• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.41 no.2
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• pp.222-226
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• 2017

Background: Long-term ginseng intake can increase longevity in healthy individuals. Here, we examined if long-term treatment with Panax ginseng Meyer (Korean Red Ginseng, KRG) can also enhance survival duration (SD) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 252 HIV-1 patients diagnosed from 1986 to 2013 prior to the initiation of antiretroviral therapy. Overall, 162 patients were treated with KRG ($3,947{\pm}4,943g$) for $86{\pm}63$ mo. The effects of KRG on SD were analyzed according to the KRG intake level and the length of the follow-up period. Results: There were significant correlations between the total amount of KRG and SD in the KRG intake group (r = 0.64, p < 0.0001) as well as between total amount of KRG and mean annual decrease in $CD4^+$ T-cell count in all 252 patients (r = -0.17, p < 0.01). The annual decrease in $CD4^+$ T-cell count (change in $cells/{\mu}L$) was significantly slower in KRG-treated patients than in patients receiving no KRG ($48{\pm}40$ vs. $106{\pm}162$; p < 0.001). The SD (in months) was also significantly longer in the KRG group than in the no-KRG group ($101{\pm}64$ vs. $59{\pm}40$, p < 0.01). Conclusion: KRG prolongs survival in HIV-1 patients, possibly by slowing the decrease in $CD4^+$ T-cell count.

• The Korean Journal of Food & Health Convergence
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• v.6 no.4
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• pp.17-19
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• 2020

HIV/AIDS disease still remain a global pandemic and it's management has undergone series of treatment changes and improvement although there is still no permanent cure.Dolutegravir belongs to a group of HIV drugs called integrase inhibitors. Integrase inhibitors block an HIV enzyme called integrase. By blocking integrase, integrase inhibitors prevent HIV from multiplying and can reduce the amount of HIV in the body.Dolutegravir combination based regimen has turned out to be very effective (antiviral) with negligible rare side effects on clients. This drug (Dolutegravir based regimen) combination has successfully increased the appetite for food of all the clients, unlike others and has shown to reduce viral load in the most shortest period ever. It can be deduced that development of resistant mutant virus will be reduced if not eliminated with dolutogravir based regimen.The role of Continuous adherence counseling has shown to improve clients treatment management. It is important to note that the availability of food has direct effect on the economic status or financial weight on the client. Hence the progress that is increase in body mass index (BMI) is a direct impact of the availability of food for the clients.

• Gut and Liver
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• v.12 no.6
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• pp.694-703
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• 2018

Background/Aims: Limited data exist comparing the safety and efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs) in hepatitis C virus (HCV) monoinfected and HCV/human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfected patients in the real-world clinic practice setting. Methods: All HCV monoinfected and HCV/HIV coinfected patients treated with DAAs between January 2014 and October 2017 in community clinic settings were retrospectively analyzed. Pretreatment baseline patient characteristics, treatment efficacy, factors affecting sustained virologic response at 12 weeks (SVR12) after treatment, and adverse reactions were compared between the groups. Results: A total of 327 patients were included in the study, of which 253 were HCV monoinfected, and 74 were HCV/HIV coinfected. There was a statistically significant difference observed in SVR12 when comparing HCV monoinfection and HCV/HIV coinfection (94% and 84%, respectively, p=0.005). However, there were no significant factors identified as a predictor of a reduced response. The most common adverse effect was fatigue (27%). No significant drug interaction was observed between DAA and antiretroviral therapy. None of the patients discontinued the treatment due to adverse events. Conclusions: In a real-world setting, DAA regimens have lower SVR12 in HCV/HIV coinfection than in HCV monoinfection. Further studies involving a higher number of HCV/HIV coinfected patients are needed to identify real predictors of a reduced response.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.43 no.2
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• pp.312-318
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• 2019

