Folinic Acid and Vascular Reactivity in HIV

Objective: HIV infected individuals present a cluster of conditions that activate or injure the vascular endothelium. The administration of folates may exert beneficial effects on endothelial function in different populations at risk for cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of 4 weeks folinic acid supplementation on forearm vascular responses during reactive hyperemia in HIV-infected people under antiretroviral therapy. Methods: This was a prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial to compare the effects of 4 weeks daily ingestion of 5 mg folinic acid (n=15) or placebo (n=15). Participants had to be on anti-retroviral therapy for at least 6 months before enrollment, with undetectable viral load, and CD4 cell count \> 200 cells/mm3. Vascular function was evaluated with venous occlusion plethysmography at baseline and after 4 weeks, for the determination of brachial artery reactive hyperemia, and after isosorbide dinitrate administration