New study says HIV has a “significant” impact on aging process
A new study says HIV infection has an “early and substantial” impact on the aging process.The researchers found this negative impact took hold within the first 2-3 years of infection.
Even on treatment, those living with the virus could lose up to five years of their lifespan, they warn.It helps explain why some people with HIV are more prone to heart disease, cancer and other age-related problems.The study was undertaken by scientists at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA).
It was published in iScience.The study looked at blood samples from 102 men before infection, and then 2-3 years after infection.
It compared these results with blood samples taken from men over a similar period who had not acquired the virus.The study looked specifically at changes at the DNA level.Long chains of proteins make up the DNA found in all human cells.
