Searches were limited to human studies on adult transplant recipi

Searches were limited to human studies on adult transplant recipients and to studies published in English. Databases searched: MeSH terms and text words for kidney transplantation were combined with MeSH terms and text words for both bone disease and dietary interventions MEDLINE

– 1966 to week 1, September 2006; EMBASE – 1980 to week 1, September 2006; the Cochrane Renal Group Specialised Register of Randomised Controlled Trials. Date of searches: 22 September 2006. There are no published studies examining the potential role of diet per se in preventing and treating bone disease in adult kidney transplant recipients. However, a systematic review of randomized controlled trials, completed in 2005 (updated in 2007) examined the effect of vitamin D and/or calcium PI3K Inhibitor Library datasheet supplementation

on bone disease in this population.12 The meta-analysis of two randomized controlled trials (46 patients) comparing treatment with 0.5 µg/d oral calcitriol Hydroxychloroquine clinical trial with no treatment revealed a significantly favourable effect on bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and the neck of femur. However, the authors of the systematic review note that clinical significance of this is uncertain due to the lack of validation in bone densitometry in chronic kidney disease.12 In a randomized controlled study (40 patients), El-Agroudy et al. showed that treatment with vitamin D (or analogue) compared with placebo is not associated with hypercalcaemia or increased plasma creatinine level.13 The results of individual randomized controlled RG7420 molecular weight trials suggest that treatment with either vitamin D, calcitonin or bisphonate alone does not

reduce fracture risk after kidney transplantation, however, the meta-analysis of all such trials combined (24 trials, 1299 patients) shows that treatment with either of these agents does reduce the risk of fracture in kidney transplant recipients.12 Palmer et al.12 conducted a meta-analysis of two randomized controlled trials, comparing treatment with both vitamin D and calcium versus no treatment on bone mineral density at the lumbar spine and femoral neck. The first trial compared treatment with 1000 mg calcium lactogluconate and 0.25 µg 1-alpha-hydroxyvitamin D with no treatment, over a 6 month period.14 The second trial compared treatment with 3000 mg calcium carbonate and 40 µg 25-hydroxvitamin D3 with no treatment, over a 12 month period.15 The meta-analysis of the results shows a significant difference between treatment and placebo groups favouring active treatment. Torres et al.16 in a randomized controlled study (86 patients) showed that treatment with vitamin D (0.5 µg calcitriol alternate days) and calcium (1.5 g/d calcium lactogluconate) does not increase the risk of hypercalcaemia nor increase plasma creatinine level compared with treatment with calcium alone. In their meta-analysis, Palmer et al.

In this context,

de Boer et al suggest a

In this context,

de Boer et al. suggest a Napabucasin purchase regulatory role for muscle PVAT around nutrient arterioles that may signal to the vessel wall, both locally (paracrine) and downstream (vasocrine), through outside-to-inside signaling. Finally Judy Muller-Delp and colleagues [5] seek new friends, new foes, and new clinical directions within the aging microcirculation, and explore emerging evidence that the reactive oxygen species H2O2 and ONOO˙− function as important signaling molecules in the aging microvasculature. Although the vasoactive and signaling properties of these ROS have been well-documented, relatively little work has been performed to determine whether these molecules can compensate for an age-related decline in NO˙-mediated vasodilation. In particular, clinical studies have only AZD4547 begun to consider two important possibilities regarding the role of ROS in the loss and/or maintenance of endothelium-dependent vasodilatation that occurs with advancing age. Delp and colleagues explore the possibilities that tight regulation of the balance of ROS is more critical to preservation of endothelium-dependent function in the aged vasculature than the absolute levels of any specific molecule or enzyme and/or ROS act as

vasodilatory signaling molecules that compensate for an age-induced reduction in NO˙ signaling. However, while numerous studies have implicated a role for H2O2 in regulation of vascular resistance in humans and some such as that by Henriksson et al. [4] in this volume of Microcirculation PAK6 demonstrated a role for ROS in the skin, little is known regarding the effects of age on ROS signaling in the microcirculation

of humans in key organs such as peripheral muscle and the myocardium. One way to study the coronary microvasculature in vivo in humans is by studying refractory angina. Refractory angina is normally observed in patients with CAD who do not respond to anti-angina treatment such as nitrates. There are multiple mechanisms that could explain this nitrate intolerance and while it is assumed that, in some patients, adding extrinsic NO˙ to an oxidatively stressed microvasculature would increase ONOO˙− production resulting in a further decrease of NO˙ bioavailability, in the elderly patient’, adding extrinsic NO˙ could disrupt the “new” vascular redox status, limiting ONOO˙− as an NO˙ donor. Currently, these hypotheses are speculative, and there is ample opportunity for new studies investigating the role of NO˙ and ONOO˙− in the coronary and other microcirculatory beds both in healthy aging and in elderly patients where the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions relies upon comprehensive knowledge of the alterations in vascular control mechanisms that occur with advancing age.

