Abstract | BACKGROUND: The use of abacavir has been linked with increased cardiovascular risk in patients with human immunodeficiency virus infection; however, the mechanism involved remains unclear. We hypothesize that abacavir may impair endothelial function. In addition, based on the structural similarity between abacavir and adenosine, we propose that abacavir may affect vascular contractility through endogenous adenosine release or adenosine receptors in blood vessels. METHODS: RESULTS: CONCLUSION:
Abacavir induces acute endothelium-dependent relaxation of rat basilar arteries, probably through the activation of adenosine A2 receptors in endothelial cells, which subsequently leads to the release of nitric oxide, resulting in activation of the cyclic guanosine monophosphate/ protein kinase G-dependent pathway in vascular smooth muscle cells. It is speculated that abacavir-induced cardiovascular risk may not be related to endothelial dysfunction as abacavir does not impair relaxation of blood vessels. The most likely explanation of increased cardiovascular risk may be increased platelet aggregation as suggested by other studies.
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Authors | Rachel Wai Sum Li, Cui Yang, Shun Wan Chan, Maggie Pui Man Hoi, Simon Ming Yuen Lee, Yiu Wa Kwan, George Pak Heng Leung |
Journal | PloS one
(PLoS One)
Vol. 10
Issue 4
Pg. e0123043
( 2015)
ISSN: 1932-6203 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 25853881
(Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
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Chemical References |
- Dideoxynucleosides
- Vasodilator Agents
- Adenosine Triphosphate
- Cyclic GMP
- abacavir
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Topics |
- Adenosine Triphosphate
(metabolism)
- Animals
- Basilar Artery
(drug effects, metabolism, physiopathology)
- Cardiovascular Diseases
(drug therapy, physiopathology)
- Cyclic GMP
(metabolism)
- Dideoxynucleosides
(administration & dosage)
- Humans
- Muscle Contraction
(drug effects)
- Muscle Relaxation
(drug effects)
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular
(drug effects, metabolism)
- Myography
- Rats
- Risk Factors
- Vasodilator Agents
(administration & dosage)
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