AIDS
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Cardiovascular events have been reported among HIV-infected patients following antiretroviral therapy. However, the role of HIV itself in determining vascular damage is less described. Chronic inflammatory state might impair some regulatory endothelium properties leading to its activation, apoptosis or erosion. ⋯ Our findings suggest an imbalance between endothelial progenitor cells mobilization and endothelial apoptosis. The alteration in the turnover of endothelial cells may contribute to cardiovascular events in HIV-infected patients.