Network modeling suggests HIV infection phenocopies PI3K-AKT pathway mutations to enhance HPV-associated cervical cancer.

Women coinfected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and human papillomavirus (HPV) are six times as likely to develop invasive cervical carcinoma compared to those without HIV. Unlike other HIV-associated cancers, the risk of cervical cancer development does not change when HPV/HIV coinfected women begin antiretroviral therapy, suggesting HIV-associated immune suppression is not a key driver of cervical cancer development in coinfected women. Here, we investigated whether the persistent secretion of inflammatory factors in HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy could enhance cancer signaling in HPV-infected cervical cells endocrine mechanisms.

Apolipoprotein E genetic variation, atherogenic index and cardiovascular disease risk assessment in an African population: An analysis of HIV and malaria patients in Ghana.

Background: Apolipoprotein E is involved in lipid transport and clearance of lipoprotein through low-density lipoprotein receptors (LDLR). ApoE variation has been linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. There are 3 isoforms of ApoE which originate from two non-synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms denoted as ε2, ε3 and ε4.

Psychometric assessment of HIV stigma in patients attending a tertiary facility: An initial validation of the Berger HIV stigma scale in a Ghanaian perspective.

Background: HIV-related stigma and discrimination are major challenges to people living with HIV (PLWHIV) and are due to misconceptions. Due to socioeconomic variations, there is increased stigma experienced by PLWHIV in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). Stigma affects adherence to antiretroviral medications by PLWHIV and defeats the goal of achieving viral suppression.

Zero malaria: a mirage or reality for populations of sub-Saharan Africa in health transition.

The global burden of malaria continues to be a significant public health concern. Despite advances made in therapeutics for malaria, there continues to be high morbidity and mortality associated with this infectious disease. Sub-Saharan Africa continues to be the most affected by the disease, but unfortunately the region is burdened with indigent health systems.

Cyclin L2 is a critical HIV dependency factor in macrophages that controls SAMHD1 abundance.

The restriction factor SAMHD1 limits HIV-1 replication in noncycling cells. SIV and HIV-2 overcome this restriction via the accessory protein Vpx, which targets SAMHD1 for degradation through interactions with the host ubiquitin ligase adaptor DCAF1. However, the factors used by HIV-1 to replicate in macrophages, despite the presence of the restriction factor SAMHD1, are unknown.