Sexual Risk Behavior May Be Associated with T-Helper-Cell Response to HIV-1 Peptides in HIV− and HIV+ Men

The production of interleukin-2 by in vitro T helper cells in response to synthetic peptides from the envelope of HIV-1 ("peptide response") has been shown in both HIV-exposed HIV-seronegative (HIV-) and HIV-seropositive (HIV+) homosexual men. In this exploratory study, we examine the association of peptide response with sexual risk behavior and indicators of HIV disease progression in 21 HIV- and 17 HIV+ homosexual men examined in the third and fourth years of a natural history project of HIV disease in New York City. Preproject risk behaviors were associated with HIV status only. During-project risk behaviors were associated with peptide response only. There were no significant HIV Status x Peptide Response interactions. In HIV+ men, one of several disease-progression indicators also contributed. Thus, in our sample peptide response appears to reflect relatively recent exposure to HIV-1 by way of sexual risk behavior in both HIV-exposed HIV- and HIV+ men, and, in HIV+ men additionally, immunologieal impairment by disease progression

Psychological response to growth hormone treatment in short normal children

This study provides a controlled assessment of the psychological (and physical) effects of growth hormone treatment. Fifteen short 'normal' children (height SD score < -2) have been treated with growth hormone since the age of 7/8 years. They, together with untreated short controls and average controls (10th-90th centiles), were assessed at recruitment, after three years, and after five years. Only the treated group showed a significant height increase (SD score -2.44 to -1.21 over five years). No significant differences were found at recruitment, three years, or five years in IQ, attainment, behaviour, or self esteem. Also at five years, there were no significant differences in locus of control, self perception, or parental perceptions of competence. Both short groups displayed less satisfaction with their height than the controls (p < 0.01), though all groups were optimistic of being tall adults. The treated children were no more unrealistic over final height than the untreated children. To date, no psychological benefits of treatment have been demonstrated; but nor have there been any discernible ill effects for either the treated or the untreated children