Women are underserved by current HIV care options and their perspectives are imperative to ensure a successful scale-up of LAI PrEP and LAI ART that prioritizes equitable access and benefit for all individuals.

PurposeThe Liver Disease and Reproductive Ageing (LIVRA) study leverages the infrastructure of the decades-long multicentre prospective Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) to examine the contributions of HIV, hepatitis C virus (HCV) and ageing to liver disease progression in women.ParticipantsFrom 2013 to 2018, LIVRA enrolled 1576 participants (77 HCV-seropositive only, 248 HIV/HCV-seropositive, 868 HIV-seropositive only and 383 HIV/HCV-seronegative) who underwent vibration controlled transient elastography (VCTE). A VCTE quality assurance programme was established to ensure consistency and accuracy for longitudinal assessment of steatosis (fatty liver) via the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) and fibrosis via liver stiffness (LS). Demographic, lifestyle factors, anthropometry, clinical and medication history, host genetics, immune markers and hormone levels were collected as part of the WIHS.Findings to dateAt baseline, 737 of 1543 women with CAP measurements had steatosis (CAP ≥248 dB/m) and 375 of 1576 women with LS measurements had significant fibrosis (LS ≥7.1 kPa), yielding a prevalence of 48% and 24%, respectively. On multivariable analysis, waist circumference (WC) and insulin resistance were independently associated with higher CAP (17.8 dB/m per 10 cm (95% CI:16.2 to 19.5) and 1.2 dB/m per doubling (95% CI:0.8 to 1.6), respectively). By contrast, HIV/HCV seropositivity and HCV seropositivity alone were associated with less steatosis compared with HIV/HCV-seronegative women, although the latter did not reach statistical significance (-9.2 dB/m (95% CI:-18.2 to -0.3) and -10.4 dB/m (95% CI: -23.8 to 3.1), respectively). Factors independently associated with higher LS were age (4.4% per 10 years (95% CI: 0.4% to 8.4%)), WC (5.0% per 10 cm (95% CI: 3.3% to 6.6%)), CAP steatosis (0.6% per 10 dB/m (95% CI: 0.1% to 1.0%)), HIV/HCV seropositivity (33% (95% CI: 24% to 44%)) and HCV seropositivity alone (43% (95% CI: 28% to 60%)). Excluding scans that were invalid based on traditional criteria for unreliability did not affect the results.Future plansEnrolled women undergo VCTE at 3-year intervals unless LS is ≥9.5 kPa, indicating advanced fibrosis, in which case VCTE is performed annually. Participants also undergo VCTE every 6 months until 18 months after HCV treatment initiation. Analysis of the data collected will provide insights into the impact of ageing/ovarian function, host genetics, immune function and contemporary HIV and HCV treatments on liver disease progression.

ObjectiveThis study compared the mutation profile and tumor mutational burden (TMB) in women with HIV (WWH) diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma (n = 8) or breast ductal neoplasm (n = 13) who were enrolled into the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS).DesignPrevious studies tended to focus on single institutions based on sample availability. This study is based on a representative, multicenter cohort that represents the racial and ethnic composition of women with HIV in the United States.MethodsThe study sequenced the complete human exome of n = 26 cancer samples from HIV-positive women, using Ion torrent next-generation sequencing. The study cohort was compared with a HIV-negative cohort obtained from the Genomic Data Commons Data Portal of the NCI.ResultsThere were no differences in known cancer mutations between breast cancer and lung cancer that developed in WWH and those that developed in HIV-negative (HIV-) women; however, WWH presented a significantly higher TMB in comparison to HIV- patients. Seventy-five percent of lung cancers and 61% of breast cancers were defined as TMB-high (more than 10 mutation/mb of DNA).ConclusionThis study affirms the recommendation that WWH be included in clinical trials of novel treatments for these cancers. Although these data are preliminary, the high TMB in WLHV suggests, paradoxically, that this immune challenged population may benefit greatly from immune checkpoint inhibitor therapies.