These differences might be the cause of the observed distinct cyt

These differences might be the cause of the observed distinct cytokine expression patterns (Hackstadt, 1995; Stephens et al., 1998; Greub et al., 2005b, 2009; Corsaro & Greub, 2006). Here, it should be stressed that major differences exist

in the biology of the classical Chlamydiae and the so-called Chlamydia-related organisms including a threefold larger genome size of Parachlamydia (Stephens et al., 1998; Greub et al., 2009) and its Gefitinib solubility dmso ability to resist to the microbicidal effectors of free-living amoebae (Greub et al., 2003b). Immune cells can also be infected by Chlamydiales although not all do so with the same efficiency. For example C. pneumoniae can infect freshly derived monocytes, but cannot replicate in them and is degraded (Airenne et al., 1999; Wolf et al., 2005).

Chlamydia pneumoniae replicated to a lower extent in macrophages derived from human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) as compared with HeLa cells or not at all in freshly derived PBMCs (Kaukoranta-Tolvanen et al., 1996; Wolf et al., 2005). To some degree, growth inhibition is probably due to TNF-α, because interference with antibodies causes increased bacterial growth in alveolar macrophages, although the late gene omcB was still poorly transcribed (Haranaga et al., 2003). Thus, in vivo macrophages seem to be refractory to C. pneumoniae replication compared with other Chlamydiales. Chlamydia trachomatis’ ability to perform a productive replication in macrophages depends on the biovar. Only the LGV biovars were able to replicate within macrophages, while

SB203580 others generally form persistent forms when infecting these phagocytic cells (reviewed in Beagley et al., 2009). Nonetheless, the persistent C. trachomatis are still metabolically active and can induce apoptosis of other immune cells (Jendro et al., 2004). Indeed, C. trachomatis-infected macrophages release TNF-α that with other components induces apoptosis of T cells, but not of the infected macrophages. Moreover, the factors released during apoptosis of T cells induce an immunosuppressing environment (transforming growth factor-β), thus creating a favorable environment for chlamydial persistence (Jendro et al., 2004). Controlled apoptosis may not only be Phosphatidylinositol diacylglycerol-lyase a mechanism used by some Chlamydiales to prevent bacterial clearance but might also provide enough time to complete a replication cycle or induce persistence. Waddlia chondrophila has a direct cytopathic effect on macrophages, suggesting that they are not the primary host cells for replication (Goy et al., 2008). This characteristic could help the bacteria prevent early infection recognition, display of antigens and attraction of other immune cells. Several Chlamydiales differ in their ability to induce cytokines after exposure to detrimental conditions such as heat or UV light. Thus, P.

8 mmol/L) and rapidly evolving acute

kidney injury due to

8 mmol/L) and rapidly evolving acute

kidney injury due to acute tubular necrosis (ATN; initial creatinine 120umol/L, peak at 1210umol/L on day 4 post-diving accident). The diagnosis of ischaemia-induced ATN was supported by a high urinary fractional sodium excretion of 5.5%, elevated LDH (486U/L [125–250]) and a MAG3 scan in keeping with ATN. The absence of myoglobinuria and only moderately elevated creatine kinase (maximum 893U/L [30–170]) made rhabodmyoloysis-induced ICG-001 chemical structure ATN unlikely. He received supportive care with intravenous hydration, sodium bicarbonate and 100% oxygen followed by 7 sessions of hyperbaric therapy and recovered fully without needing dialysis. Conclusions: Arterial air embolism occurs when expanding gas ruptures alveolar capillaries (pulmonary barotrauma) and enters the arterial circulation as a result of rapid decompression. Clinical manifestations depend on the site of embolization and usually include neurological and respiratory symptoms but can also

involve the muscles, skin, mesenteric circulation and as shown in this case the kidneys. The diagnosis is made on clinical grounds since gas bubbles are rarely detectable on imaging. Best first aid for decompression illness is 100% oxygen therapy and supportive care but early transfer to a hyperbaric treatment unit is important as symptoms may evolve over time as in our patient. 277 HYPERKALEMIA INDUCES FAILURE OF PACEMAKER FUNCTION IN HEMODIALYSIS PATIENT N AUNG, S MAY Tamworth Base Hospital, New South Wales, Australia Background: Hyperkalemia may cause cardiac pacemaker www.selleckchem.com/products/PD-0325901.html malfunctioning due to a reduction of the electronegativity of the resting myocardial potential. Both sensing and capture mechanisms could be temporarily affected, with possible life-threatening effects. Case Report: Mr. DT, 50 years old male with background history of End Stage Renal Failure due to diabetic nephropathy on maintenance hemodialysis, Aortic Valve Replacement, Pacemaker for third degree AV block presented to ED in a small rural hospital with lethargy and unwell. BP 82/50 mmHg, HR 22/min. ECG showed significant bradycardia

20/min with failure of rhythm to capture the pacing. Arrangement was made for urgent transfer to Metropolitan unit with pacemaker malfunction. Subsequent Chloroambucil result: K 7.6 mmol, BSL 52.8 mmol. Repeat ECG show similar finding with no classic hyperkalemia changes. Patient was treated with usual medications for hyperkalemia and commenced on insulin infusion. At the same time, Haemodialysis was commenced. After 30 minutes on dialysis, patient’s vital sign improved to BP 100/70 mmHg, HR 65/min with ECG showing normal ventricular paced rhythm. Conclusions: Hyperkalemia is a cause of acute pacemaker malfunction without classical hyperkalemia ECG change due to a failure of pacemaker sensing and capturing. Acute treatment of hyperkalemia will restore pacemaker function.

39 Hirudin has no cross-reactivity with UF heparin or LMWH; howev

39 Hirudin has no cross-reactivity with UF heparin or LMWH; however, Hirudin and its analogues are antigenic YAP-TEAD Inhibitor 1 datasheet in their own right, and up 74% of patients receiving Hirudin

i.v. can develop anti-Hirudin antibodies, which can further prolong the half-life. Because of the tendency to form antibodies, Hirudin can be difficult to use, as anaphylaxis can occur with a second course. The APTT may be used to monitor Hirudin anticoagulant effect but the relationship is not necessarily linear. There is no antidote to Hirudin, but it is removed to some extent by haemofiltration or plasmapheresis but not haemodialysis. Argatroban is a synthetic derivative of L-arginine.40 It appears to be the treatment of choice in the USA. It acts as a direct thrombin inhibitor and binds irreversibly to the catalytic site. There is a short half-life of 40–60 min, which is not effected by renal function. Hepatic clearance means prolonged duration of action in patients with liver failure. The anticoagulant effect can be monitored by a variant of the APTT – the ecarin clotting time. There is no available reversal agent. Another direct thrombin inhibitor, this drug is available orally as a prodrug, which is taken twice a day. This agent is

renally cleared and has a prolonged half-life. There is no antidote. Reports of hepatotoxicity have impeded further drug development. It has been suggested PD-0332991 research buy that Melagatran may have a role in anticoagulation between dialysis treatments in

patients with HIT Type II. Fondaparinux is a synthetic pentasaccharide of 1.7 kDa, and is a copy of an enzymatic split product of heparin. It is a synthetic analogue of the pentasaccharide sequence in heparin that mediates the anti-thrombin interaction. Fondaparinux has a high affinity for anti-thrombin III but no affinity for thrombin or PF4. Fondaparinux can be administered i.v. or s.c. and monitored by the use of anti-Xa testing. With a prolonged half-life it can be administered alternate days. As Fondaparinux is renally cleared, it may accumulate in renal failure. It is removed to some degree by high flux haemodialysis or haemodiafiltration. Anticoagulation is an essential part of the safe and effective delivery of haemodialysis and physicians accredited to prescribe dialysis must have a fundamental Mirabegron understanding of anticoagulation therapy in different dialysis settings. It is essential for nephrologists to have a good understanding of the relative merits of UF heparin and LMWH, and to develop an approach to the clinical management of HIT Type II and other important heparin-related complications. There is continual development of new anticoagulant drugs and associated clinical recommendations, so this is an area that dialysis clinicians should revisit at timely intervals. “
“The presence of peritoneal dialysate when performing bioimpedance analysis may affect body composition measurements.

