Direkte und indirekte atherogene Effekte der HIV-Infektion und antiretroviralen Therapie

Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has led to a significant decrease in HIV-associated morbidity and mortality. Clinical data, however, suggest that both HIV infection and HAART may be associated with an increased cardiovascular risk. A variety of excellent review articles have been published on clinical evidence regarding cardiovascular events in HIV-positive and HAART-treated patients. The underlying mechanisms of the cellular and metabolic alterations in HIV-infected patients remain unclear. This article outlines the general pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and describes the potential role of HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy on direct and indirect effects in atherogenesis.