The Genetic Factor of Accelerated AIDS Development

For the past decade, much research has been directed into understanding human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and its progression to resultant acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS).Recent analysis by Hendrickson et al. (2008) provides insight into the possible genetic factors that contribute to the development of AIDS. It was found in the study that certain genotypes of mitochondrial DNA are linked to the rate at which HIV progressed into AIDS. These results not only contribute to a more in-depth understanding of individual susceptibility to AIDS but also provide a chance for prognosis through the use of mitochondrial DNA tests.

Using the results from five previous AIDS progression studies, Hendrickson and colleagues (2008) examined the relationship between the times taken for HIV to progress to AIDS in patients and their mitochondrial genetic profiles. Several genotypes of mitochondrial DNA have been found to be present which shortened the time for AIDS development. For example, HIV patients with J and U15a genes present in their mitochondrial genetic makeup were found to have developed AIDS at twice the speed of patients without these genes. On the other hand, the researchers have also found genotypes in mitochondrial DNA that are associated with prolonged AIDS progression, such as Uk, H3 and IWX. As there is strong evidence that the mitochondrial DNA genotypes affect the rate at which HIV develops into AIDS, it can be concluded that a percentage of HIV patients are pre-disposed to either faster or slower progression.

Variation in mitochondrial DNA is known to influence the efficiency of the mitochondrial function in cells, resulting in mitochondria in individuals that may vary in their energy production. As HIV has been previously found to cause AIDS by weakening and killing cells, this harmful process may be quickened if the mitochondria in cells are less able to produce energy for survival. This is supported in that U15a and J genes are responsible for lower energy production, thus contributing to the acceleration in the progression of AIDS.

Lastly, this discovery of the association between mitochondrial DNA and advance in AIDS has implications for the health sector of society. Through mitochondrial DNA testing, individuals who are pre-disposed to a faster AIDS development can be identified in advance. This prognosis can aid in the planning and preparation of AIDS treatment so that effects from the treatment can be maximised.

The analysis by Hendrickson et al. (2008) contributes greatly to knowledge about AIDS development and holds positive implications for the current situation of the AIDS pandemic. Perhaps a direction for future researcher can use the fact that mitochondrial DNA are always passed down from the maternal side in their investigations to advance the understandings of AIDS susceptibility. This knowledge will certainly assist in improving the pandemic.

References
http://www.newscientist.com/article/mg20026864.800-human-dna-may-set-off-aids-timebomb.html

Hendrickson, S.L. et al. (2008) ‘Mitochondrial DNA haplogroups influence AIDS progression’. AIDS, 22, 18, 2429-2439.

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