Vagal dysfunction and small intestinal bacterial overgrowth: novel pathways to chronic inflammation in HIV.

ABSTRACT:

Objective

Chronic inflammation in HIV-infected individuals drives disease progression and the development of comorbidities, despite viral suppression with combined antiretroviral therapy. Here, we sought evidence that vagal dysfunction, which occurs commonly as part of HIV-associated autonomic neuropathy, could exacerbate inflammation through gastrointestinal dysmotility, small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), and alterations in patterns of soluble immune mediators.

Design

This is a cross-sectional observational study.

Methods

Forty participants on stable combined antiretroviral therapy with gastrointestinal symptoms, and no causes for vagal or gastrointestinal dysfunction other than HIV, underwent autonomic testing, hydrogen/methane breath testing for SIBO, an

SUBMITTER: Robinson-Papp J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5945300 | biostudies-literature | 2018 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature