A randomized controlled trial of lisinopril to decrease lymphoid fibrosis in antiretroviral-treated, HIV-infected individuals

Leslie R. Cockerham, Steven A. Yukl, Kara Harvill, Ma Somsouk, Sunil K. Joshi, Elizabeth Sinclair, Teri Liegler, Rebecca Hoh, Sophie Lyons, Peter W. Hunt, Adam Rupert, Irini Sereti, David R. Morcock, Ajantha Rhodes, Claire Emson, Marc K. Hellerstein, Jacob D. Estes, Sharon Lewin, Steven G. Deeks, Hiroyu Hatano

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Scopus citations

Abstract

Background: In HIV infection, lymphoid tissue is disrupted by fibrosis. Angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors have anti-fibrotic properties. We completed a pilot study to assess whether the addition of lisinopril to antiretroviral therapy (ART) reverses fibrosis of gut tissue, and whether this leads to reduction of HIV RNA and DNA levels. Methods: Thirty HIV-infected individuals on ART were randomized to lisinopril at 20mg daily or matching placebo for 24 weeks. All participants underwent rectal biopsies prior to starting the study drug and at 22 weeks, and there were regular blood draws. The primary end point was the change in HIV RNA and DNA levels in rectal tissue. Secondary outcomes included the change in 1) HIV levels in blood; 2) Gag-specific T-cell responses; 3) levels of T-cell activation; and 4) collagen deposition. Results: The addition of lisinopril did not have a significant effect on the levels of HIV RNA or DNA in gut tissue or blood, Gag-specific responses, or levels of T-cell activation. Lisinopril also did not have a significant impact on lymphoid fibrosis in the rectum, as assessed by quantitative histology or heavy water labeling. Conclusions: Treatment with lisinopril for 24 weeks in HIV-infected adults did not have an effect on lymphoid fibrosis, immune activation, or gut tissue viral reservoirs. Further study is needed to see if other anti-fibrotic agents may be useful in reversing lymphoid fibrosis and reducing HIV levels.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)310-334
Number of pages25
JournalPathogens and Immunity
Volume2
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2017
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents/*therapeutic use
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Disease Reser-voirs/*virology
  • HIV
  • Immunology
  • Lymphoid fibrosis
  • T-cell activation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Immunology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Microbiology (medical)
  • Infectious Diseases

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