Neuro-endocrine immune networks leading to HIV-associated cardiovascular abnormalities: Role of leptin

Patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus exhibit many risk factors like atherosclerosis, endothelial dysfunction and hypertension for cardiovascular disease. As the homeostatic mechanisms in body are regulated by the integrated actions of cytokines and hormones, the normal function of a human heart is also governed by the neuro-endocrine immune interactions. Patients suffering from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome manifest alterations in the neural immune networks mediated by human immunodeficiency virus and leptin, which incline them to suffer from congestive heart failure. Networks that disrupt the cardiovascular functions are the focus of this review.