Publications

BACKGROUND

Existing data suggest that human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected African Americans carrying 2 copies of the APOL1 risk alleles have greater risk of kidney disease than noncarriers. We sought to determine whether HIV RNA suppression mitigates APOL1-related kidney function decline among African Americans enrolled in the Multicenter AIDS Cohort Study.

METHODS

We genotyped HIV-infected men for the G1 and G2 risk alleles and ancestry informative markers. Mixed-effects models were used to estimate the annual rate of estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) decline, comparing men carrying 2 (high-risk) vs 0-1 risk allele (low-risk). Effect modification by HIV suppression status (defined as HIV type 1 RNA level <400 copies/mL for >90% of follow-up time) was evaluated using interaction terms and stratified analyses.

RESULTS

Of the 333 African American men included in this study, 54 (16%) carried the APOL1 high-risk genotype. Among HIV-infected men with unsuppressed viral loads, those with the high-risk genotype had a 2.42 mL/minute/1.73 m(2) (95% confidence interval [CI], -3.52 to -1.32) faster annual eGFR decline than men with the low-risk genotype. This association was independent of age, comorbid conditions, baseline eGFR, ancestry, and HIV-related factors. In contrast, the rate of decline was similar by APOL1 genotype among men with sustained viral suppression (-0.16 mL/minute/1.73 m(2)/year; 95% CI, -.59 to .27; P for interaction <.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Unsuppressed HIV-infected African Americans with the APOL1 high-risk genotype experience an accelerated rate of kidney function decline; HIV suppression with antiretroviral therapy may reduce these deleterious renal effects.

Emergency contraceptives (EC) are forms of contraception that women can use after intercourse to prevent pregnancy. EC use is safe for women of all ages, and there are no medical contraindications to its use. There are two types of emergency contraceptive pills currently available: ulipristal acetate (UPA) and levonorgestrel. UPA is the most effective oral option for EC. In the United States, levonorgestrel containing ECPs are available without prescription to women and men without age restrictions. However, the more effective UPA pills require a prescription. ECPs do not cause abortion or harm an established pregnancy. Placement of a copper intrauterine device (IUD) is more effective EC than either UPA or levonorgestrel, and requires a timely visit with a trained clinician. EC pills are less effective for women who are overweight or obese, therefore such women should be offered a copper IUD or ulipristal rather than levonorgestrel pills. Any woman requesting EC after unprotected intercourse should be offered treatment within 120 hours of intercourse, as should all women who are victims of sexual assault. Women requesting EC should be offered information and services for ongoing contraception. Although levonorgestrel EC is now available over-the-counter, ongoing need exists to educate women about emergency contraception to encourage prompt use of EC when it is needed.

OBJECTIVE

Young adults frequently report social smoking. This study examined the relationship between different social smoking definitions and the co-use of cigarettes and alcohol, tobacco-related attitudes, and quitting efforts.

METHOD

Cross-sectional data were collected at bars using randomized time location sampling among young adults aged 21-26 in San Diego, California from 2010 to 2011 (73% response rate). Multivariable logistic regression examined if current smoking and quit attempts were associated with tobacco-related attitudes, and whether social smoking self-identification or behavior was associated with cigarette-and-alcohol co-use, tobacco-related attitudes, quit attempts, or quitline use.

RESULTS

Among 537 current smokers, 80% self-identified and 49% behaved as social smokers. Social smoking self-identification was positively associated with cigarette-and-alcohol co-use, and quit attempts. Social smoking behavior was negatively associated with tobacco marketing receptivity, quit attempts, and quitline use. Tobacco-related attitudes were associated with smoking but did not generally differ by social smoking status.

CONCLUSION

Identification and behavior as a social smoker have opposing associations with co-use of cigarettes and alcohol and quit attempts. Tobacco cessation programs for self-identified social smokers should address co-use. Interventions denormalizing the tobacco industry or emphasizing the health effects of temporary smoking and secondhand smoke may address smoking among young adult bar patrons regardless of social smoking status.