Increased soluble markers of endothelial dysfunction in HIV-positive patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy

Higher levels of soluble adhesion molecules have been found before the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV-positive compared with HIV-negative patients. To evaluate the impact of HAART on endothelial function we measured the plasmatic concentrations of soluble adhesion molecules in 120 HIV-positive patients. Concentrations of P-selectin and fibrinolytic factors were significantly higher in HAART patients, whereas soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 did not differ significantly. HAART may induce an activation of endothelial function both directly and indirectly through lipid alterations.