Letter from the editor.Dear Reader, In the weeks before Tom Gegeny's departure (see his farewell message on page 25 of this issue), he and I planned this issue of RITA RITA Cardiology A clinical trial–Randomized Intervention Treatment of Angina–comparing the outcome of PCTA vs CABG in Pts with angina. See Angina, Angioplasty, CABG, Percutaneous transluminal angioplasty. ! together. We chose to focus on HIV-associated lipodystrophy because it affects a significant portion of people living with HIV HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus), either of two closely related retroviruses that invade T-helper lymphocytes and are responsible for AIDS. There are two types of HIV: HIV-1 and HIV-2. HIV-1 is responsible for the vast majority of AIDS in the United States. today. This installment of RITA! truly illustrates the complexity of HIV-associated lipodystrophy--a complexity which may be partly due to the commonality com·mon·al·i·ty n. pl. com·mon·al·i·ties 1. a. The possession, along with another or others, of a certain attribute or set of attributes: a political movement's commonality of purpose. this syndrome shares with other diseases and disorders that we have been studying for decades in the general population. Unfortunately, just like with HIV disease, no magic pill exists to treat this condition. And, while many studies have focused on potential pharmacologic pharmacologic /phar·ma·co·log·ic/ (-kah-loj´ik) pertaining to pharmacology or to the properties and reactions of drugs. pharmacological, pharmacologic pertaining to pharmacology. treatments, none has delivered breakthrough data, and we are often left with more questions than answers. So instead, we have tried to explore the definition and pathogenesis of several various syndromes that fall under the umbrella of HIV-associated lipodystrophy. All of the contributors lend unique perspectives and experiences to this field. Dr. Robert Munk, an HIV community advocate and Founder of AIDS InfoNet, discusses the morphologic mor·phol·o·gy n. pl. mor·phol·o·gies 1. a. The branch of biology that deals with the form and structure of organisms without consideration of function. b. changes affecting patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, as well as some potential treatments. Drs. Ashok Balasubramanyam and Rajagopal V. Sekhar explore the biochemical mechanisms biochemical mechanism Any chemical reaction or series of reactions, often enzyme-mediated, which result in a physiologic effect , etiologies, and pathological consequences of this condition. Moreover, in an interview with Dr. Steven Petak, he provides insight into the often-overlooked bone problems that can affect patients suffering from HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Finally, we take a brief look at research showing how positive lifestyle changes can have a big impact on this condition. As Tom had often done, I thank you for your readership and support. With Tom's departure from The Center for AIDS (CFA (Computer Fraud and Abuse Act of 1986) Signed into law in 1986, the CFA was a significant step forward in criminalizing unauthorized access to computer systems and networks. The Act applies to "federal interest computers" that include any system used by the U.S. ), I will continue in my role as Editor of The CFA. However, I realize that in Tom's absence, I have some big shoes to fill. I will do my best, and I look forward to continuing the legacy of quality publications for which The CFA is so well known. Very truly yours, Jennifer K. Newcomb-Fernandez, PhD Editor The Center for AIDS Information & Advocacy |
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