Deciphering the role of endothelial granulocyte macrophage-CSF in chronic inflammation associated with HIV.

People with HIV (PWH) experience endothelial dysfunction (ED) that is aggravated by chronic inflammation and microbial translocation across a damaged gut barrier. Although this paradigm is well-described, downstream pathways that terminate in endothelial dysfunction are only partially understood. This study found increased expression of granulocyte macrophage colony stimulating factor (GM-CSF), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), and myeloperoxidase in the aortic endothelium of PWH compared to those without HIV. Bacteria-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) heightened glucose uptake and induced GM-CSF expression in primary human endothelial cells. Exposure to sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitors reduced glucose uptake, GM-CSF release, and ED in LPS-activated endothelial cells ex vivo, and PWH treated with SGLT2 inhibitors for diabetes had significantly lower plasma GM-CSF levels than non-diabetic PWH not on this medication. The findings suggest that microbial products trigger glucose uptake and GM-CSF expression in the endothelium, contributing to localized inflammation in PWH. Modifying this altered state could offer therapeutic benefits.

Changes in the lipidome are associated with immune activation and subclinical vascular disease in youth with HIV in Uganda.

This study examined the changes in the lipidome and associations with immune activation and cardiovascular disease markers in youth living with perinatally acquired HIV (YPHIV). The serum lipidome was measured in ART-treated YPHIV (n=100) and HIV- Ugandan children (n=98) Plasma markers of systemic inflammation, monocyte activation, gut integrity, T cell activation, as well as and common carotid artery intima-media thickness (IMT) and pulse wave velocity (PWV) were evaluated at baseline and 96 weeks. Overall, median age was 12 years,52% were females. Total cholesterol, LDL, and HDL were similar between the groups, however, the concentrations of ceramides, diacylglycerols, free fatty acids, lysophysophatidylcholines and phosphatidylcholines, were higher in YPHIV (P≤0.03). Increases in phosphatidylethanolamine (16:0 and 18:0) correlated with increases in sCD163, OxLDL, CRP, IFAB and PWV in PHIV (r≥0.3). YPHIV, successfully suppressed on ART, have elevated lipid species that are associated with CVD, specificallypalmitic acid (C16:0) and stearic acid (C18:0).

Synergy Between NK Cells and Monocytes in Potentiating Cardiovascular Disease Risk in Severe COVID-19.

BACKGROUND: Evidence suggests that COVID-19 predisposes to cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). While monocytes/macrophages play a central role in the immunopathogenesis of atherosclerosis, less is known about their immunopathogenic mechanisms that lead to CVDs during COVID-19. Natural killer (NK) cells, which play an intermediary role during pathologies like atherosclerosis, are dysregulated during COVID-19. Here, we sought to investigate altered immune cells and their associations with CVD risk during severe COVID-19. METHODS: We measured plasma biomarkers of CVDs and determined phenotypes of circulating immune subsets using spectral flow cytometry. We compared these between patients with severe COVID-19 (severe, n=31), those who recovered from severe COVID-19 (recovered, n=29), and SARS-CoV-2-uninfected controls (controls, n=17). In vivo observations were supported using in vitro assays to highlight possible mechanistic links between dysregulated immune subsets and biomarkers during and after COVID-19. We performed multidimensional analyses of published single-cell transcriptome data of monocytes and NK cells during severe COVID-19 to substantiate in vivo findings. RESULTS: During severe COVID-19, we observed alterations in cardiometabolic biomarkers including oxidized-low-density lipoprotein, which showed decreased levels in severe and recovered groups. Severe patients exhibited dysregulated monocyte subsets, including increased frequencies of proinflammatory intermediate monocytes (also observed in the recovered) and decreased nonclassical monocytes. All identified NK-cell subsets in the severe COVID-19 group displayed increased expression of activation and tissue-resident markers, such as CD69 (cluster of differentiation 69). We observed significant correlations between altered immune subsets and plasma oxidized-low-density lipoprotein levels. In vitro assays revealed increased uptake of oxidized-low-density lipoprotein into monocyte-derived macrophages in the presence of NK cells activated by plasma of patients with severe COVID-19. Transcriptome analyses confirmed enriched proinflammatory responses and lipid dysregulation associated with epigenetic modifications in monocytes and NK cells during severe COVID-19. CONCLUSIONS: Our study provides new insights into the involvement of monocytes and NK cells in the increased CVD risk observed during and after COVID-19.

Association of Lipoprotein(a) with peri-coronary inflammation in persons with and without HIV infection.

BACKGROUND: Persons with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (PWH) have an increased risk of developing cardiovascular disease (CVD) compared to persons without HIV (PWoH). Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] is a known atherosclerotic risk factor in PWoH, but there are no studies investigating Lp(a) and peri-coronary inflammation. OBJECTIVE: To investigate whether Lp(a) is associated with peri-coronary inflammation as assessed by the fat attenuation index (FAI) and activated monocytes and T lymphocytes in PWH and PWoH. METHODS: We measured plasma levels of Lp(a) at study entry in 58 PWH and 21 PWoH without CVD and who had FAI measurements. Associations of Lp(a) with FAI values of the right coronary artery (RCA) and left anterior descending artery were evaluated using multivariable regression models adjusted for potential confounders. Correlations between Lp(a) levels and systemic inflammatory markers and immune cell subsets were examined. RESULTS: Lp(a) was associated with greater peri-coronary inflammation among PWH compared to PWoH (ß=1.73, P=0.019) in the RCA, in adjusted models. Significant correlations were observed with certain inflammatory markers (tumor necrosis factor receptor [TNFR]-I, b=0.295, P<0.001; TNFR-II, b=0.270, P=0.002; high-sensitivity C-reactive protein, b=0.195, P=0.028). Significant correlations were found between Lp(a) levels and several markers of monocyte activation: CD16 -CD163+ (b= -0.199, P=0.024), and CD16 -DR+ MFI (b= -0.179, P=0.042) and T cell subset CD38+CD4+ TEMRA (b= 0.177, P= 0.044). CONCLUSIONS: Lp(a) was associated with greater peri-coronary inflammation in the RCA in PWH compared to PWoH, as well as with select systemic inflammatory markers and specific subsets of immune cells in peripheral circulation.

Cytomegalovirus Infection Facilitates the Costimulation of CD57+CD28- CD8 T Cells in HIV Infection and Atherosclerosis via the CD2-LFA-3 Axis.

CD8 T cells are emerging as important mediators in atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Immune activation may play a particular role in people with HIV (PWH) who are at an increased risk of CVD, even after controlling for known CVD risk factors. Latent CMV infection is associated with increased CVD risk for both PWH and people without HIV, and human CMV-specific CD4 and CD8 T cells are enriched for an immunosenescent phenotype. We previously showed that CMV coinfection in PWH promotes vascular homing and activation of inflammatory CD4 T cells through the CD2-LFA-3 axis. However, the role of CD2/LFA3 costimulation of CD8 T cells in PWH with CMV has yet to be described. In the present study, we demonstrate that CD2 expression on CX3CR1+CD57+CD28- inflammescent CD8 T cells is increased on cells from CMV-seropositive PWH. In vitro CD2/LFA-3 costimulation enhances TCR-mediated activation of these inflammatory CD8 memory T cells. Finally, we show that LFA-3 is highly expressed in aortas of SIV-infected rhesus macaques and in atherosclerotic plaques of people without HIV. Our findings are consistent with a model in which CMV infection enhances CD2 expression on highly proinflammatory CD8 T cells that can then be stimulated by LFA-3 expressed in the vasculature, even in the absence of CD28 costimulation. This model, in which CMV infection exacerbates toxic cytokine and granzyme production by CD8 T cells within the vasculature, highlights a potential therapeutic target in atherosclerosis development and progression, especially for PWH.

