Changes in membrane enzymes and glycosphingolipids in lymphocytes from HIV-1-infected and noninfected intravenous drug users
Article Abstract:
Intravenous drug use may alter the structure and function of the membranes of lymphocytes in the blood, affecting the immune system both before and after HIV infection. Researchers analyzed the membranes of lymphocytes taken from 91 HIV-infected intravenous drug users (IDUs), 10 uninfected IDUs, and 30 healthy, non-using donors. CD3+, CD4+, and CD8+ T cell counts were lower in people with more advanced stages of HIV infection. In addition, CD4+ counts were low in HIV-negative IDUs than in people who were not IDUs. The activity of enzymes such as phospholipase C and 5'-nucleotidase was reduced in HIV-negative IDUs, as well as HIV-positive IDUs. The concentrations of certain gangliosides, glycosphingolipids, and sialic acids were lower among IDUs with AIDS than among healthy non-IDUs.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1996
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Illness stage, concurrent medications, and other correlates of low testosterone in men with HIV illness
Article Abstract:
Age and the use of drugs that affect testosterone levels appear to be associated with testosterone deficiency in HIV-infected men. Researchers took blood samples from 234 HIV-infected men, 147 of whom were seeking treatment for low sex drive. Thirty-eight percent had low blood levels of testosterone. Low testosterone levels were associated with low CD4 cell counts, symptoms of HIV infection, and the use of megestrol, ganciclovir, ketoconazole and cimetidine. Those taking megestrol had the lowest testosterone concentrations. However, megestrol is an appetite stimulant used to treat malnutrition, which could be the real cause of testosterone deficiency.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1995
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Testosterone replacement treatment options for HIV-infected men
Article Abstract:
This article discusses the advantages of replacing lost testosterone for HIV-infected men, in terms of psychological and physical benefits, especially increasing lean muscle mass to fight the effects of wasting syndrome. There is a question as to the best form of administration -- injection, patch, oral, etc.
Publication Name: Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes and Human Retrovirology
Subject: Health
ISSN: 1077-9450
Year: 1997
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