Recent medical breakthroughs in the fight against HIV/AIDS

Scientists have cracked a puzzle about the HIV virus and how it works in the human body. This discovery could lead to better HIV treatments. The key is an enzyme called integrase.

What is integrase?
Integrase is an enzyme that assists HIV during the integration phase of the HIV replication cycle. Essentially, integrase helps HIV DNA copy itself into the host cell DNA.

HIV weakens the immune system by entering and taking control of healthy CD4 cells. Ultimately HIV destroys the immune system’s CD4 cells. Before these cells are destroyed, however, HIV uses the cell to produce and distribute more copies of the HIV virus.

Integrase plays a key role in the creation of new virus cells. Hijacked CD4 cells are only able to produce new copies of the HIV virus after integrase has done its job.

Who is doing the research?
Scientists at Imperial College London and Harvard University: Stephen Hare, Saumya Shree Gupta, Eugene Valkov, Alan Engelman & Peter Cherepanov.

When was it discovered?
January 2010

Why is this groundbreaking?
Researchers are now able to see the structure of the integrase enzyme, a previously impossible feat. It took over 40,000 trials to develop a crystal that gives a high quality three-dimensional view of the enzyme. Years of projects working to obtain a high-quality crystal had failed.

There is currently one experimental drug that blocks HIV replication by acting as an integrase inhibitor. It is now possible to see exactly how the drug works and potentially how to make improvements to the drugs efficacy. Understanding the structure of integrase will also open the door to development of new drugs that work to block HIV at this point in the replication cycle.

How long until treatment is available?
The researchers make no predictions as to how long it will be until new HIV treatments may be available based on the results of this research.

For more on this study:
Nature - Full Research Findings
cbc.ca - Enzyme structure cracks HIV puzzle

AFQOL supports AIDS Calgary

What is AFQOL?

AFQOL (or Artist for Quality of Life) is a volunteer driven non-profit group that raises funds annually for AIDS Calgary Awareness Association in memory of Donnie Peters. Past AFQOL fundraising events include: Endless Summer, Days of Disco, Women in Rock & Roll and the well known AFQOL Cut a Thon.

AFQOL fundraising supports AIDS Calgary’s nutrition programs (such as our Friday Lunch program) as well as other quality of life initiatives for our clients.

Who is AFQOL?

AFQOL is lead by Linda Eckess, Volunteer Team Leader and Event Organizer. Linda works tirelessly to build each fundraiser, create community partners, source donations, work with venues and sponsors and above all advocate for AIDS Calgary any chance she gets.

The AFQOL Executive Committee consists of several volunteers that dedicate many hours to the success of their fundraising events.

Why do they do it?

The majority of AFQOL volunteers have a connection to Donnie in one way or another but above all, they care about HIV/AIDS in our community and they want to help make lives better for everyone that is affected by this disease.

Ken Scobel has been an AFQOL volunteer for five years and he does a great job capturing the AFQOL volunteer experience. “My involvement is about giving back to the community! It’s not about you, it’s about other people…My heart is with the community still, after all these years. To me, being a part of the community is being part of a family”.

Donnie Peters always said: “one person can make a difference!” The team at AFQOL has definitely made a difference at AIDS Calgary these past six years. We are very grateful to have such a dedicated group of volunteers working to raise funds and create awareness.

To date, AFQOL has raised over $40,000 for AIDS Calgary ~ Thank you for your ongoing support!

Sexually Transmitted HCV

What is HCV?
HCV, also known as Hepatitis C (Hep C), is caused by a virus carried in blood. It attacks your liver. You might not have symptoms for many years.

How is it transmitted?
The virus is passed by blood-to-blood contact. Even though you may not experience symptoms, you can still pass it on to other people. Hep C is transmitted blood to blood, and although it is not listed as a sexually transmitted infection, it can be transmitted sexually if blood is present.

You can get HCV from:

• Sharing needles, pipes, straws, cookers, filters, ties, or water for drug use with anyone, including your sexual partner.
• Piercing or tattooing equipment (including ink) already used on someone else.
• Anything that might have blood on it, like razors, nail clippers, and toothbrushes already used by someone else, even if you can’t see the blood.
• Unprotected sex with someone who has HCV

How can it be transmitted sexually?
Canadian AIDS Treatment Information Exchange [CATIE] shared a study that pooled health information from Australia, France, Germany, Netherlands, and the United Kingdom to look at sexually transmitted HCV in gay and bisexual men. It should be noted also that the men researched were also living with HIV. The information collected for the study suggested:

that HCV was transmitted through unprotected anal sex that damaged the lining of the rectum. This can occur in several circumstances, including these: having prolonged bouts of unprotected anal intercourse, having multiple episodes of unprotected anal sex, being fisted, having another sexually transmitted infection such as syphilis or LGV, or engaging in substance use (CATIE, 2009)

The study also mentions that substance use can dry out a person’s mucous membranes, which can cause the lining of the rectum to become damaged and bleed. Any damaged mucous membrane can facilitate the entry of HIV and HCV into a person’s body.

Although the study does not look at data specifically on women from these countries, women are still at risk for transmitting or contracting HCV if engaging in the same risk factors, and if menstruating.

For more on this article, please visit the CATIE website.

Testing
A person can have HCV for years without knowing it. It is important to get tested regularly if sexually active.

Testing is available through your doctor or anonymous and confidential testing is available at the STD Clinic in the Sheldon M. Chumir Centre (5th Floor, 1213 – 4th Street SW, Tel: (403) 955-6700)

For more information on Hepatitis C go to http://www.hepcinfo.ca/

10 Sexual Health Tips for 2010

1. Get tested – We are lucky to live in a country with free, readily accessible STI testing. Take advantage of it and make STI testing a part of your regular health care routine.
   
   
2. Get treated – If you are diagnosed with an STI that is treatable, follow your doctors treatment instructions. Minimize the risk of passing along an STI to any of your sexual partners.
   
   
3. Communicate – Have conversations about taboo subjects, create safe places where people feel comfortable talking about health and sexuality, stop hiding your sexual light under a bushel!
   
   
4. Know your limits – Set up a safe partying system with friends, be aware of your risk in situations saturated with alcohol or drugs.
   
   
5. Understand STI’s – The more you know, the better capable you will be of minimizing your risk
   
   
6. Dispel stigma – HIV and other STI’s can isolate people and increase their risk. Do your part by being educated about the facts around HIV and STI’s.
   
   
7. Get involved – Get involved with a local sexual health organization. Volunteers are a vital part of any education and advocacy efforts. You can help to educate the next generation on safer sex practices.
   
   
8. Always be prepared – Stock up on your favorite condoms and lube and keep them close at hand. You just never know when Mr or Ms Right is going to sweep you off your feet.
   
   
9. Take a sex positive approach – Sex isn’t all STI’s and risk, sex is a fun and healthy part of life. It should feel good so don’t forget to enjoy yourself!
   
   
10. Take charge of your own sexual health – the most important thing to remember is that you are in control of your body and mind. Exercise your control. Make healthy choices.

Holiday Break

Please be advised that AIDS Calgary will be closed on December 23, reopening January 4, 2009. The A Word will return with a new entry on January 5, 2009.