Activated NK Cells with Pro-inflammatory Features are Associated with Atherogenesis in Perinatally HIV-Acquired Adolescents.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with persistent immune activation and dysfunction in people with HIV despite treatment with antiretroviral therapy (ART). Modulation of the immune system may be driven by: low-level HIV replication, co-pathogens, gut dysbiosis /translocation, altered lipid profiles, and ART toxicities. In addition, perinatally acquired HIV (PHIV) and lifelong ART may alter the development and function of the immune system. Our preliminary data and published literature suggest reprogramming innate immune cells may accelerate aging and increase the risk for future end-organ complications, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). The exact mechanisms, however, are currently unknown. Natural killer (NK) cells are a highly heterogeneous cell population with divergent functions. They play a critical role in HIV transmission and disease progression in adults. Recent studies suggest the important role of NK cells in CVDs; however, little is known about NK cells and their role in HIV-associated cardiovascular risk in PHIV adolescents. Here, we investigated NK cell subsets and their potential role in atherogenesis in PHIV adolescents compared to HIV-negative adolescents in Uganda. Our data suggest, for the first time, that activated NK subsets in PHIV adolescents may contribute to atherogenesis by promoting plasma oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) uptake by vascular macrophages.

Synergistic Role of NK Cells and Monocytes in Promoting Atherogenesis in Severe COVID-19 Patients.

Clinical data demonstrate an increased predisposition to cardiovascular disease (CVD) following severe COVID-19 infection. This may be driven by a dysregulated immune response associated with severe disease. Monocytes and vascular tissue resident macrophages play a critical role in atherosclerosis, the main pathology leading to ischemic CVD. Natural killer (NK) cells are a heterogenous group of cells that are critical during viral pathogenesis and are known to be dysregulated during severe COVID-19 infection. Their role in atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease has recently been described. However, the contribution of their altered phenotypes to atherogenesis following severe COVID-19 infection is unknown. We demonstrate for the first time that during and after severe COVID-19, circulating proinflammatory monocytes and activated NK cells act synergistically to increase uptake of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL) into vascular tissue with subsequent foam cell generation leading to atherogenesis despite recovery from acute infection. Our data provide new insights, revealing the roles of monocytes/macrophages, and NK cells in COVID-19-related atherogenesis.

Platelet and Monocyte Activation After Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (POTENT-TAVR): A Mechanistic Randomized Trial of Ticagrelor Versus Clopidogrel.

Background: Inflammation and thrombosis are often linked mechanistically and are associated with adverse events after transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). High residual platelet reactivity (HRPR) is especially common when clopidogrel is used in this setting, but its relevance to immune activation is unknown. We sought to determine whether residual activity at the purinergic receptor P2Y12 (P2Y12) promotes prothrombotic immune activation in the setting of TAVR. Methods: This was a randomized trial of 60 patients (enrolled July 2015 through December 2018) assigned to clopidogrel (300mg load, 75mg daily) or ticagrelor (180mg load, 90 mg twice daily) before and for 30 days following TAVR. Co-primary endpoints were P2Y12-dependent platelet activity (Platelet Reactivity Units; VerifyNow) and the proportion of inflammatory (cluster of differentiation [CD] 14+/CD16+) monocytes 1 day after TAVR. Results: Compared to clopidogrel, those randomized to ticagrelor had greater platelet inhibition (median Platelet Reactivity Unit [interquartile range]: (234 [170.0-282.3] vs. 128.5 [86.5-156.5], p < 0.001), but similar inflammatory monocyte proportions (22.2% [18.0%-30.2%] vs. 25.1% [22.1%-31.0%], p = 0.201) 1 day after TAVR. Circulating monocyte-platelet aggregates, soluble CD14 levels, interleukin 6 and 8 levels, and D-dimers were also similar across treatment groups. HRPR was observed in 63% of the clopidogrel arm and was associated with higher inflammatory monocyte proportions. Major bleeding events, pacemaker placement, and mortality did not differ by treatment assignment. Conclusions: Residual P2Y12 activity after TAVR is common in those treated with clopidogrel but ticagrelor does not significantly alter biomarkers of prothrombotic immune activation. HRPR appears to be an indicator (not a cause) of innate immune activation in this setting.

