scholarly journals ACE2, TMPRSS2 and L-SIGN expression in placentae from HIV-positive pregnancies exposed to antiretroviral therapy–implications for SARS-CoV-2 placental infection

Author(s):  
Smriti Kala ◽  
Ksenia Meteleva ◽  
Lena Serghides

Abstract Background SARS-CoV-2 binding receptor ACE2 and the spike protein priming protease TMPRSS2 are co-expressed in human placentae. It is unknown whether their expression is altered in the context of HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods We compared mRNA levels of SARS-CoV-2 cell-entry mediators ACE2, TMPRSS2 and L-SIGN (an alternative entry receptor) by qPCR in 105 placentae: 45 from pregnant women with HIV (WHIV) exposed to protease inhibitor (PI)-based ART, 17 from WHIV on non-PI-based ART, and 43 from HIV-uninfected women. Results ACE2 levels were lower, while L-SIGN levels were higher in placentae from WHIV on PI-based ART as compared to those on non-PI-based ART and to HIV-uninfected women. TMPRSS2 levels were similar between groups. Black race was significantly associated with lower expression of ACE2 and higher expression of L-SIGN. ACE2 levels were significantly higher in placentae of female fetuses. Discussion We have identified pregnant women of Black race and WHIV who are on PI-based ART to have relatively lower expression of placental ACE2 than those of White race and HIV-uninfected women. This effect may potentially contribute to altered susceptibility to COVID-19 in these women, either favorably; by reduced viral entry, or detrimentally; by loss of ACE2 protection against hyperinflammation.

Acta Tropica ◽  
2012 ◽  
Vol 124 (3) ◽  
pp. 179-184 ◽  
Author(s):  
Emil Ivan ◽  
Nigel J. Crowther ◽  
Aniceth T. Rucogoza ◽  
Lawrence O. Osuwat ◽  
Elizaphane Munyazesa ◽  
...  

2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dawit Jember Tesfaye ◽  
Desalegn Tsegaw Hibistu ◽  
Teshome Abuka Abebo ◽  
Feleke Tafesse Asfaw ◽  
Kaleegziabher Lukas ◽  
...  

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
pp. 215013272090256
Author(s):  
Temesgen Aferu ◽  
Gatluak Doang ◽  
Ameha Zewudie ◽  
Tadesse Nigussie

Background: The introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy has not only improved longevity in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)–infected individuals but in addition has had a significant impact on the rate of mother-to-child transmission of the infection. Objective: To assess antiretroviral therapy adherence among HIV-positive pregnant women on follow-up at antiretroviral therapy clinic of Mizan Tepi University Teaching and Tepi General Hospitals. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was undertaken in antiretroviral therapy clinics of Mizan Tepi University Teaching and Tepi General Hospitals from April to May 2018. Data were collected through face to face interview using structured and pretested questionnaires and analyzed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20. Results: Majority of the patients had good adherence to their antiretroviral therapy, 68 (66.00%). Medication side effects, 12 (34.00%) and forgetfulness and distance of the hospital from home, each accounting 11 (31.00%) were the main reasons for nonadherence among nonadherent patients. Frequency of counseling ( P = .000), CD4 count (χ2 = 37.529, P = .000), World Health Organization’s clinical stage (χ2 = 17.515, P = .000), stigma (χ2 = 70.426, P = .000), and family support (χ2 = 46.383, P = .000) were found to be associated with patients’ medication adherence. Conclusion: The overall patient adherence to antiretroviral therapy in the study facilities was good. Collaborative work among patients, health care organizations, and the public are necessary to tackle the adherence obstacles and enhance patient adherence to the prescribed medication.


2020 ◽  
Vol 14 (08) ◽  
pp. 901-907
Author(s):  
Tung-Che Hung ◽  
Li-Cheng Lu ◽  
Mei-Hui Lin ◽  
Yu-Chia Hu ◽  
Chien-Yu Cheng ◽  
...  

Introduction: This study determined risk factors, obstetric comorbidities, and fetal conditions among HIV-positive mothers to improve their maternal care. Methodology: This retrospective case-control study included HIV-positive pregnant women 18 years of age or older and age-, parity-, and delivery method-matched HIV-negative controls between 2011 and 2018. Those who had stillbirth were excluded. Baseline demographics, labor process, CD4 count, plasma HIV viral load, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimen were recorded. Fetal conditions were recorded as well. Results: Forty HIV-positive women (45 parities; 22 via NSD, 23 via C/S) were included, with 45 HIV-negative parities as controls. Twenty-nine (72.5%) HIV-positive women had illicit drug use. In the HIV-positive group, 17% received ART prior to first perinatal visit, and 75.6% reached viral suppression pre-delivery. Zidovudine and ritonavir-boosted lopinavir were the majorly prescribed ART. Mild perineal lacerations via NSD were observed in HIV-positive women. Fetal body weight was lower in HIV- and ART-exposed fetuses (2665 vs 3010 g, p < 0.001). Preterm delivery PTB (28.9% vs 8.9%, p= 0.015) and small-for gestational age SGA (28.9% vs 8.8%, p = 0.003) rates were higher in the HIV-positive group. There was no vertical transmission of HIV. Conclusions: HIV-positive women tend to deliver fetuses with low body weight and have higher SGA and PTB rates. Given that most women received zidovudine and protease inhibitors, benefits of newer agents for HIV-positive pregnancies should be studied.