BackgroundGender-based violence (GBV) is associated with poorer engagement in HIV care and treatment. However, there is a dearth of research on the psychological (eg, mental health) and structural (eg, food insecurity) factors that mediate and moderate this association. GBV could lead to poor mental health, which in turn affects adherence, whereas food insecurity could worsen the effect of GBV on engagement in care. This study uses data from the Women's Interagency HIV Study to address these gaps.MethodsWomen completed 6 assessments from 2013 to 2016 on GBV, mental health, food insecurity, adherence to antiretroviral therapy, and missed HIV care appointments in the past 6 months. Multilevel logistic regression models estimated associations between GBV and engagement in care and whether associations were mediated by depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and moderated by food insecurity.ResultsGBV was associated with higher odds of suboptimal adherence (adjusted odds ratio: 1.88; 95% confidence interval: 1.24 to 2.87) and missed appointments (adjusted odds ratio: 1.76; 95% confidence interval: 1.16 to 2.67). The association between GBV and adherence was mediated by depressive symptoms, GAD, and PTSD, accounting for 29.7%, 15.0%, and 16.5%, respectively, of the total association. The association between GBV and missed appointments was mediated by depression and GAD, but not PTSD, with corresponding figures of 25.2% and 19.7%. Associations did not differ by food insecurity.ConclusionsGBV is associated with suboptimal engagement in care, which may be explained by mental health. Interventions should address women's mental health needs, regardless of food insecurity, when improving engagement in HIV care.

IntroductionFrailty is frequently observed among people with HIV, and food insecurity is associated with frailty in the general population. Evidence is scarce on the associations between food insecurity and frailty among women with HIV who may be particularly vulnerable to the impacts of food insecurity. The goal of this study was to assess associations between food insecurity and frailty among women with and without HIV.MethodsThere were 1265 participants from the Women's Interagency HIV Study who participated in frailty assessments in 2017. Frailty was measured using the Fried Frailty Phenotype, and women were subsequently categorized as robust, pre-frail or frail. Food insecurity was assessed using the U.S. Household Food Security Survey Module, with women categorized as having high, marginal, low or very low food security. Multinomial logistic regression models were conducted to examine cross-sectional associations between food insecurity and frailty while adjusting for socio-demographic, behavioural and HIV status covariates.Results and discussionApproximately one-third (31.9%) of the women had marginal, low or very low food security, and the proportions of women who met the criteria for frailty or pre-frailty were 55.6% and 12.4% respectively. In the adjusted model, the relative risk ratio (RRR) of frailty for women with very low food security versus women with high food security was 3.37 (95% CI [1.38 to 8.24], p

BackgroundPrimary human papillomavirus (HPV) screening (PHS) utilizes oncogenic human papillomavirus (oncHPV) testing as the initial cervical cancer screening method and typically, if positive, additional reflex-triage (eg, HPV16/18-genotyping, Pap testing). While US guidelines support PHS usage in the general population, PHS has been little studied in women living with HIV (WLWH).MethodsWe enrolled n = 865 WLWH (323 from the Women's Interagency HIV Study [WIHS] and 542 from WIHS-affiliated colposcopy clinics). All participants underwent Pap and oncHPV testing, including HPV16/18-genotyping. WIHS WLWH who tested oncHPV[+] or had cytologic atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance or worse (ASC-US+) underwent colposcopy, as did a random 21% of WLWH who were oncHPV[-]/Pap[-] (controls). Most participants additionally underwent p16/Ki-67 immunocytochemistry.ResultsMean age was 46 years, median CD4 was 592 cells/µL, 95% used antiretroviral therapy. Seventy WLWH had histologically-determined cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or greater (CIN-2+), of which 33 were defined as precancer (ie, [i] CIN-3+ or [ii] CIN-2 if concurrent with cytologic high grade squamous intraepithelial lesions [HSILs]). PHS had 87% sensitivity (Se) for precancer, 9% positive predictive value (PPV), and a 35% colposcopy referral rate (Colpo). "PHS with reflex HPV16/18-genotyping and Pap testing" had 84% Se, 16% PPV, 30% Colpo. PHS with only HPV16/18-genotyping had 24% Colpo. "Concurrent oncHPV and Pap Testing" (Co-Testing) had 91% Se, 12% PPV, 40% Colpo. p16/Ki-67 immunochemistry had the highest PPV, 20%, but 13% specimen inadequacy.ConclusionsPHS with reflex HPV16/18-genotyping had fewer unnecessary colposcopies and (if confirmed) could be a potential alternative to Co-Testing in WLWH.