Increase in gut permeability and oxidized ldl is associated with post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2.

Background: Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC) is marked by persistent or newly developing symptoms beyond 4 weeks of infection. Investigating gut integrity, oxidized lipids and inflammatory markers is important for understanding PASC pathogenesis. Methods: A cross-sectional study including COVID+ with PASC, COVID+ without PASC, and COVID-negative (COVID-) participants. We measured plasma markers by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to assess intestinal permeability (ZONULIN), microbial translocation (lipopolysaccharide-binding protein or LBP), systemic inflammation (high-sensitivity C-reactive protein or hs-CRP), and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (Ox-LDL). Results: 415 participants were enrolled in this study; 37.83% (n=157) had prior COVID diagnosis and among COVID+, 54% (n=85) had PASC. The median zonulin among COVID- was 3.37 (IQR: 2.13, 4.91) mg/mL, 3.43 (IQR: 1.65, 5.25) mg/mL among COVID+ no PASC, and highest [4.76 (IQR: 3.2, 7.35) mg/mL] among COVID+ PASC+ (p<.0001). The median ox-LDL among COVID- was 47.02 (IQR: 35.52, 62.77) U/L, 57.24 (IQR: 40.7, 75.37) U/L among COVID+ No PASC, and the highest [76.75 (IQR: 59.95, 103.28) U/L] among COVID+ PASC+ (p<.0001). COVID+ PASC+ was positively associated with zonulin (p=0.0002) and ox-LDL (p<.0001), and COVID- was negatively associated with ox-LDL (p=0.01), compared to COVID+ No PASC. Every unit increase in zonulin was associated with 44% higher predicted odds of having PASC [aOR: 1.44 (95%CI: 1.1, 1.9)] and every one-unit increase in ox-LDL was associated with more than four-fold increased odds of having PASC [aOR: 2.44 (95%CI: 1.67, 3.55)]. Conclusions: PASC is associated with increased gut permeability and oxidized lipids. Further studies are needed to clarify whether these relationships are causal which could lead to targeted therapeutics.

Interleukin 6 Blockade With Tocilizumab Diminishes Indices of Inflammation That Are Linked to Mortality in Treated Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection.

BACKGROUND: People with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) are at increased risk for comorbidities, and plasma interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels are among the most robust predictors of these outcomes. Tocilizumab (TCZ) blocks the receptor for IL-6, inhibiting functions of this cytokine. METHODS: This was a 40-week, placebo-controlled, crossover trial (NCT02049437) where PWH on stable antiretroviral therapy (ART) were randomized to receive 3 monthly doses of TCZ or matching placebo intravenously. Following a 10-week treatment period and a 12-week washout, participants were switched to the opposite treatment. The primary endpoints were safety and posttreatment levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and CD4+ T-cell cycling. Secondary endpoints included changes in inflammatory indices and lipid levels. RESULTS: There were 9 treatment-related toxicities of grade 2 or greater during TCZ administration (mostly neutropenia) and 2 during placebo administration. Thirty-one of 34 participants completed the study and were included in a modified intent-to-treat analysis. TCZ reduced levels of CRP (median decrease, 1819.9 ng/mL, P < .0001; effect size, 0.87) and reduced inflammatory markers in PWH, including D-dimer, soluble CD14, and tumor necrosis factor receptors. T-cell cycling tended to decrease in all maturation subsets after TCZ administration, but was only significant among naive CD4 T cells. Lipid levels, including lipid classes that have been related to cardiovascular disease risk, increased during TCZ treatment. CONCLUSIONS: TCZ is safe and decreases inflammation in PWH; IL-6 is a key driver of the inflammatory environment that predicts morbidity and mortality in ART-treated PWH. The clinical significance of lipid elevations during TCZ treatment requires further study. Clinical Trials Registration. NCT02049437.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of Transgender Women Switching to B/F/TAF: The (mo)BETTA Trial.

