HIV-1 Transgene Expression Causes Lung Damage in Rats
Author Information
Author(s): Lassiter Coy, Fan Xian, Joshi Pratibha C, Jacob Barbara A, Sutliff Roy L, Jones Dean P, Koval Michael, Guidot David M
Primary Institution: Emory University School of Medicine
Hypothesis
The study aims to determine the effects of HIV-1 transgene expression in rats on alveolar epithelial barrier function.
Conclusion
HIV-related proteins cause oxidant stress and alter the expression of critical tight junction proteins in the alveolar epithelium, resulting in barrier dysfunction.
Supporting Evidence
- HIV-1 transgene expression caused oxidant stress within the alveolar space.
- The expression of tight junction proteins zonula occludens-1 and occludin was decreased in HIV-1 transgenic rats.
- Treating alveolar epithelial monolayers with recombinant gp120 or Tat reproduced effects on tight junction protein expression.
Takeaway
Rats with HIV-1 genes showed lung damage because their lungs couldn't protect themselves from harmful substances, even though there was no obvious inflammation.
Methodology
The study assessed lung liquid clearance in vivo and alveolar epithelial monolayer permeability in vitro, along with measuring oxidant stress markers.
Limitations
The study did not examine other potential contributors to oxidant stress and was limited to specific inflammatory markers.
Participant Demographics
Male HIV-1 transgenic Fischer 344 rats and Fischer 344 wild type rats.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.0016
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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