Impact Of HIV Infection And Treatment With Highly Active Retroviral Therapy On Reverse Cholesterol Transport
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$339,375.00
Summary
HIV has been found to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. The introduction of new treatment for HIV resulted in a dramatic improvement in morbidity and mortality of HIV-infected patients, but paradoxically cardiovascular complications became more frequent and severe. It is not currently clear whether increased cardiovascular risk is due to long lasting HIV or due to the impact of therapy. In both cases a major complication of HIV and-or therapy is rapid development of a ....HIV has been found to be associated with increased risk of cardiovascular diseases. The introduction of new treatment for HIV resulted in a dramatic improvement in morbidity and mortality of HIV-infected patients, but paradoxically cardiovascular complications became more frequent and severe. It is not currently clear whether increased cardiovascular risk is due to long lasting HIV or due to the impact of therapy. In both cases a major complication of HIV and-or therapy is rapid development of atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the cause of more than half of heart diseases, which is a leading cause of death in Western societies. Atherosclerosis develops when cholesterol is deposited within artery walls, causing the formation of a fatty plaque and restricting blood flow. The mechanism behind the effect of HIV and its treatment on development of atherosclerosis is unknown. This project is designed to investigate how and why HIV infection and its treatment results in this increased risk of cardiovascular disease.Read moreRead less
I conduct and collaborate in randomized trials and observational cohort studies evaluating the toxicities (types, pathogenesis, risk factors, treatment and prevention) of HIV antiretroviral therapy. In particular, I study the main metabolic complications
Social Norms Regarding HIV-STI Risk And Risk Reduction Behaviours Among Men Who Have Sex With Men In Australia
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$692,269.00
Summary
In Australia, 85% of HIV infections are due to male homosexual contact. HIV-STI risk behaviour of individual gay-community-attached men has been well-studied, but social norms regarding behaviours are less well understood. We will collect new data about the norms regarding HIV-STI risk and risk reduction behaviours and compare their communication in gay communities in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth. This study will provide information to better target HIV prevention and promote safe sex among men.