Background: Cardiometabolic disease in transgender women (TW) is affected by gender-affirming hormonal therapies (GAHTs), HIV, and antiretroviral therapy (ART). We evaluated the 48-week safety/tolerability of switching to bictegravir/emtricitabine/tenofovir alafenamide (B/F/TAF) vs continued ART in TW on GAHT. Methods: TW on GAHT and suppressive ART were randomized 1:1 to switch to B/F/TAF (Arm A) or continue current ART (Arm B). Cardiometabolic biomarkers, sex hormones, bone mineral density (BMD) and lean/fat mass by DXA scan, and hepatic fat (controlled continuation parameter [CAP]) were measured. Wilcoxon rank-sum/signed-rank and χ2 tests compared continuous and categorical variables. Results: TW (Arm A n = 12, Arm B n = 9) had a median age of 45 years. Ninety-five percent were non-White; 70% were on elvitegravir or dolutegravir, 57% TAF, 24% abacavir, and 19% TDF; 29% had hypertension, 5% diabetes, and 62% dyslipidemia. There were no adverse events. Arm A/B had 91%/89% undetectable HIV-1 RNA at week 48 (w48). Baseline (BL) osteopenia (Arm A/B 42%/25%) and osteoporosis (17%/13%) were common, without significant changes. BL lean/fat mass were similar. At w48, Arm A had stable lean mass but increased limb (3 lbs) and trunk (3 lbs) fat (within-arm P < .05); fat in Arm B remained stable. No changes occurred in lipid or glucose profiles. Arm B had a greater w48 decrease (-25 vs -3 dB/m; P = .03) in CAP. BL and w48 concentrations of all biomarkers were similar. Conclusions: In this cohort of TW, switch to B/F/TAF was safe and metabolically neutral, though greater fat gain occurred on B/F/TAF. Further study is needed to better understand cardiometabolic disease burden in TW with HIV.

Estrogen May Enhance Toll-Like Receptor 4-Induced Inflammatory Pathways in People With HIV: Implications for Transgender Women on Hormone Therapy.

Background: Transgender women (TW) are at increased risk for both human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Antiretroviral therapy-treated HIV has been associated with a two-fold increased risk of CVD, potentially due to dysregulated Toll-like receptor (TLR)-induced immune activation. Use of estrogens in feminizing hormone therapy (FHT) may enhance inflammatory responses and the risk of cardiovascular mortality in TW. Despite this, the immunomodulatory effects of estrogen use in TW with HIV have been inadequately explored. Methods: As an in vitro model for FHT, cryopreserved PBMCs (cryoPBMCs) from HIV negative (HIV-), HIV+ ART-suppressed (HIV+SP), and HIV+ ART-unsuppressed (HIV+USP) cisgender men were cultured overnight in the presence of 17-ß estradiol or 17-α ethinylestradiol with and without the TLR4 agonist LPS or the TLR8 agonist ssPolyU. Monocyte activation (CD69, HLA-DR, CD38) was assessed by flow cytometry. Cytokine levels (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-10) were measured in cell culture supernatants by Legendplex. Levels of phosphorylated TLR signaling molecules (JNK, MAPK p38) were assessed by Phosflow. Plasma levels of immune activation biomarkers (LPS-binding protein, monocyte activation markers sCD14 and sCD163, and inflammatory molecules IL-6 and TNF-α receptor I) were measured by ELISA. Results: PBMCs from people with HIV (PWH) produced greater levels of inflammatory cytokines following exposure to LPS or ssPolyU compared to levels from cells of HIV- individuals. While estrogen exposure alone induced mild changes in immune activation, LPS-induced TLR4 activation was elevated with estrogen in cisgender men (CM) with HIV, increasing monocyte activation and inflammatory cytokine production (IL-6, TNF-α). Interestingly, testosterone inhibited LPS-induced cytokine production in CM regardless of HIV status. Plasma markers of immune activation and microbial translocation (e.g., sCD14, sCD163, LPS-binding protein) were generally higher in PWH compared to HIV- CM, and these markers were positively associated with in vitro responsiveness to estrogen and LPS in CM with HIV. Conclusions: Our in vitro data suggest that estrogen exposure may enhance innate immune activation in PWH. Further examination is needed to fully understand the complex interactions of FHT, HIV, and CVD in TW, and determine optimal FHT regimens or supplementary treatments aimed at reducing excess immune activation.

