title: Immunologic, virologic, and pharmacologic characterization of the female upper genital tract in HIV-infected women.
abstract: : A comparative analysis of cellular and soluble markers of immune activation in HIV-infected women on combination antiretroviral therapy showed that the upper genital tract (UGT) compared to the lower female genital tract was characterized by higher frequencies of potential HIV target cells and increased inflammatory molecules. Despite the activated UGT milieu, HIV RNA could not be detected in paired samples of plasma, cervicovaginal or endometrial lavage. As antiretroviral concentrations were ≥3-fold higher in the endometrium than in the lower genital tract, high antiretroviral penetration and/or metabolism may limit viral replication in the UGT.
authors.affiliation: *Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC; †Center for AIDS Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC; ‡Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC; §Eshelman School of Pharmacy, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC; and ‖Health Sciences Center, University of Tennessee Health, Memphis, TN.
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rahangdale
authors.forename: Kristina
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: De Paris
authors.forename: Angela D M
authors.initials: AD
authors.lastname: Kashuba
authors.forename: Julie A E
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Nelson
authors.forename: Mackenzie
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Cottrell
authors.forename: Craig
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Sykes
authors.forename: Cindi
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Emerson
authors.forename: Steven L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Young
authors.forename: Trenton
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Stevens
authors.forename: Kristine B
authors.initials: KB
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.forename: Myron S
authors.initials: MS
authors.lastname: Cohen
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000493:pharmacokinetics*; D004717:Endometrium / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology*; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D060737:Reproductive Tract Infections / Q000276:immunology* / Q000821:virology*; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D044966:Anti-Retroviral Agents