Background: To date, no study has described disease progression in Asian patients infected with HIV-1 subtype D. Methods: To determine whether the disease progression differs in patients infected with subtypes D and B prior to starting combination antiretroviral therapy, the annual decline (AD) in $CD^{4+}$ T cell counts over $96{\pm}59months$ was retrospectively analyzed in 163 patients and compared in subtypes D and B based on the nef gene. Results: $CD^{4+}$ T cell AD was significantly higher in the six subtype D-infected patients than in the 157 subtype B-infected patients irrespective of Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) treatment (p < 0.001). Of these, two subtype D-infected patients and 116 subtype B-infected patients had taken KRG. AD was significantly lower in patient in the KRG-treated group than in those in the $KRG-na{\ddot{i}}ve$ group irrespective of subtype (p < 0.05). To control for the effect of KRG, patients not treated with KRG were analyzed, with AD found to be significantly greater in subtype D-infected patients than in subtype B-infected patients (p < 0.01). KRG treatment had a greater effect on AD in subtype D-infected patients than in subtype B-infected patients (4.5-fold vs. 1.6-fold). Mortality rates were significantly higher in both the 45 $KRG-na{\ddot{i}}ve$ (p < 0.001) and all 163 (p < 0.01) patients infected with subtype D than subtype B. Conclusion: Subtype D infection is associated with a >2-fold higher risk of death and a 2.9-fold greater rate of progression than subtype B, regardless of KRG treatment.

• Infection and chemotherapy
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• v.50 no.4
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• pp.350-356
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• 2018

In acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients, immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (IRIS) due to Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) infection is one of the most difficult IRIS types to manage. We report an unusual case of MAC-associated IRIS. At first the patient was diagnosed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection after he was admitted with pneumocystis pneumonia. After starting antiretroviral therapy he presented unmasked IRIS with MAC infection. Next, he was hospitalized with continuous loose stools and new-onset fever. Investigation included computed tomography (CT), which showed homogeneous enhancement and enlargement of the lymph nodes (LN), elevation of ferritin (>1,650 ng/mL) and lactate dehydrogenase (306 IU/L) levels, and F- fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG PET/CT) scan, which showed increased FDG uptake. These findings were highly indicative of lymphoma. We performed laparoscopic biopsy of the mesenteric LN, and the biopsy culture grew MAC. So we made a diagnosis of MAC-associated. Therefore, IRIS must be considered as a possible diagnosis when AIDS patients develop new symptoms or exhibit exacerbations of existing symptoms. Furthermore the biopsies should be conducted.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.79 no.6
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• pp.359-364
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• 2018

There are two forms of cryptococcal meningitis immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome (CM-IRIS): paradoxical CM-IRIS and unmasking CM-IRIS. It is important to distinguish paradoxical CM-IRIS and CM relapse because mortality of CM-IRIS is higher than that of CM without IRIS, and paradoxical CM-IRIS and CM relapse requires different treatment. We report a case of paradoxical CM-IRIS that well matches the clinical findings with MR findings during three years follow-up of a HIV infected patient and new MRI finding is also introduced to help distinguish them.

• Journal of Ginseng Research
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• v.46 no.6
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• pp.731-737
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• 2022

Background: The number of primary human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 non-B subtype infections (non-B) and that of reports regarding the differences in the pathogenesis of subtype B and non-B infections are increasing. However, to the best of our knowledge, there have been no reports on gross deletion in the nef gene (g∆nef) in non-B infections. Methods: To determine whether there is a difference in the change in CD4⁺ T cells after treatment with Korean Red Ginseng (KRG) between patients with subtype B and non-B infections, we retrospectively analyzed and compared the annual decrease in CD4⁺ T cells (AD) and the proportion of g∆nef in 77 patients who were followed for more than 10 years in the absence of combination antiretroviral therapy. Results: Overall, AD was significantly faster in patients with non-B infections than in those with subtype B infections. Survival analysis showed that the survival probability was significantly higher in subtype B than in non B-infected patients. These differences mainly resulted from significant differences in the amount of KRG and age. In the patients treated with KRG, there was a significant correlation between the amount of KRG and the AD in both subtypes. Interestingly, there was a significant correlation between the amount of KRG and the proportion of g∆nef in patients infected with subtype B, but not in those infected with non-B. The same phenomenon was observed when the KRG dose was adjusted. Conclusion: Our results suggest that non-B may be biologically more stable than subtype B.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.56 no.3
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• pp.238-247
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• 2023