A Pilot Study Comparing Aortic Sonography, Flow Cytometry, and Coronary CT.

PURPOSE: To improve cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk prediction by combining screening techniques and to determine whether the combination of sonographic aortic calcification quantification, measurement of aortic intimal thickness, and monocyte laboratory values provides improved diagnostic detection compared with computed tomography (CT) calcium scoring. METHODS: A pre-experimental design was used to collect imaging, demographic, and biometric data. Data were collected from a convenience sample of 11 volunteers aged 40 to 60 years, including 6 men and 5 women. Collected data included anthropometric measures, laboratory values, flow cytometry, coronary artery calcium scores, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) 10-year risk scores, and aortic intimal-medial thickness (IMT). RESULTS: Aortic IMT in the distal portion of the aorta or region 1 was related significantly to mass (r = 0.725, P = .012), body mass index (r = 0.668, P = .025), and ASCVD 10-year risk score (r = 0.747, P = .033). The aortic IMT in mid portion of the aorta or region 2 was related significantly to mass (r = 0.651, P = .030), antihypertensive medications (r = 0.682, P = .021), ASCVD 10-year risk score (r = 0.753, P = .031), and total coronary artery calcification (CAC) (r = 0.626, P = .039). In addition, the proportions of circulating CD14+CD16- (traditional) and CD14+CD16+ (inflammatory) monocytes, and the monocyte surface expression of the adhesion molecules CD11a and CD11c, were correlated with the number of calcifications in regions 1 and 2. DISCUSSION: The use of a modified grading system for sonography provided a nonionizing, noninvasive option to easily assess patients' risks of CVD in an office environment. Although CAC has been used widely as a screening mechanism for CVD, ionizing radiation use might not be justified for those who are asymptomatic. The combination of sonography with flow cytometry demonstrated a promising alternative for assessing CVD risk. CONCLUSION: tBetter quantification of inflammatory markers and atherosclerotic plaques is needed. The combination of noninvasive imaging and advanced laboratory analysis holds promise for assessing and managing CVD risk. This study provides further evidence of the need for continued research with larger sample sizes and diversified populations to improve the quality of CVD risk assessment.

Lipidome Alterations with Exercise Among People With and Without HIV: An Exploratory Study.

Age-related comorbidities and physical function impairments in aging people with HIV (PWH) can be improved through exercise interventions. The mechanisms underlying these improvements, including lipidomic changes, are unknown. Sedentary adults (50-75 years old) with or without HIV participated in supervised endurance/resistance exercise for 24 weeks. Plasma lipid concentrations (∼1,200 lipid species from 13 lipid classes) at baseline and week 24 were measured by mass spectrometry. Given multiple comparisons, unadjusted and Benjamini-Hochberg corrected p values are reported. Analyses are considered exploratory. Twenty-five PWH and 24 controls had paired samples at baseline and week 24. The change in total triacylglycerol (TAG) concentrations after exercise intervention differed between groups (unadj-p = 0.006, adj-p = 0.078) with concentrations increasing among controls, but not among PWH. Changes in concentrations of TAG species composed of long-chain fatty acids differed between groups (unadj-p < 0.04) with increases among controls, but not among PWH. Changes in total diacylglycerol (DAG) concentration from baseline to week 24 differed between groups (unadj-p = 0.03, adj-p = 0.2) with an increase in PWH and a nonsignificant decrease in controls. Baseline to week 24 changes in DAGs composed of palmitic acid (16:0), palmitoleic acid (16:1), and stearic acid (18:0) differed by serostatus (unadj-p = 0.009-0.03; adj-p 0.10-0.12), with nonsignificant increases and decreases in concentrations in PWH and controls, respectively. Concentrations of individual lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) and ceramide (CER) species also differed by HIV serostatus (unadj-p < = 0.05). Although exploratory, the effects of exercise on the lipidome may differ among people with and without HIV, potentially due to underlying alterations in lipid processing and fatty acid oxidation in PWH. Clinical Trials NCT02404792.

