Possible role of tetracyclines on decreasing the accelerated aging process of well-controlled HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy

The aim of this study is to show the potential contribution of tetracyclines on decreasing the aging process of well-controlled HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Chronic inflammation and immune activation play a significant role in the increase prevalence of non-AIDS defining illnesses, including cardiovascular, respiratory, neurologic, metabolic, renal and liver disease, along with different types of solid and hematologic cancers (aging). Low-level HIV replication, microbial translocation in mucosal surfaces, chronic co-infections, deposition of collagen in lymphoid tissue, increased oxidative stress, and immune senescence, are some of the features found on these patients. We reviewed some of the inflammatory pathways that these molecules might interrupt in order to decrease the aging process of well-controlled HIV patients on ART, which was already proven in animal models. Randomized clinical trials of tetracycline therapy in HIV infection are warranted in order to test this hypothesis.