2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
pp. 81-92
Author(s):  
Cedrina L. Calder ◽  
Heather O ◽  
Mohammad Tabatabai ◽  
Celia J. Maxwell ◽  
Salisha Marryshow ◽  
...  

Objective: Adherence to combination antiretroviral therapy (ART) among pregnant women is essential to attaining the goal of eliminating mother-to-child HIV transmission. The objective of this study was to determine which factors affect adherence to ART among HIV-positive women enrolled in a large prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission (PMTCT) trial in rural north-central Nigeria. Methods: The parent study included 372 HIV-positive pregnant women enrolled in a cluster-randomized control trial conducted at 12 health facilities in Nigeria between 2013 and 2015. This secondary analysis included HIV-positive women (and their infants) from the original trial with documented adherence data (n=210, 56.5%). The primary outcome was maternal adherence to ART, determined by self-report and based on the visual analogue scale (VAS) of a validated medication adherence tool. Participants with a VAS score of ? 95% were classified as adherent. We employed multivariate logistic regression to evaluate the predictors of maternal ART adherence in the study sample. Results: Approximately 61.0% of study participants (128/210) were adherent to ART. The majority of adherent participants (62.5%, 80/128) were enrolled in the trial intervention arm. The most common cited response for non-adherence was fear of status disclosure. Adherence to ART was associated with study arm (intervention arm vs. control arm, adjusted Odds Ratio (aOR) [95% CI]: 16.95 [5.30-54.23]), maternal ethnicity (Gwari vs. Other, aOR = 0.13 [0.05-0.38]), and partner HIV status (HIV-positive vs. unknown, aOR = 3.14 [1.22-8.07]). Conclusion and Global Health Implications: Adherence to ART among a cohort of pregnant women enrolled in a PMTCT trial in rural North-Central Nigeria was associated with trial arm, maternal self- reported ethnicity, and partner


2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Dereje Bayissa Demissie ◽  
Gizachew Abdissa Bulto ◽  
Wagi Tosisa Mekuria ◽  
Fikru Negassa Dufera

Abstract Abstract Background: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is effective for elimination of mother-to-child transmission (eMTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, reducing infant mortality and ensuring maternal virologic suppression. While pregnant women require lifelong ART immediately they test HIV positive (“test and treat”) under Option B+ programs, eMTCT programs face challenges and information on the relationship between the time to ART initiation following HIV testing and treatment outcomes is limited in Ethiopia Methods: A quantitative prospective cohort design was employed to conduct the study. Five randomly selected Hospitals providing Option B+ services with routine viral load assessment by Oromia regional Laboratory (ORL) from January 2016 to January 2017 was randomly selected. Bivariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to determine factors affecting the time to ART initiation following an HIV test and logistic regression used to determine the correlation between time and treatment outcomes. Results: The study results produced and evidence of a mean VL (copies/ml) of 197.27 copies/ml. Respondents that were on ART for a shorter period ≤37 months had the least proportion of women 31% were suppressed with VL<1000 copies/ml compared to those on ART for >38 months (58.7%) were suppressed. The median (IQR) CD4 count change or difference among women that had initial and last CD4 was 581 cells/μl and mean of current CD4 count 629.17ceels/ml3 and more than 85.3% had increase CD4 count. Therefore, in this study identified that factors associated with viral load response were poor /fair adherence missing doses in the past month, missing appointments, baseline CD4 and maternal months on ART were statistically significant among HIV positive pregnant women that initiated lifelong ART on option B+ in Ethiopia. Conclusion: The study results demonstrated that HIV positive pregnant women Study results indicate that majority of the respondents 89.7% were suppressed of which 80.3% were undetectable (VL= 0 copies /ml3 and 85.3% had increased CD4 count and 10.3% were not suppressed (VL >1000 copies/ml). Therefore, strategies aimed at improving adherence among women on option B+ are to ensure that these women achieve adequate immunological outcomes. Keywords: ART Initiation Pregnant Women Option B +, Viral Load, CD4 Count


Author(s):  
Evarista Odaburhine Osime ◽  
Catherine Obar

<p><strong>BACKGROUND</strong></p><p>Various studies have examined optimal methods for Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and subsequent outcome of response to highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) as well as the impact of pregnancy on outcomes of HIV in the Pre-HAART era. Little is known of the impact of pregnancy in response to HAART in Africa. This study is aimed to evaluate euglobulin lysis time (ELT), protein C and protein S in HIV-positive pregnant women on HAART.</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>METHODS</strong></p><p>This was a cross-sectional study comprised of 150 participants attending Ante-Natal Clinic (ANC) in Central Hospital, Benin City. Pregnant women on HAART (Test subjects) (n=50, mean age 34 years), 50 pregnant newly diagnosed HIV-positive women that had not yet commenced HAART (n=50, mean age 31 years) and 50 pregnant HIV-negative women (n=50, mean age 30 years) which served as controls. The ELT was determined by methods described by Bain, protein C and protein S were determined using Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA).</p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>RESULTS</strong></p><p>There was a significant increase in ELT in both pregnant women on HAART and not on HAART) when compared to HIV-negative pregnant women (p&lt;0.05). There was a significant decrease in protein C in test subjects when compared with controls (p&lt;0.05) and protein S increased significantly in HIV-positive pregnant women on HAART when compared to those not on HAART and HIV-negative pregnant women (p&lt;0.05).<strong> </strong></p><p><strong> </strong></p><p><strong>CONCLUSION</strong></p>There are changes in ELT, protein C and protein S parameters with the introduction of HAART in pregnancy.


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