Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection damages body defence mainly by affecting two important white blood cells called cluster of differentiation (CD4) T cells and monocytes. This immune dysfunction leads to persistent inflammation, which is partially resolved with long-term anti-HIV therapy. Importantly, such inflammation increases risk for cardiovascular, diabetes, and kidney diseases. The causes of this inflammation are largely unknown and include HIV itself, presence of other infections, lifestyle characteristics like increased cholesterol levels, obesity, smoking and alcohol abuse. In addition, inflammation can be driven by certain type of anti-HIV therapy called protease inhibitor (PI). PI has been associated with an increase of cholesterol and may contribute to inflammation. A new class of medication that is now available in Canada called integrase inhibitor (II) may have a lesser or no effect on cholesterol levels. Therefore, it is important to study the effect of II on cholesterol levels and inflammation.

The purpose of this study is to assess the inflammatory changes, in the blood of persons treated with PI that will switch to the II or may remain on their PI-containing regimen. By comparing persons continuing their current PI-based regimen with those who switch to II-based regimen, we will know if the change from PI to raltegravir (Isentress), a type of II, decreases lipids and inflammatory markers.

The adult persons living with HIV, who are on PI-based therapy for more than a year, with any CD4 T cell count and plasma viral load below level of detection, will be invited to participate in the study. 40 study participants will be selected by randomization (like a toss of a coin) to either continue PI-based regimen (20 participants) or switch to raltegravir-based regimen (20 participants) for a period of 12 months. Blood samples of the study participants will be drawn before, during and at the end of study to evaluate changes in markers of inflammation, cholesterol level and CD4 T cell and monocyte function. No experimental anti-HIV medication will be used; change of therapy will include raltegravir which is one of currently recommended medications to treat HIV in Canada.

This study will be able to answer this important question whether inflammation can be decreased by switching therapy from PI-based therapy to raltegravir-based therapy. Ultimately, information provided by this study will contribute to the health of persons living with HIV.

Inclusion Criteria

1. HIV-1 infected male or female adults greater than or equal to 18 years of age

2. Participants who are on protease-inhibitor-based ART for more than a year

3. Participants with any CD4 T-cell count.

4. Participants with plasma viral load below level of detection (40 copies/mL)

5. Able to understand and sign the informed consent form prior to screening

6. Women of child-bearing potential must have a negative pregnancy test at screening and at Day 1 and agree to use the following approved methods of birth control while on study:

   • Double barrier method (male condom/spermicide, male condom/diaphragm, diaphragm/spermicide);
   • Any intrauterine device (IUD) with published data showing that the expected failure rate is <1% per year (not all IUDs meet this criterion);
   • Male partner sterilization confirmed prior to the female subject's entry into the study; this male is the sole partner for that subject;
   • Approved hormonal contraception;
   • Any other method with published data showing that the expected failure rate is <1% per year.

   Any contraception method must be used consistently, in accordance with the approved product label, and for at least 2 weeks after discontinuation of metformin.

7. Women of non-child-bearing potential as defined as either post-menopausal (12 months of spontaneous amenorrhea and ≥ 45 years of age) or physically incapable of becoming pregnant with documented tubal ligation, hysterectomy or bilateral oophorectomy.

8. Men who are using at least one barrier method of contraception (e.g. condom).

Exclusion Criteria

1. Individuals with a known hypersensitivity/allergy to the Raltegravir.
2. Individuals who are actively participating in an experimental therapy study or who have received experimental therapy within the last three months.
3. Individuals who are suffering from severe systemic diseases (uncontrolled hypertension, chronic renal failure), or active uncontrolled infections
4. Patients who are currently on any integrase inhibitor-based ART.
5. Individuals with a history of congestive heart failure (NYHA I-IV) or individuals having a cardiac pacemaker
6. Severe liver or kidney disease based on physician evaluation
7. Elevated AST or ALT 3-fold above the upper normal limit
8. Elevated alkaline phosphatase 2-fold above upper normal limit
9. Elevated creatinine (above 150 µmol/l)
10. Current use of oral steroids
11. A systemic infection within the last month
12. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.