Dysregulation of Sterol Regulatory Element-Binding Protein 2 Gene in HIV Treatment-Experienced Individuals

Abstract

We investigated the effects of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on cholesterol biosynthesis in a case-control study. mRNA and protein expressions of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR) and ATP binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1) were significantly upregulated in cases (HIV+) compared to controls (HIV-). We observed dysregulation between sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBP-2, sensory control) and HMGCR and low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) pathways. Dysregulation of cholesterol biosynthesis genes may predate clinical manifestation of ART-induced lipid abnormalities.