The search for cofactors in AIDS, including an analysis of the association of nitrite inhalant abuse and Kaposi's sarcoma.

Abstract

The identification of cofactors in AIDS is a challenging scientific task. If successful, identifying cofactors could prove valuable in understanding the pathogenesis of HIV infection and AIDS and in the development of strategies to prolong survival and/or prevent complications in HIV-infected individuals. There is sufficient evidence to suggest the existence of a cofactor in KS in AIDS. Nitrite inhalants remain a leading candidate to be the KS cofactor. Until more is known to document or refute this specific virus-drug interaction hypothesis in the pathogenesis of KS in AIDS, clinicians should encourage their patients to avoid use of nitrite inhalants. This article was prepared by a Federal Government employee as part of official duties; therefore, the material is in the public domain and may be reproduced or copied without permission.

• Authors: H W Haverkos
• Journal: Progress in clinical and biological research (Prog Clin Biol Res) Vol. 325 Pg. 93-102 ( 1990) ISSN: 0361-7742 [Print] United States
• PMID: 2405412 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Review)

Chemical References

• Nitrites

Topics

• Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome (complications, epidemiology, etiology)
• Epidemiologic Factors
• Homosexuality
• Humans
• Inhalation
• Male
• Nitrites
• Sarcoma, Kaposi (epidemiology, etiology)
• Substance-Related Disorders (complications)