In the world of disease control, finding the best treatment medication occasionally requires discovering new applications for drugs developed for other applications. In the war on AIDS, researchers are constantly evaluating treatment methods. In a strange turn of events, HIV researchers at Johns Hopkins Medical Center received a tip that minocycline, a common acne medication may offer additional treatment options in controlling HIV outbreaks.
In a study involving the use of minocycline in treating rheumatoid arthritis, the inflammation levels in T-cells was reduced. This observation encouraged HIV researchers to reevaluate previous studies in primates and include minocycline as an additional agent in established HAART treatment and the results were impressive. T-cell populations in study subjects were noticeably controlled and HIV outbreaks were favorably controlled.
HAART treatment in HIV viral infections is effective in keeping infected T-cells dormant when the treatment is properly maintained. However, skipping a dose may allow the HIV to create an outbreak in symptoms and may eventually lead to death. However, adding minocycline appears to be protective and effective in preventing HIV outbreaks. The acne drug uses a different pattern of interference than antiviral medications, it controls cell replication and energy pathways instead of interrupting viral components.
This represents a two pronged attack: HAART controls the HIV viral replication while minocycline helps to control the host T-cell from harmful activation and proliferation.
While still in the animal research phase, this new treatment method shows strong promise in producing a stronger HIV treatment method.
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