There's a continuum between quality & quantity. Most opt for the most over the best. I want the most candy over a single bite of the best. But that shouldn't be the case when it comes to a person's life. Lifespan is how long someone will live. But another concept healthspan or healthy life expectancy, is how long the individual will life in a mostly healthy state absent of chronic illness or injury.
When it comes to HIV, new meds have led to a near normal lifespan. That isn't always the case for healthspan. Many with HIV+ age faster than normal & face health issues earlier or more intensely; cognitive decline or increased susceptibility to some cancers.
According to this piece, this is due to the inflammation caused by HIV even when suppressed. HIV impacts the bodies ability to fight. The research reported a sugar molecule in the body called glycans help control inflammation. While glycans dip as we age, it can be worse for women as the enter menopause. But in HIV+ people these glycans levels lessen & with that their ability to control inflammation.
Research is studying a medication to inhibit this effect. A group of meds referred to as sialidase or neuraminidase inhibitors can lessen degradation of glycan levels. These compounds are found in common anti-flu meds such as Tamiflu.
This research is in the very beginning, but could prove very useful. They aren't promoting flu meds as a treatment for HIV related inflammation. They're saying the chemicals in these meds could be lead to new treatments for the condition. Which could impact a host of inflammation induced ailments.
Give it a read. Take care.
Cya...
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