Leptin in HIV associated vascular diseases

PROJECT NARRATIVE Atherosclerosis-associated cardiovascular diseases are currently the leading cause of death in HIV patients under antiretroviral therapy. However, the molecular mechanisms predisposing HIV+ patients to atherosclerosis remain poorly defined and unstudied. The proposed study will combine the use of novel genetically engineered animal models with discarded human samples, cultured endothelial cells and pharmacological approaches to decipher the respective contribution of viral infection and antiretroviral therapy to the formation of atherosclerotic lesions.