A "Patch" For HIV in 3-5 Years?

[Reuters] A therapeutic vaccine delivered through the skin could help restore HIV-specific immune response in HIV-infected patients, based on the results of a primate study.

The DermaVir patch produced simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV)-specific CD4 and CD8 cell responses in SIV-naive rhesus macaques, Dr. Julianna Lisziewicz of the Research Institute for Genetic and Human Therapy in Washington, and her colleagues report in the January issue of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.

Another study by the team, published this month in the journal AIDS, shows the vaccine can also produce a response in SIV-infected macaques, including immunocompromised animals, Dr. Lisziewicz told Reuters Health. Tests of the DermaVir patch are underway in humans in Europe, and are set to launch in the US soon, she added.

The vaccine consists of a plasmid DNA expressing every HIV protein, except for integrase, complexed with glucose. The patch is applied to the skin after exfoliation. Langerhans cells in the epidermis, which process antigens on the skin and deliver them to draining lymph nodes, "see" the vaccine particles as HIV, and eventually differentiate into dendritic cells that present the HIV antigens to T cells, Dr. Lisziewicz explained.

The vaccine, "a very new composition," is an alternative to the much more cumbersome ex vivo manipulation of dendritic cells, she noted. While antiretroviral drugs can control HIV infection, Dr. Lisziewicz noted, they cannot restore HIV-specific immune response, but DermaVir has the potential to do so.

"We believe it would be a very useful new kind of treatment which would be added to the antiretroviral therapy," she said. The patch is worn for 3 hours, Dr. Lisziewicz said. She and her colleagues foresee that it would not be used just once or twice, but perhaps every few months or every couple of years.

Sam's Stance on Chiropractors

Sam, my husband has been suffering from back pain. I heard that one option for him might be to go to a chiropractor. What is your opinion on chiropractic care and if it works? —Diane

I think like any profession, when it comes to chiropractors, there are good ones, and there are bad ones. I actually bounced this question off several clients this week, many of whom have received chiropractic care in the past. They agree that a good chiropractor (much like a good doctor or trainer) should have not only a basic knowledge of body mechanics, but also an "innate sense" of how the body works and what's going on.

Personally, I have found less benefit through chiropractic care and greater benefit through acupuncture and massage. If you are looking for a massage therapist or acupuncturist in the Los Angeles Area, send me an e-mail and I'd be happy to refer you.

This Week's Cool Product: The X VEST

Navy Seals and professional athletes train with them, and now the rest of us can benefit from this outstanding technology. The X VEST is a high performance weighted body vest. It's very comfortable at all speeds and with all body movements. Smartly designed, the two-piece clamshell design with nylon velcro waistband and adjustable height & weight doesn't affect arm motion. It's the most stable of the brands I've researched, as it barely moves during fast running. Keys and wallet even fit in the weight pocket. It comes in 12 to 84-pound models, and best of all -- it's only $179.

We're still waiting for our road-test review unit of this model, but I'll let you know as soon as I've had a chance to road test it for myself. It's looking mighty promising.

How to Handle The Moaning Gym Bunny

Sam, there's a guy in my gym who makes loud, inappropriate noises, grunting and moaning when he works out. It really is bothersome to myself and other gym-goers. How can we tell him to stop this without hurting his feelings? —Dan, Tuscon, AZ

I don't think that it is your place to say anything to him. People make all sorts of noises when they work hard in the gym. You should hear some of the guys at Gold's Gym here in Southern California! Why does this issue bother you so much? Instead of focusing on the flaws of others, why not listen to music or focus on your workout. Place the "critical eye" back on yourself. After all, remember that whenever you point the finger, there is one pointing back at you. —Sam