Pilot Award Recipient: Sabyasachi Sen, MD, PhD

This study will examine blood derived cells called endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) as a way to study endothelium of the future. Endothelium is the inner most lining of our blood vessels and controls blood pressure. Higher blood pressure is associated with stiff arteries and leads to several diseases such heart and kidney failure. The study will look at whether presence of newer class of HIV medications such as Integrase Inhibitors (INSTIs) and entry inhibitors (CCR5s) improves endothelial cell health compared to older class of medications as combinations of protease inhibitors (PI), NNRTIs and NRTIs. While looking at endothelial progenitor/stem cells the researchers will also measure stiffness of the arteries and estimate insulin, glucose, cholesterol etc., which are currently used to estimate endothelium/ vessel health.