Circulating microparticles are increased amongst people presenting with HIV and advanced immune suppression in Malawi and correlate closely with arterial stiffness: a nested case control study

Background: We aim to investigate whether circulating microparticle (CMPs) subsets were raised amongst people presenting with a new diagnosis of HIV and advanced immune suppression in Malawi, they associated arterial stiffness. Methods: Microparticle characterisation carotid femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (cfPWV) carried out cohort adults CD4 <100 cells/µL at 2 weeks post ART initiation. uninfected controls matched on age, systolic BP diastolic 1:1 ratio. Circulating microparticles identified from platelet poor plasma stained for endothelial, leucocyte, monocyte markers. Results: The median (IQ) total CMP count 71 participants was 1 log higher compared those without (p<0.0001) stiffness (spearman rho 0.47, p<0.001). In adjusted analysis, every increase particles showed 20% cfPWV (95% CI 4 – 40%, p=0.02). terms subsets, endothelial derived most strongly HIV. Endothelial E-selectin+ CMPs 1.3log-fold CD42a+ 1.4log-fold (both p<0.0001). also correlated closely [spearman rho: 0.57 CD42a 0.56, both p<0.0001). Conclusions: associate among PLWH Malawi. are the predominant cell origin types, indicating that driven dysfunction pathways warrant further investigation stiffness.