The new technique was based on a bi-triangulated preparation of t

The new technique was based on a bi-triangulated preparation of the branching-vessel end, 17-AAG solubility dmso resulting in a “fish-mouthed” opening. We performed two different types of end-to-side anastomoses in forty pig coronary arteries and produced one elastic,

true-to-scale silicone rubber model of each anastomosis. Then we installed the transparent models in a circulatory experimental setup that simulated the physiological human blood flow. Flow velocity was measured with the one-component Laser-Doppler-Anemometer system, recording flow axial and perpendicular to the model at four defined cross-sections for seven heart cycles in each model. Maximal and minimal axial velocities ranged in the conventional model between 0.269 and −0.122 m/s and in the experimental model between 0.313 and −0.153 m/s. A less disturbed flow velocity distribution was seen in the experimental model distal to the anastomosis. The OES-technique showed superior flow profiles distal to the anastomosis with

minor tendencies of flow separation and represents a new alternative for end-to-side anastomosis. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Microsurgery 34:28–36, 2014. Free flap transfers have reached a high rate of success and represent the gold standard procedure for defect reconstruction at the head and neck.[1] The essential vascular support can be maintained either by end-to-end or end-to-side anastomosis. RG-7388 research buy The superiority of one technique has been an item of debate for decades.[2-4] Both techniques have their special advantages and disadvantages and the usage of either of them should be based upon clinical circumstances and microsurgeon’s experience.[5-7] In the 1970s and early 1980s, the end-to-side anastomosis was proclaimed as the technique of choice, as it was told SPTLC1 to be associated with some advantages in blood

flow.[2, 8-10] The possibility to vary the fashion of creating a “side window” (vesselotomy) of the main vessel, the preparation of the branching vessels’ end and the angle of the branching vessel fed the search for the perfect technique. Following, numerousness variations of the end-to-side technique have been published.[5, 11-13] But rheological changes in the range of the transitional flow, have not been investigated.[14, 15] Flow patterns and hemodynamic forces, especially in branches and curvatures, are able to sustain molecular signalling of pro-inflammatory and proliferative pathways.[16] Since flow separation distal to bifurcations is inter alia strongly dependent on the geometry (physiologically or surgically induced), branch-to-trunk flow rate ratio, pulsatility, elasticity of the vessel wall, and special flow pattern of blood,[17-19] every surgeon dealing with vessels should have basic knowledge of blood flow. Nowadays, microsurgical researcher have access to different simulative models, whether in vivo or in vitro models.

01 for both, as compared with the control and the intranasal grou

01 for both, as compared with the control and the intranasal group). Figure 1b shows serum anti-urease B IgA antibodies, and in this case, only rUreB adjuvanted by Freund’s resulted in significant levels of antibodies (P=0.01, as compared with the other three groups). Similar testing of stool pellets failed to show any measurable IgG or IgA (data not shown). Protection is shown on Fig. 1c and expressed as the number of H. pylori copies detected in the stomach of challenged mice. Except for one that was negative, control mice selleck screening library had high levels of H. pylori infection (defined as >1000 copies μg−1 DNA), with an overall geometric mean of 1627 copies μg−1

DNA. Intranasal inoculation resulted in no protection, with all mice having high levels of infection and a geometric mean of 14 256 copies μg−1 DNA. Administration of rUreB with aluminum hydroxide had a modest effect, with one mouse being negative, two being positive at low levels of infection (defined as <1000 copies μg−1 DNA) and two at high levels, and a geometric mean of 309 copies μg−1 DNA (P=0.01 as compared with intranasal inoculation). rUreB adjuvanted with Freund's had a more marked effect, with three mice testing negative, one showing a low level of infection and

only one with a high level of infection, for a geometric mean of 22 copies μg−1 DNA (P=0.01 as compared with intranasal inoculation). There was no statistically significant difference in below this website the level of infection between

