AFRICA CARDIOVASCULAR JOURNAL OF AFRICA • SAHS Biennial Congress 16-18 September 2022 46 Submission ID: 1343 Introduction The effect of HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) on microvascular function is poorly explored. Data suggests that HIV can adversely influence microvascular function through endothelial cell apoptosis and neurovascular unit impairment. The retinal microvasculature offers the opportunity to non-invasively assess early changes in microvascular function, which may precede cardiovascular disease development. Thus, we compared retinal vessel functional responses to flicker light-induced provocation (FLIP) between treated people living with HIV (PLWH) and HIV-free participants, considering the influence of HIV-related characteristics on microvascular function. Methods This case-control study included 114 PLWH (all receiving the same first-line ART regimen) and 51 HIV-free South Africans from the North-West province (aged 18-60 years). Characteristics and retinal arteriolar and venular functional responses (dilation and constriction/ minimum reaction parameters) to FLIP were compared between a) PLWH and HIV-free participants; and b) PLWH-groups that were stratified by the median of (i) CD4-count (515.50 cells/µL), (ii) viral load (50 copies/mL), and (iii) ART duration (59.2 months). Results PLWH were older (41.8 ± 8.6 years), smoked more (60.2%) and had a lower hypertensive prevalence (31.6%) than the HIV-free controls (p < 0.05), but the sex distribution was similar. Almost half of PLWH were infected for more than five years. Retinal vessel parameters were similar between PLWH and HIV-free participants, even after adjusting for age, smoking and hypertensive status. The retinal vessel functional responses did not differ between the CD4-count, viral load, and ART duration groups. Conclusion Living with HIV and receiving ART did not contribute to altered microvascular function in the current study population. Name: Presenting Author Information Article Category Abstract Title Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre of excellence, NorthWest University, Potchefstroom, South Africa carlienmyburgh20@gmail.com English Abstract Basic Sciences A comparison of retinal vessel functional responses between people living with HIV and HIV-free South Africans: Findings from the EndoAfrica-NWU study Author Affiliation: Email: Dr Catharina Elizabeth Myburgh-Jacobsz Authors Name & Surname Title Expertise Affiliation Email Country Catharina Elizabeth Myburgh-Jacobsz Dr Cardiovascular physiology Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre of excellence, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa carlienmyburgh20@gmail.com South Africa Shani Botha-Le Roux Prof Cardiovascular physiology Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre of excellence, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa; Medical Research Council: Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa Shani.Botha@nwu.ac.za South Africa POSTER PRESENTATION
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