Sexual minorities are at elevated risk of cardiovascular disease from a younger age than heterosexuals.

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. In this study, we assessed factors related to cardiovascular disease risk and outcomes among sexual minorities (SM). Data from multiple waves of the PATH study were used in this analysis. Multivariable regression models were used to assess the association between sexual identity and: tobacco or e-cigarette use, adverse cardiovascular events, and age at first diagnosis of adverse cardiovascular disease events. In our sample (N = 23,205), 1,660 (7.15%) participants identified as SM. SM men, relative to heterosexual men, are more likely to be diagnosed with high blood pressure (aRR = 1.27; 95% CI 1.10, 1.47), high cholesterol (aRR = 1.32; 95% CI: 1.12, 1.55), congestive heart failure (aRR = 2.29; 95% CI 1.13, 4.65), stroke (aRR = 2.39; 95% CI: 1.14, 5.04), heart attack (aRR = 2.40; 95% CI 1.42, 4.04), and other heart conditions (aRR = 1.52; 95% CI: 1.06, 2.18). Although no simple differences were observed among SM women compared to heterosexual women, SM women were more likely to be diagnosed at a younger age for high blood pressure (aRR = -0.69; 95% CI - 1.08, - 0.29), high cholesterol (aRR = -0.77; 95% CI - 1.15, - 0.38), stroke (aRR = - 1.04; 95% CI - 1.94, - 0.13), and heart attack (aRR = - 1.26; 95% CI - 2.42, - 0.10). SM men were only diagnosed at a younger age for stroke (aRR = - 1.18; 95% CI - 2.06, - 0.30). Compared to heterosexuals, sexual minorities are at higher risk for cardiovascular disease, more likely to develop cardiovascular disease at an earlier age, and more likely to use tobacco products. Future research should focus on decreasing cardiovascular risk among sexual minorities including reducing tobacco use and stress. Screening recommendations for sexual minority populations should also be reviewed in light of a growing body of literature suggesting elevated risk from a young age.

Levels of Soluble CD14 and Tumor Necrosis Factor Receptors 1 and 2 May Be Predictive of Death in Severe Coronavirus Disease 2019.

People infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 display a wide range of illness, from asymptomatic infection to severe respiratory distress resulting in death. We measured serum biomarkers in uninfected individuals and in individuals with mild, moderate, or critical coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) disease. Levels of monocyte activation (soluble CD14 and fatty acid-binding protein 4) and inflammation (tumor necrosis factor receptors 1 and 2 [TNFR1 and TNFR2]) were increased in COVID-19 individuals, regardless of disease severity. Among patients with critical disease, individuals who recovered from COVID-19 had lower levels of TNFR1 and TNFR2 at hospital admission compared to these levels in patients with critical disease who ultimately died.

Macrophage maturation from blood monocytes is altered in people with HIV, and is linked to serum lipid profiles and activation indices: A model for studying atherogenic mechanisms.

People with HIV (PWH) are at increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). Proportions of vascular homing monocytes are enriched in PWH; however, little is known regarding monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) that may drive atherosclerosis in this population. We isolated PBMCs from people with and without HIV, and cultured these cells for 5 days in medium containing autologous serum to generate MDMs. Differential gene expression (DGE) analysis of MDMs from PWH identified broad alterations in innate immune signaling (IL-1ß, TLR expression, PPAR ßδ) and lipid processing (LXR/RXR, ACPP, SREBP1). Transcriptional changes aligned with the functional capabilities of these cells. Expression of activation markers and innate immune receptors (CD163, TLR4, and CD300e) was altered on MDMs from PWH, and these cells produced more TNFα, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) than did cells from people without HIV. MDMs from PWH also had greater lipid accumulation and uptake of oxidized LDL. PWH had increased serum levels of free fatty acids (FFAs) and ceramides, with enrichment of saturated FAs and a reduction in polyunsaturated FAs. Levels of lipid classes and species that are associated with CVD correlated with unique DGE signatures and altered metabolic pathway activation in MDMs from PWH. Here, we show that MDMs from PWH display a pro-atherogenic phenotype; they readily form foam cells, have altered transcriptional profiles, and produce mediators that likely contribute to accelerated ASCVD.