BackgroundNeurocognitive impairment (NCI) persists among women living with HIV. Food insecurity is also common among women and may be an important modifiable contributor of NCI.ObjectiveThe goal of this study was to determine the association of food insecurity with neurocognitive function among women living with or without HIV.MethodsFrom 2013 to 2015, we analyzed data from a cross-sectional sample from the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS). Measures included food insecurity and a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery assessing executive function, processing speed, attention/working memory, learning, memory, fluency, and motor function. We conducted multivariable linear regressions to examine associations between food insecurity and domain-specific neurocognitive performance, adjusting for relevant sociodemographic, behavioral, and clinical factors.ResultsParticipants (n = 1,324) were predominantly HIV seropositive (68%), Black/African-American (68%) or Hispanic (16%), and low income (48% reported

Infection by human papillomavirus (HPV) type 16, the most oncogenic HPV type, was found to be the least affected by HIV-status and CD4 count of any of the approximately 13 oncogenic HPV types. This relative independence from host immune status has been interpreted as evidence that HPV16 may have an innate ability to avoid the effects of immunosurveillance. However, the impact of immune status on other individual HPV types has not been carefully assessed. We studied type-specific HPV infection in a cohort of 2,470 HIV-positive (HIV[+]) and 895 HIV-negative (HIV[-]) women. Semi-annually collected cervicovaginal lavages were tested for >40 HPV types. HPV type-specific prevalence ratios (PRs), incidence and clearance hazard ratios (HRs), were calculated by contrasting HPV types detected in HIV[+] women with CD4

ObjectiveTo describe longitudinal changes in the prevalence of abnormal Papanicolau testing among women living with HIV.DesignProspective cohort study with sequential enrollment subcohorts.MethodsFour waves of enrollment occurred in the Women's Interagency HIV Study, the US women's HIV cohort (1994-1995, 2001-2002, 2011-2012, 2013-2015). Pap testing was done at intake, with colposcopy prescribed for any abnormality. Rates of abnormal Pap test results (atypical squamous cells of uncertain significance or worse) and cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 (CIN2) or worse were calculated. Logistic regression models assessed changes in prevalence across cohorts after controlling for severity of HIV disease and other risk factors for abnormal Pap tests.ResultsThe unadjusted prevalence of any Pap abnormality was 679/1769 (38%) in the original cohort, 195/684 (29%) in the 2001-2002 cohort, 46/231 (20%) in the 2011-2012 cohort, and 71/449 (16%) in the 2013-2015 cohort. In multivariable analysis, compared with risk in the 1994-1995 cohort, the adjusted risk in the 2001-2002 cohort was 0.79 (95% CI 0.59-1.05), in the 2011-2012 cohort was 0.67 (95% CI 0.43-1.04), and in the 2013-2015 cohort was 0.41 (95% CI 0.27-0.62) with P for trend less than 0.0001.ConclusionRates of abnormal cytology among women with HIV have fallen during the past two decades.

ObjectivesHIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) have been associated with cardiovascular disease (CVD), but it is unclear whether HIV and HCV are also associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD). We examined the association of HIV, HCV, and traditional CVD risk factors with PAD in the Women's Interagency HIV Study, a multicenter US cohort.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, ankle-brachial index was estimated using Doppler ultrasound and manual sphygmomanometer in 1899 participants aged more than 40 years with HIV/HCV coinfection, HCV or HIV monoinfection, or neither infection. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of PAD (ankle-brachial index ≤0.9) after controlling for demographic, behavioral, and CVD risk factors.ResultsOver two-thirds were African-American, median age was 50 years, and PAD prevalence was 7.7% with little difference by infection status. After multivariable adjustment, neither HIV nor HCV infection was associated with greater odds of PAD. Factors associated with PAD included older age [adjusted odds ratio (aOR): 2.01 for age 61-70 vs. 40-50 years; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.04, 3.87], Black race (aOR: 2.30; 95% CI: 1.15, 4.63), smoking (aOR: 1.27 per 10-pack-year increment; 95% CI: 1.09, 1.48), and higher SBP (aOR: 1.14 per 10 mmHg; 95% CI: 1.01, 1.28).ConclusionThe high PAD prevalence in this nationally representative cohort of women with or at risk for HIV is on par with general population studies in individuals a decade older than our study's median age. HIV and HCV infection are not associated with greater PAD risk relative to uninfected women with similar risk factors. Modifiable traditional CVD risk factors may be important early intervention targets in women with and at risk for HIV.

Study objectiveTo evaluate the association between use of methadone, other central nervous system (CNS) depressants, and QTc interval-prolonging medications and risk of mortality among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected and at-risk HIV-uninfected women.DesignMulticenter, prospective, observational cohort study (Women's Interagency HIV Study [WIHS]).ParticipantsA total of 4150 women enrolled in the WIHS study between 1994 and 2014 who were infected (3119 women) or not infected (1031 women) with HIV.Measurements and main resultsData on medication utilization were collected from all study participants via interviewer-administered surveys at 6-month intervals (1994-2014). Mortality was confirmed by National Death Index data. With age defining the time scale for the analysis, Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for all-cause mortality in HIV-infected and -uninfected women and non-acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) deaths in HIV-infected women. A total of 1046 deaths were identified, of which 429 were considered non-AIDS deaths. Use of benzodiazepines, CNS depressants (excluding methadone), and number of medications with conditional QTc interval-prolonging effects were each associated with all-cause mortality in multivariate models of HIV-infected women: hazard ratio (HR) 1.28, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.01-1.60, p=0.037; HR 1.61, 95% CI 1.35-1.92, p0.05).ConclusionIn this cohort of HIV-infected and at-risk HIV-uninfected women, use of benzodiazepines, CNS depressants, and conditional QTc interval-prolonging medications were associated with a higher risk of mortality independent of methadone and other well-recognized mortality risk factors. Care must be taken to assess risk when prescribing these medications in this underserved and at-risk patient population.

BackgroundHIV-positive women are at substantial risk of HPV-associated cervical neoplasia caused by high-risk (HR) HPVs. Methylation of the HPV genome is associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 3 (CIN3) in HIV-negative women, yet it is unknown whether this holds true for HIV-positive women.MethodsWe designed a case-control study within the Women's Interagency HIV Study (WIHS) cohort comparing HIV-positive CIN3 cases (N = 72) to HIV-positive controls without detectable CIN2+. The unit of analysis and matching was HPV-type infection. Cases with ≥2 HR-HPV types (N = 23; 32%) had a separate control for each HR-HPV type. We developed and utilized next-generation sequencing (NGS) methylation assays for 12 different HR-HPVs, focusing on CpG sites in the L1/L2 regions.ResultsSignificant case-control differences in individual CpG site methylation levels were observed for multiple alpha-9 (HPV16/31/35/58) and alpha-7 HPV (HPV18/39/45) types, based on dichotomization of tertile levels (T3 vs. T1 and T2). Analyses combining homologous CpG sites [e.g., HPV16-L1-5608/HPV31-L1-5521/HPV35-L2L1-5570; OR = 7.28; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.75-19.3], and (e.g., HPV18-L1-7062/HPV45-L1-7066; OR = 6.94; 95% CI: 1.23-39.3) were significant in separate case-control comparisons. In cases with multiple HR-HPVs, we tested and confirmed the hypothesis that one HR-HPV type would have higher methylation than other types detected, consistent with there being a single HR-HPV causally related to a lesion.ConclusionsCIN3 is associated with elevated L1/L2 CpG methylation levels in HIV-positive women.ImpactHPV DNA CpG methylation is a promising triage option in HIV-positive women testing positive for HR-HPV types and provides risk attribution in women with multiple HPV type infections.

