Association of lipoprotein(a), prostaglandin I(2)--synthesis stimulating plasma factor, biological half-life of prostaglandin I(2)and high-density lipoproteins in HIV-1 infection of different stages.

Patients with human immunodeficiency virus show increased atheroembolism and premature arterial events (stroke, myocardial infarction), but no increased venous thromboembolism. This paper describes an association of elevated lipoprotein(a), a decreased prostaglandin I(2)(PGI(2)) synthesis stimulating plasma factor, diminished PGI(2)-stability in plasma and decreased high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and apolipoprotein A. It is unclear to what extent these biochemical findings represent an acute phase reaction only or a disturbance in the prostaglandin system. Definitely, they are resulting in severe hemostatic imbalance decreasing local PGI(2)-availability with a dramatic reduction in the cytoprotective capacity favouring the onset of premature arterial events seen in some of the patients. Copyright 2000 Harcourt Publishers Ltd.