Objectives: Low adherence to antiretroviral (ARV) therapy in pregnant women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) increases the risk of virus transmission from mother to newborn. Increasing mothers' knowledge and motivation to access treatment has been identified as a critical factor in prevention. Therefore, this research aimed to explore barriers and enablers in accessing HIV care and treatment services. Methods: This research was the first phase of a mixed-method analysis conducted in Kupang, a remote city in East Nusa Tenggara Province, Indonesia. Samples were taken by purposive sampling of 17 people interviewed, consisting of 6 mothers with HIV, 5 peer facilitators, and 6 health workers. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and document review. Inductive thematic analysis was also performed. The existing data were grouped into several themes, then relationships and linkages were drawn from each group of informants. Results: Barriers to accessing care and treatment were lack of knowledge about the benefits of ARV; stigma from within and the surrounding environment; difficulty in accessing services due to distance, time, and cost; completeness of administration; drugs' side effects; and the quality of health workers and HIV services. Conclusions: There was a need for a structured and integrated model of peer support to improve ARV uptake and treatment in pregnant women with HIV. This research identified needs including mini-counseling sessions designed to address psychosocial barriers as an integrated approach to support antenatal care that can effectively assist HIV-positive pregnant women in improving treatment adherence.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.57 no.4
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• pp.370-378
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• 2024

Objectives: Comorbidities increase susceptibility to severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections, but limited information has been published regarding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and COVID-19 co-infections. This study explored the relationships among socioeconomic characteristics, sexual behaviors, and COVID-19 infection rates among Korean men who have sex with men (MSM) who are also living with HIV. Methods: Data were collected through a web survey aimed at members of the largest gay portal site in Korea, supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (n=1005). The primary independent variables included COVID-19-related vaccinations and sexual behaviors. The dependent variable was the incidence of COVID-19 infection among respondents during the pandemic. For statistical analysis, hierarchical multiple logistic regression was performed, controlling for potential confounding variables. Results: Model I indicated that older MSM were less likely to contract COVID-19 (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.96 to 0.99). Model II demonstrated that HIV-positive MSM were nearly twice as likely to be infected with COVID-19 compared to their HIV-negative counterparts (aOR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.14 to 3.41). Furthermore, even after accounting for COVID-19 vaccination status in model III, HIV-positive MSM continued to show a higher risk of infection (aOR, 1.93; 95% CI, 1.12 to 3.35). Conclusions: The findings of this study indicate that HIV-positive MSM are at an increased risk of contracting COVID-19, even when their vaccination status is considered. Therefore, it is essential to prioritize the prevention of COVID-19 infections in HIV-positive individuals by administering appropriate antiretroviral therapy and ensuring adherence to public health guidelines.

• Journal of the Korean Society of Radiology
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• v.81 no.5
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• pp.1260-1265
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• 2020

Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is a multicentric human immunodeficiency virus-associated neoplasm characterized by multiple vascular nodules in the skin, mucous membranes, and viscera. Gastrointestinal acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)-related KS is the most common visceral involvement reported in disseminated disease. Here, we present the findings of a rare case of KS involving multiple organs with abdominal pain and active bleeding in the colon. Multiple intraluminal lesions were found in the terminal ileum, sigmoid colon, and rectum by ileocolonoscopy, and in the jejunum and ileum by fluoroscopy. Abdominopelvic CT revealed multiple enhanced flat lesions in the ileum and enlarged lymph nodes. The diagnosis was confirmed by histopathology, and antiretroviral therapy was initiated as the treatment of choice for KS. Owing to the increasing number of AIDS patients, it is essential for radiologists and clinicians to be aware of the imaging characteristics of KS to protect physicians from indiscriminate exposure to AIDS.