In Vitro Exposure of Leukocytes to HIV Preexposure Prophylaxis Decreases Mitochondrial Function and Alters Gene Expression Profiles.

The use of antiretroviral therapy (ART) as preexposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is an effective strategy for preventing HIV acquisition. The cellular consequences of PrEP exposure, however, have not been sufficiently explored to determine potential effects on health in individuals without HIV. In this study, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from people without HIV were exposed to tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF) or emtricitabine (FTC) overnight. Mitochondrial mass and function were measured by flow cytometry and an Agilent XFp analyzer. Monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) were differentiated in 20% autologous serum for 5 days in the presence or absence of TDF or FTC, and surface markers, lipid uptake, and efferocytosis were measured by flow cytometry. MDM gene expression was measured using transcriptome sequencing (RNA-seq). Plasma lipids were measured using mass spectrometry. PBMCs exposed to TDF or FTC had decreased maximal oxygen consumption rate (OCR) and reduced mitochondrial mass. Exposure to PrEP also increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production from monocyte subsets. Compared to MDMs cultured in medium alone, cells differentiated in the presence of TDF (829 genes) or FTC (888 genes) had significant changes in gene expression. Further, PrEP-exposed MDMs had decreased mitochondrial mass and displayed increased lipid uptake and reduced efferocytosis. Plasma biomarkers and lipid levels were also altered in vivo in individuals receiving a PrEP regimen. In conclusion, exposure of leukocytes to TDF or FTC resulted in decreased mitochondrial function and altered functional and transcriptional profiles. These findings may have important implications for the metabolic and immunologic consequences of PrEP in populations at risk for HIV acquisition.

CX3CL1 and IL-15 Promote CD8 T cell chemoattraction in HIV and in atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) remains an important cause of morbidity in the general population and risk for ASCVD is increased approximately 2-fold in persons living with HIV infection (PLWH). This risk is linked to elevated CD8 T cell counts that are abundant in atherosclerotic plaques and have been implicated in disease pathogenesis yet the mechanisms driving T cell recruitment to and activation within plaques are poorly defined. Here we investigated the role of CD8 T cells in atherosclerosis in a non-human primate model of HIV infection and in the HIV-uninfected elderly; we sought to identify factors that promote the activation, function, and recruitment to endothelium of CX3CR1+ CD8 T cells. We measured elevated expression of CX3CL1 and IL-15, and increased CD8 T cell numbers in the aortas of rhesus macaques infected with SIV or SHIV, and demonstrated similar findings in atherosclerotic vessels of HIV-uninfected humans. We found that recombinant TNF enhanced the production and release of CX3CL1 and bioactive IL-15 from aortic endothelial cells, but not from aortic smooth muscle cells. IL-15 in turn promoted CX3CR1 surface expression on and TNF synthesis by CD8 T cells, and IL-15-treated CD8 T cells exhibited enhanced CX3CL1-dependent chemoattraction toward endothelial cells in vitro. Finally, we show that CD8 T cells in human atherosclerotic plaques have an activated, resident phenotype consistent with in vivo IL-15 and CX3CL1 exposure. In this report, we define a novel model of CD8 T cell involvement in atherosclerosis whereby CX3CL1 and IL-15 operate in tandem within the vascular endothelium to promote infiltration by activated CX3CR1+ memory CD8 T cells that drive further endothelial activation via TNF. We propose that these interactions are prevalent in aging and in PLWH, populations where circulating activated CX3CR1+ CD8 T cell numbers are often expanded.