Clinical Trial: Pneumocystis in Pathogenesis of HIV-associated Emphysema
Study Status: Completed
Recruit Status: Completed
Study Type: Observational
Official Title: Pneumocystis in Pathogenesis of HIV-associated Emphysema
Brief Summary:
A. Statement of Hypotheses:
HIV-infected patients have an increased incidence of emphysema compared to non-HIV-infected smokers, and it has been hypothesized that this accelerated disease progression is the result of one or more latent infections that amplifies the pulmonary inflammatory response to cigarette smoke. Pneumocystis is one infectious agent that likely plays a key role in the development of HIV-associated emphysema. Colonization with Pneumocystis has been demonstrated in HIV-infected subjects, and HIV-infected smokers are particularly susceptible to Pc colonization regardless of CD4 cell count or use of prophylaxis. Pneumocystis colonization is also increased in non-HIV-infected patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and is directly related to the severity of the disease. The presence of Pneumocystis in the lungs, even at low levels as seen in colonization, produces inflammatory changes similar to those seen in COPD, with increases in the numbers of neutrophils and cytotoxic CD8+ lymphocytes. We propose that Pneumocystis accelerates emphysema in HIV-infected smokers by stimulating inflammation and tissue destruction. We will examine the role of co-infection with Pneumocystis in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated emphysema and the mechanism by which it causes emphysema progression. These studies will lead to information that will provide a rational basis for prevention and therapy of HIV-associated emphysema and provide a model for emphysema in the general population
Detailed Summary:
We propose that Pneumocystis accelerates emphysema in HIV-infected smokers by stimulating inflammation and tissue destruction. This grant will examine the role of co-infection with Pneumocystis in the pathogenesis of HIV-associated emphysema and the mechanism by which it causes emphysema progression. These studies will lead to information that will provide a rational basis for prevention and therapy of HIV-associated emphysema and provide a model for emphysema in the general population
antiretroviral therapy (HAART), impressive declines in morbidity and mortality from HIV have been seen [18]. These improvements do not constitute a cure, however; and over 400,000 people are currently living with HIV in the United States and there are 40 million people infected worldwide. With improved treatment and increases in life expectancy, incidence of other types of lung diseases such as HIV-associated emphysema and pulmonary hypertension may become more common. Respiratory symptoms are extremely common in the HIV-infected population, even among those without a history of pulmonary infections. HIV-infected subjects have been noted to have an accelerated form of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)/emphysema [4, 5]. This disease is seen in those with untreated HIV disease and may become more common in the treated HIV population as it has frequently been reported in those without a history of AIDS-related pulmonary complications.
Smoking-related diseases such as emphysema are of particular concern in the HIV+ population. Smoking rates are high in this population and long term exposure to cigarette smoke in the setting of HIV infection may increase the number of complications seen. Smoking in the HIV+ population is associated with worse general health, physical functioning, quality of life, and cognitive functioning Before the HA
Sponsor: University of Pittsburgh
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Information By: University of Pittsburgh
Dates:
Date Received: March 25, 2009
Date Started: August 2007
Date Completion:
Last Updated: September 4, 2014
Last Verified: September 2014
