Association Between Inflammation and Coagulation Biomarkers and Carotid Atherosclerosis Among Treated People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus

Background Atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a common cause of morbidity among people with human immunodeficiency virus (PWH) who initiate antiretroviral therapy (ART). Little is known about the roles of inflammation in atherosclerotic CVD among PWH. Methods This cross-sectional evaluation included 178 PWH between 40 and 70 years on stable (>3 months) ART who were derived from the ongoing, prospective cohort for Comparative HIV and Aging Research in Taizhou (CHART), China, from February 2017 to August 2018. Carotid intima-media thickness (cIMT) >= 1 mm was considered as cIMT thickening indicative of atherosclerotic CVD. Plasma inflammation and coagulation biomarkers were quantified by a multiplex bead cytokine assay for 27 cytokines and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) for soluble CD14 and D-dimer, respectively. We performed a series of multiparametric analyses of biomarkers and developed a composite score for atherosclerotic CVD assessment among PWH. Results Of 178 PWH, 53 (30.9%) had cIMT thickening. In multivariable logistic analysis adjusting for CVD and human immunodeficiency virus-specific risk factors, interleukin (IL)-4 (odds ratio [OR] = 19.0; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.6-226.5), IL-7 (OR = 16.7; 95% CI, 1.8-151.7), IL-10 (OR = 11.9; 95% CI, 2.0-72.1), and D-dimer (OR = 3.1; 95% CI, 1.0-10.1) were significantly associated with cIMT thickening. We also developed a composite score incorporating markers (IL-7, IL-10, D-dimer, and hypertension) that accurately evaluated atherosclerotic CVD. Conclusions The associations of IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, and D-dimer with atherosclerosis underscores research needs to further understand the inflammatory mechanisms in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis CVD among treated PWH. The composite score for atherosclerotic CVD assessment could be useful for risk stratification in PWH. Plasma levels of IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, and D-dimer are indicative of atherosclerosis among treated PWH. Composite score with integration of certain plasma inflammatory biomarkers such as IL-7, IL-10, D-dimer, and hypertension could differentiate treated PWH with or without atherosclerosis CVD.