ObjectivesOne in four persons living with HIV is coinfected with hepatitis C virus (HCV). Biological and behavioral mechanisms may increase HIV viral load among coinfected persons. Therefore, we estimated the longitudinal effect of chronic HCV on HIV suppression after ART initiation among women with HIV (WWH).DesignHIV RNA was measured every 6 months among 441 WWH in the Women's Interagency HIV Study who initiated ART from 2000 to 2015.MethodsLog-binomial regression models were used to compare the proportion of study visits with detectable HIV RNA between women with and without chronic HCV. Robust sandwich variance estimators accounted for within-person correlation induced by repeated HIV RNA measurements during follow-up. We controlled for confounding and selection bias (because of loss to follow-up and death) using inverse probability-of-exposure-and-censoring weights.ResultsOne hundred and fourteen women (25%) had chronic HCV before ART initiation. Overall, the proportion of visits with detectable HIV RNA was similar among women with and without chronic HCV [relative risk (RR) 1.19 (95% CI 0.72, 1.95)]. Six months after ART initiation, the proportion of visits with detectable HIV RNA among women with chronic HCV was 1.88 (95% CI 1.41-2.51) times that among women without HCV, at 2 years, the ratio was 1.60 (95% CI 1.17-2.19), and by 6 years there was no difference (1.03; 95% CI 0.60-1.79).ConclusionChronic HCV may negatively impact early HIV viral response to ART. These findings reaffirm the need to test persons with HIV for HCV infection, and increase engagement in HIV care and access to HCV treatment among persons with HIV/HCV coinfection.

BackgroundAmong low-income women with and without HIV, it is a priority to reduce age-related comorbidities, including hypertension and its sequelae. Because consistent health insurance access has been identified as an important factor in controlling many chronic diseases, we estimated the effects of coverage interruption on loss of hypertension control in a cohort of women in the United States.MethodsWe analyzed prospective, longitudinal data from the Women's Interagency HIV Study. HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women were included between 2005 and 2014 when they reported health insurance at consecutive biannual visits and had controlled hypertension, and were followed for any insurance break and loss of hypertension control. We estimated hazard ratios (HRs) by Cox proportional hazards regression with inverse-probability-of-treatment-and censoring weights (marginal structural models), and plotted the cumulative incidence of hypertension control loss.ResultsAmong 890 HIV-infected women, the weighted HR for hypertension control loss comparing health insurance interruption to uninterrupted coverage was 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.99-1.91). Inclusion of AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) participation with health insurance modestly increased the HR (1.47; 95% CI, 1.04-2.07). Analysis of 272 HIV-uninfected women yielded a similar HR (1.39; 95% CI, 0.88-2.21). Additionally, there were indications of uninterrupted coverage having a protective effect on hypertension when compared with the natural course in HIV-infected (HR, 0.82; 95% CI, 0.61-1.11) and HIV-uninfected (HR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.52-1.19) women.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence that health insurance continuity promotes hypertension control in key populations. Interventions that ensure coverage stability and ADAP access should be a policy priority.

