Early cardiovascular disease is a major concern for ART-suppressed vertically HIV-infected children;
however, evidence is lacking regarding specific preventive measures. In this study, a complete panel of
biomarkers was determined together with carotid intima-media thickness (IMT), in a cohort of 64 HIVinfected
children and 30 controls. Mean age of participants was 14.1 5 years. HIV-infected patients
showed normal lipid profile, with only slightly higher triglycerides, and no differences between groups
were found regarding IMT. HIV-infected patients displayed higher levels of soluble CD14 (sCD14) and
soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM) (all p < 0.05). However, levels of C-reactive protein,
interleukin-6, myeloperoxidase, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, P-selectin and tissue plasminogen
activator were similar between groups. Vertically HIV-infected subjects on ART with no significant
metabolic disturbances displayed increased sCD14 and sVCAM but not up-regulation of proinflammatory
pathways. Larger studies are warranted to assess the impact of a strict metabolic control on cardiovascular
risk and to define specific cardiovascular disease preventive strategies in this population