the group that received rUreB and aluminum hydroxide and the group that received rUreB and Freund’s adjuvant (P=0.55). Similar to what others have described, we found that rUreB had a partial efficacy against H. pylori infection, with one animal protected and two partially protected. What is original about our study is the use of aluminum hydroxide as adjuvant. We elected to test aluminum hydroxide because it is the only adjuvant approved for the routine immunization of humans in the United States. Few other groups have evaluated aluminum hydroxide as an adjuvant to either natural (Lee et al., 1999; Weltzin et al., 2000; Londoño-Arcila et al., 2002) or recombinant (Moschos et al., 2006; Wu et al., 2008) urease. Similar to our findings, the immunogenicity has been good but the protective efficacy is unclear. The better protection that we found with Freund’s adjuvant indicates that rUreB is potentially a good antigen that can be made even more protective, provided better adjuvants are used or the antigen is presented in a more immunogenic manner. Other adjuvants such as MF59, approved in Europe for use with influenza vaccine in humans, can also be tested in the future. Serum IgG and IgA levels were very similar among mice in specific vaccination groups. The resulting protection, however, had a much wider distribution. Most variability was given by uninfected mice, i.e.

Sulfa drug has an effect on the reabsorption from the renal tubul

Sulfa drug has an effect on the reabsorption from the renal tubules and the excretion process of 99mTc-MAG-3 which is excreted almost exclusively by the renal tubules. Therefore, sulfa drug causes a deterioration in kidney function and an alteration on radionuclide renography. “
“To evaluate the performance of urinary neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (uNGAL), kidney injury molecule, interleukin-18 and heat shock protein 72 for differential diagnosis between causes of acute kidney injury in kidney transplant recipients, especially immunological rejection. We measured these biomarkers in 67 kidney transplant recipients with acute

kidney injury according to the RIFLE criteria. There FK228 were no statistical differences in biomarkers between kidney transplant recipients with immunological rejection (n = 20), pre-renal causes (n = 20) and other AKI causes (n = 27). Only the uNGAL level relative to urinary creatinine (uNGAL/uCr) for immunological rejection was different in comparison with others (P < 0.001); a cut-off of 59 μg/g of uNGAL/uCr had a sensitivity and specificity of 60% and 58% respectively (area under the curve in receiver-operating characteristic curve, 0.65). The other

biomarkers were not useful in differentiating the causes of acute kidney injury. The biomarkers tested are not useful in identifying immunological rejection as cause of acute kidney injury in kidney transplant recipients. “
“Heparin lock instilled immediately after tunneled dialysis catheter buy DMXAA (TDC) insertion to maintain catheter patency can leak causing a concentration-dependent

systemic anticoagulation as well as promote staphyloccocal biofilm formation, a risk factor for catheter related infection (CRI). The 1000U/mL concentration is thus advocated as an optimal dose for preventing catheter bleeding (-)-p-Bromotetramisole Oxalate and malfunction. The effect of lower heparin concentrations on further lowering these complications is not known. We compared early TDC outcomes between a non-standard ultra-low (500U/mL) and standard heparin locks (1,000 and 5,000 U/mL). This was a retrospective study on prospectively collected data on 238 de novo internal jugular TDCs placed primarily by nephrologists. Cases were categorized into groups 1,2 and 3 according to initial heparin lock: 500 [n=30], 1,000 [n=180] and 5,000 U/mL [n=28] respectively. Catheter bleeding and malfunction within 24 hours of TDC insertion, 30 days CRI-free catheter survival and the effects of clinical and laboratory factors on bleeding were evaluated. Bleeding events were similar in groups 1, 2 and 3 (7 versus 14 versus 13%, respectively, p=0.61). Catheter malfunction was only seen in group 2 (3.3%). Thirty-day CRI-free catheter survival was comparable (96 versus 98 versus 97%, respectively, p=0.22), giving a cumulative CRI rate of 0.76/1000 catheter days. All CRIs were staphylococcal. Linear regression analysis did not reveal any significant predictors of catheter bleeding.


