People infected with HIV have an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, which is a leading cause of death for those with HIV. The increase in cardiovascular disease has been thought to be linked to the use of several types of antiretroviral medications used to treat HIV infection. These medications have been shown to cause insulin resistance and dyslipidemia, or high cholesterol levels-conditions that can lead to atherosclerosis, which is a build-up of plaque within the arteries, and ultimately to cardiovascular disease. However, new research is emerging that suggests that people infected with HIV who do not receive antiretroviral medications may also have an increased risk of cardiovascular disease as a result of increased endothelial dysfunction. This condition, which involves malfunctioning of the thin layer of cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels, can lead to atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease. Pentoxifylline is a medication that is currently used to reduce leg pain in people with blockages in the blood vessels in their legs. Previous research has shown that pentoxifylline may reduce inflammation and improve blood vessel function in people infected with HIV, but more research is needed to confirm these benefits. The purpose of this study is to determine whether pentoxifylline reduces inflammation and improves endothelial function in HIV-infected people who are not receiving antiretroviral medications.~This study will enroll HIV-infected people who are not currently receiving antiretroviral medications. At a baseline study visit, participants will undergo a medical history review; physical examination; measurements in blood pressure, heart rate, height, weight, waist, and hip; and blood and urine collection. An ultrasound imaging test of the arm will measure blood vessel function. Participants will then be randomly assigned to receive either pentoxifylline or placebo three times a day for 8 weeks. At study visits at Weeks 4 and 8, participants will undergo repeat baseline measurements.
People infected with HIV have a greater risk of developing cardiovascular disease than people not infected with HIV. This may be due to increased inflammation brought on by either the HIV infection itself or the use of antiretroviral medications to treat HIV infection. This study will evaluate an anti-inflammatory drug, pentoxifylline, to determine whether it improves blood vessel function and reduces inflammation in people infected with HIV who are not currently receiving antiretroviral medications.