Cardiovascular disease in human immunodeficiency virus infected patients: A true or perceived risk?

Figure 1 Putative mechanisms by which the human immunodeficiency virus virion increases the risk of atherosclerosis. The virus induces expression of adhesion molecules for leukocytes, reduce the secretion of nitric oxide with reduced vasodilation and induce endothelial cells apoptosis. ICAM: Intercellular adhesion molecule; VCAM: Vascular cell adhesion molecule; eNOS: Endothelial nitric oxide synthase; NO: Nitric oxide; HIV: Human immunodeficiency virus.