Use of EndoPAT for Measurements of Endothelial Dysfunction in HIV Infected Children and Healthy Controls

Study Objectives and Hypothesis Our objective is to determine whether HIV infected youth
have higher level of endothelial dysfunction, as measured by Peripheral Arterial Tonometry,
when compared to age matched healthy controls. We also aim to gather preliminary data on
whether endoPAT measurements of endothelial dysfunction are independently associated with
HIV and antiretroviral factors, and with markers of inflammation and traditional
cardiovascular disease risk.

Specific Aim 1:

To compare endothelial function, as measured by endoPAT, between HIV-infected youth and
matched healthy controls.

Hypothesis: HIV infected youths will have impaired endothelial function compared to age
matched healthy controls.

Specific Aim 2:

To determine risk factors of endothelial dysfunction by evaluating: 1) risk factors specific
to HIV such as disease stage, cluster of differentiation 4 (CD4) count, HIV viral load,
specific ART regimen, perinatally acquired versus behaviorally acquired infection; 2)
markers of cardiovascular disease risk such as smoking, lipid levels, insulin resistance; 3)
markers of inflammation and immune activation Hypothesis: Endothelial dysfunction will
correlate with advanced HIV disease stage, use of protease inhibitors and worse traditional
cardiovascular disease risk factors including lipids, insulin resistance, and smoking.

Specific Aim 3:

To assess whether endothelial function changes over a period of 24 weeks in HIV infected
youths and controls.

Hypothesis: Endothelial dysfunction will progress over time in HIV-infected children but not
in healthy controls.

Study Design This is a 24-week observational cohort study to gather preliminary data on the
prevalence and risk factors for endothelial dysfunction in HIV-infected youths. Children
enrolled will be between the ages of 8 and 30 years and either congenitally or behaviorally
infected with HIV, on continuous ART for at least 6 months and with HIV-1 RNA <1,000
copies/mL. We will also enroll an age- and gender-matched group of healthy controls. A total
of 50 HIV-infected children/young adults and 50 matched controls will be enrolled.

Evaluations will be performed at two time points: baseline and week 24. At both visits,
evaluations will be similar. We will collect demographic data and medical history including
date of birth, sex, gender, CD4 cell count nadir, past and current ART and non-ART
medication history, HIV stage based on the CDC guidelines, HIV diagnosis date and method of
HIV acquisition, alcohol, smoking and drug habits, as well as family history of
cardiovascular disease or diabetes. We will record clinical measurements including blood
pressure, physical examination abnormalities, waist and hip circumferences and tanner stage.
Subjects will undergo laboratory measurements of lipids levels and markers of insulin
resistance in a fasting state (>8 hrs fast except for water and medications), as well as
inflammation and immune activation markers (hsCRP, Interleukin 6 or IL-6, sCD14). HIV RNA
and CD4 cell count will be collected from clinical records. Plasma and serum will be stored
for possible future measurements of other inflammation and cardiovascular markers. We will
perform endothelial function measurements by PAT as recommended by the manufacturer.

Controls will be recruited from the community using Institutional Review Board
(IRB)-approved flyers, as uninfected siblings or relatives of the HIV-infected patients, or
from physician referrals.

Inclusion Criteria:

- For HIV+ group:

- age 8-30 years of age

- HIV infection

- On continuous ART for at least 6 months

- HIV-1 RNA < 1,000 copies/mL performed in the past 5 months

For healthy controls:

- age and gender matched 1:1 to HIV-positive subjects

- absence of known HIV or other medical conditions that may affect systemic
inflammation

- Not receiving or prescribed any regular chronic medications.

Exclusion Criteria:

- - Active illness or regular medication

- Diabetes

- Known coronary artery disease

- Pregnancy and or lactation