Research Team
Barbara Swanson, Principal Investigator, Rush CON
Joyce Keithley, Co-Investigator, Rush CON
Linda Baum, Co-Investigator, Rush Medical College
Sue Leurgans, Co-Investigator, Rush Medical College
Oluwatoyin Adeyemi, Co-Investigator, Rush Medical College
Lisa L. Barnes, Co-Investigator, Rush Medical College
Mariana Mata, Co-Investigator, Yale University
Anneliese Rosdil, Co-Investigator, Rush CON
Award Period
02/01/14 – 01/31/15
Funding Source
National Institutes of Health/National Institute of Minority Health and Health Disparities P50 Pilot Project
Abstract
HIV infection is associated with the premature onset of age-associated co-morbidities such as non-AIDS malignancies and cardiovascular disease. These co-morbidities have been linked to persistently elevated serum levels of proinflammatory cytokines that mimic an aging phenotype known as "inflamm-aging." In both middle-aged HIV+ persons and older HIV seronegative adults, inflamm-aging is associated with more limited T cell repertoires and increased risk for morbidities and mortality. Our hypothesis is that inflamm-aging is responsible for the premature immune senescence associated with HIV infection in aging individuals. Immune senescence, characterized by diminished replicative capacity, has been observed in middle-aged persons treated with highly active antiretroviral therapy (H/VKRT) who achieve immune reconstitution and undetectable viral loads. Senescent cells are characterized by the absence of the surface marker CD28, and in advanced senescence express CD57 (CD28-/CD57+ phenotype). Fish oil may be an effective treatment option for reducing HIV-related inflamm-aging. Cold water fish are rich in the omega-3 fatty acids eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), which have anti-inflammatory effects.. We propose a 12-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to explore the safety and estimate the effect size of fish oil to modulate parameters of inflamm-aging and immune senescence in a well-characterized cohort of 38 HIV+ AA. Participants will be between the ages of 50 and 65, on stable H/\ART, and with inflammation evidenced by elevated plasma concentrations of interleukln-6 (IL-6) or high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Participants will be recruited from the Rush Center of Excellence on Disparities in HIV and Aging (Rush CEDHA). Each participant will be randomized to receive either 1.6 grams daily of EPA and DHA (800 mg of EPA and 800 mg of DHA), or a placebo identical in appearance for 12 weeks. We will measure (a) soluble markers of inflammation: TNF-alpha, lL-6, and gamma IFN; and (b) markers of immune senescence: CD28 and CD57 expression on CD8+ and CD4+ T lymphocyte cells. At baseline and 4 and 12 weeks post-baseline, we will measure safety parameters.