A nested case-cohort study was performed in participants of a clinical trial of first-line human immunodeficiency virus treatments to investigate plasma biomarkers of inflammation and microbial translocation for their association with immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS). Fifty-one of 1452 participants with baseline CD4 count

ObjectiveWe suggested cervical cancer screening strategies for women living with HIV (WLHIV) by comparing their precancer risks to general population women, and then compared our suggestions with current Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines.DesignWe compared risks of biopsy-confirmed cervical high-grade squamous intraepithelial neoplasia or worse (bHSIL+), calculated among WLHIV in the Women's Interagency HIV Study, to 'risk benchmarks' for specific management strategies in the general population.MethodsWe applied parametric survival models among 2423 WLHIV with negative or atypical squamous cell of undetermined significance (ASC-US) cytology during 2000-2015. Separately, we synthesized published general population bHSIL+ risks to generate 3-year risk benchmarks for a 3-year return (after negative cytology, i.e. 'rescreening threshold'), a 6-12-month return (after ASC-US), and immediate colposcopy [after low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL)].ResultsAverage 3-year bHSIL+ risks among general population women ('risk benchmarks') were 0.69% for a 3-year return (after negative cytology), 8.8% for a 6-12-month return (after ASC-US), and 14.4% for colposcopy (after LSIL). Most CDC guidelines for WLHIV were supported by comparing risks in WLHIV to these benchmarks, including a 3-year return with CD4 greater than 500 cells/μl and after either three negative cytology tests or a negative cytology/oncogenic human papillomavirus cotest (all 3-year risks≤1.3%); a 1-year return after negative cytology with either positive oncogenic human papillomavirus cotest (1-year risk = 1.0%) or CD4 cell count less than 500 cells/μl (1-year risk = 1.1%); and a 6-12-month return after ASC-US (3-year risk = 8.2% if CD4 cell count at least 500 cells/μl; 10.4% if CD4 cell count = 350-499 cells/μl). Other suggestions differed modestly from current guidelines, including colposcopy (vs. 6-12 month return) for WLHIV with ASC-US and CD4 cell count less than 350 cells/μl (3-year risk = 16.4%) and a lengthened 2-year (vs. 1-year) interval after negative cytology with CD4 cell count at least 500 cells/μl (2-year risk = 0.98%).ConclusionsCurrent cervical cancer screening guidelines for WLHIV are largely appropriate. CD4 cell count may inform risk-tailored strategies.

ObjectivePeople living with HIV (PLWH) have chronic immune activation and increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. Activation of monocytes and T lymphocytes causes upregulation of glucose transporter-1 (GLUT1) for efficient function. PLWH have an increased percentage of GLUT1-expressing monocytes and T lymphocytes, but it is unclear if these cells are associated with CVD. We evaluated the expression of GLUT1 and CD38 on monocyte and T lymphocyte populations from HIV-infected women with subclinical CVD.MethodsParticipants with more than 75th percentile (n = 15) and less than 25th percentile (n = 15) age-adjusted intima-media thickness (IMT) at the right common carotid artery and bifurcation were identified from the Women's Interagency HIV Study. Groups were matched by age, race/ethnicity, smoking status, and CD4 cell count. All women were receiving suppressive antiretroviral therapy except for one high and one low IMT participant. Monocyte and T lymphocyte populations were evaluated for GLUT1 and CD38 expression using flow cytometry.ResultsIntermediate monocytes from high IMT women had significantly increased expression of GLUT1 (310 MFI vs. 210 MFI, P = 0.024) (66.4% vs. 48.5%, P = 0.031) and CD38 (339 MFI vs. 211 MFI, P = 0.002) (10.5% vs. 3.8%, P = 0.0002) compared with women with low IMT. High and low IMT participants showed no differences in GLUT1 or CD38 expression on classical monocytes, nonclassical monocytes, CD4 and CD8 T lymphocytes.ConclusionGLUT1-expressing intermediate monocytes are elevated in HIV-infected women with subclinical CVD. These cells may contribute to development of CVD in PLWH and could be a novel target to limit inflammation.

