TERT single nucleotide polymorphism rs2736098 but not rs2736100 is associated with telomere length in HIV-infected patients on cART.

Background: Continuous application of "combination antiretroviral therapy" (cART) has transformed Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection into a manageable chronic disease; however, due to lasting inflammation and cumulative toxicity, progressive pathophysiological changes do occur and potentially lead to accelerated aging, among others, contributing to telomere shortening. The single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) rs2736100 and rs2736098 are particularly important for human telomerase (TERT) gene expression. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of clinical parameters and single nucleotide polymorphisms in TERT (rs2736100 and rs2736098) on telomere length in HIV-infected patients.

Association between Combination Antiretroviral Therapy and Telomere Length in People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus.

Long-term exposure to combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) may be associated with accelerated ageing. Telomere length is considered to be reliable aging biomarker. The aim of this study was to compare patients' relative telomere length (RTL) between and within different cART classes and to estimate the impact of certain HIV-related variables on RTL.

HIV-Infected Patients as a Model of Aging.

We appraised the relationship between the biological and the chronological age and estimated the rate of biological aging in HIV-infected patients. Two independent biomarkers, the relative telomere length and iron metabolism parameters, were analyzed in younger (<35) and older (>50) HIV-infected and uninfected patients (control group). In our control group, telomeres of younger patients were significantly longer than telomeres of older ones.

Chronic Kidney Disease and Nephrology Care in People Living with HIV in Central/Eastern Europe and Neighbouring Countries-Cross-Sectional Analysis from the ECEE Network.

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The Central and East Europe (CEE) region consists of countries with highly diversified HIV epidemics, health care systems and socioeconomic status. The aim of the present study was to describe variations in CKD burden and care between countries.

HIV-1 subtype B spread through cross-border clusters in the Balkans: a molecular analysis in view of incidence trends.

Objectives: To analyze phylogenetic relations and assess the role of cross-border clusters in the spread of HIV-1 subtype B across the Balkans, given the general trends of new HIV diagnoses in seven Balkan countries.

Design: Retrospective phylogenetic and trend analysis.

Methods: In-depth phylogenetic, phylodynamic and phylogeographic analysis performed on 2415 HIV-1 subtype B sequences from 1999 to 2019 using maximal likelihood and Bayesian methods.