“The behavior of vascular EC is greatly altered in sites o


“The behavior of vascular EC is greatly altered in sites of pathological angiogenesis, such as a developing tumor or atherosclerotic plaque. Until recently it was thought that this was largely due to abnormal chemical signaling, i.e., endothelial cell chemo transduction, at these sites. However, we now demonstrate that the shear stress intensity encountered by EC can have a profound impact on their gene expression and behavior. We review the growing body of evidence suggesting that mechanotransduction, too, is a major regulator of pathological Akt inhibitor angiogenesis. This fits with the evolving story of

physiological angiogenesis, where a combination of metabolic and mechanical signaling is emerging as the probable mechanism

by which tight feedback regulation of angiogenesis is achieved in vivo. “
“To investigate how red blood cell aggregation could modulate the spatial variations in cell-free layer formation in the vicinity of an arteriolar bifurcation. Visualization of blood flow was performed in upstream and downstream vessels of arteriolar bifurcations in the rat cremaster muscles under reduced flow conditions before and after induction of red blood cell aggregation to both physiological normal- and pathological hyperlevels seen in humans. Large asymmetries of layer widths on opposite sides of the downstream vessel were attenuated along the vessel and this effect could be Casein kinase 1 prominently enhanced by Ku-0059436 molecular weight the hyperaggregation

due to a higher formation rate of the layer which was greater on one side than the other of the vessel. The proportion of downstream layer formation constituted by the smaller downstream vessel generally increased with a thicker layer width at the wall of the upstream vessel adjacent it. A greater tendency of the layer formation in the smaller downstream vessel was found under the hyperaggregating condition than normal-aggregating and nonaggregating conditions. Red blood cell aggregation could attenuate the asymmetry in cell-free layer formation on opposite sides of the downstream vessel, but enhances the heterogeneity of the layer formation between downstream vessels. “
“Test the hypothesis that exercise training increases the contribution of BKCa channels to endothelium-mediated dilation in coronary arterioles from collateral-dependent myocardial regions of chronically occluded pig hearts and may function downstream of H2O2. An ameroid constrictor was placed around the proximal left circumflex coronary artery to induce gradual occlusion in Yucatan miniature swine. Eight weeks postoperatively, pigs were randomly assigned to sedentary or exercise training (treadmill; 14 week) regimens.

All independent predictor candidates were transformed into variab

All independent predictor candidates were transformed into variable-dependent tertile numbers, which were arranged in such a manner that a high tertile number was considered unfavourable

in terms of CD4 loss. In univariate analysis, the E/G and E/G neg ratios were not only the strongest predictors of current CD4 change rate, but in this limited cohort also the only significant predictors. For example, the odds ratio for rapid CD4 loss was 8·0 between patients within the lowest and the highest tertile of E/G ratios (i.e. 4·0 × 2 DNA Damage inhibitor tertiles, Table 4). CD38 expression and Gag-specific CD8+ responses per se were also predictive for high relative and guideline-restricted CD4 loss rates, in contrast to HIV-RNA and β2-microglobulin (Table 4). No significant results in multivariate binary regression model were found. Clinical evaluation of asymptomatic and untreated HIV-infected patients should be based upon prognostic markers with sufficient statistical power for individual counselling. HIV-RNA levels, for R428 chemical structure example, correlates clearly with clinical progression in large cohorts but predicts progression poorly at

the individual level [11–13]. Thus, optimal markers of progression should provide significant information even in small cohorts. This explorative study investigated new parameters for HIV-specific immunity in the search for optimal prognostic markers. The main goals of this study were to investigate prognostic significance of HIV-specific T cell responses to Gag, Env and Nef and of PD-1 on such HIV-specific cells. Specific clones were detected through transient expression of CD107a and CD154. These data were compared to quantitative measurements of CD38 on CD8+ and CD8+CD38+PD-1+ www.selleck.co.jp/products/azd9291.html T cells and correlated subsequently to progression, which in asymptomatic patients may be best described by CD4+ T cell loss rates. Furthermore, fresh blood samples as opposed to thawed PBMC were analysed due to the decay of CD38 on thawed PBMC [14], possible preferential loss of CD8+ T cells [38] and limited robustness of the CD107a assay.

Two mainly affirmative observations were made: a predominance of Gag-restricted CD8+ T cell responses and their relation to prognosis [20] and a high expression of PD-1 molecules on such HIV-specific CD8+ T cells [30]. In addition, this study provided new data showing up-regulated PD-1 on HIV-specific CD4+ T cells, but differently than on the CD8+ subset as well as a lower expression of PD-1 on Env-specific CD8+ T cells compared with Gag-specific cells (Fig. 1a). Subsequently, the data on relative and absolute abundance of HIV-specific responses, including the estimates of PD-1, were related to CD4 loss rates. The total number of Gag-specific CD8+ cells were correlated even stronger with CD4 loss rates and immune activation than the conventional frequency estimates (Table 3) supporting the relevance of taking the CD8+ T cell count into consideration.