BackgroundDetermining cervical precancer risk among human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected women who despite a normal Pap test are positive for oncogenic human papillomavirus (oncHPV) types is important for setting screening practices.MethodsA total of 2791 HIV-infected and 975 HIV-uninfected women in the Women's Interagency HIV Study were followed semiannually with Pap tests and colposcopy. Cumulative risks of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia grade 2 or greater (CIN-2+; threshold used for CIN treatment) and grade 3 or greater (CIN-3+; threshold to set screening practices) were measured in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected women with normal Pap tests, stratified by baseline HPV results, and also in HIV-infected women with a low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (LSIL; benchmark indication for colposcopy).ResultsAt baseline, 1021 HIV-infected and 518 HIV-uninfected women had normal Pap tests, of whom 154 (15%) and 27 (5%), respectively, tested oncHPV positive. The 5-year CIN-2+ cumulative risk in the HIV-infected oncHPV-positive women was 22% (95% confidence interval [CI], 9%-34%), 12% (95% CI, 0%-22%), and 14% (95% CI, 2%-25%) among those with CD4 counts

BackgroundMetabolic effects following combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) vary by regimen type. Changes in metabolic effects were assessed following cART in the AIDS Clinical Trials Group (ACTG) A5257 study, and correlated with plasma ritonavir trough concentrations (C24).MethodsTreatment-naive adult subjects were randomized to ritonavir-boosted atazanavir or darunavir, or raltegravir-based cART. Changes in lipids and other metabolic outcomes over time were estimated. Differences between arms were estimated with 97.5% confidence intervals and compared using pairwise Student t tests. Associations between ritonavir C24 and lipid changes at week 48 were evaluated via linear regression.ResultsAnalyses included 1797 subjects with baseline fasting data. Baseline lipid profiles and metabolic syndrome rates (approximately 21%) were similar across arms. Comparable increases occurred in total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol with the boosted protease inhibitors (PIs); each PI had greater increases relative to raltegravir (all P ≤ .001 at week 96). Metabolic syndrome incident rates by week 96 (approximately 22%) were not different across arms. Ritonavir C24 was not different by arm (P = .89) (median, 69 ng/mL and 74 ng/mL in the atazanavir and darunavir arms, respectively) and were not associated with changes in lipid measures (all P > .1).ConclusionsRaltegravir produced the most favorable lipid profile. Metabolic syndrome rates were high at baseline and increased to the same degree in all arms. Ritonavir C24 was not different in the PI arms and had no relationship with the modest but comparable increases in lipids observed with either atazanavir or darunavir. The long-term clinical significance of the lipid changes noted with the PIs relative to raltegravir deserves further evaluation.Clinical trials registrationNCT 00811954.

UnlabelledAbnormal levels of inflammation are associated with cardiovascular disease and mortality in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients. Microbial translocation, which may cause inflammation, is decreased by sevelamer in patients undergoing hemodialysis. In this single-arm study, we evaluated the effects of 8 weeks of sevelamer therapy on 36 HIV-infected subjects who were not receiving antiretroviral therapy. Sevelamer did not significantly change markers of microbial translocation, inflammation, or T-cell activation. During sevelamer treatment, however, levels of soluble tissue factor, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and oxidized LDL cholesterol decreased significantly, whereas D-dimer levels increased. Thus, in this study population, sevelamer did not reduce microbial translocation but may have yielded cardiovascular benefits.Clinical trials registrationNCT 01543958.

BackgroundPresent combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) alone does not cure HIV infection and requires lifelong drug treatment. The potential role of HIV therapeutic vaccines as part of an HIV cure is under consideration. Our aim was to assess the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of Vacc-4x, a peptide-based HIV-1 therapeutic vaccine targeting conserved domains on p24(Gag), in adults infected with HIV-1.MethodsBetween July, 2008, and June, 2010, we did a multinational double-blind, randomised, phase 2 study comparing Vacc-4x with placebo. Participants were adults infected with HIV-1 who were aged 18-55 years and virologically suppressed on cART (viral load