Cholesterol-lowering drug may slow the progression of HIV

A recent clinical trial, which was published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, found that the cholesterol-lowering drug atorvastatin (statin) may help slow the progression of HIV and increase manageability for patients.

Although the study was not directly aimed at learning the clinical benefits of statin, a reduction in several immune activation markers and T cells was noted.

HIV patients who were given a high dose of the drug showed an inhibition in the expression of cellular markers of immune activation and inflammation, which in turn inhibits the progression of the virus.

When untreated, HIV can progress through two main stages before becoming diagnosable as AIDS. Acute infections include those between 2 and 4 weeks old. Large amounts of the virus are produced in the body at this time, according to AIDS.gov. Acute infections then progress into a stage known as clinical latency. Individuals may suffer from symptoms towards the end of this stage, which can last up to eight years. A person will then progress to AIDS if their blood cell count falls below 200 cells per cubic millimeter of blood, the website stated.

To ensure early detection of HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases, individuals who think they may be infected may consider using online testing services.