RA Effect on Cell Surface Molecules in Vivo

Retinoic Acid Effect on Cell Surface Molecules in Vivo

This study will follow a group of healthy male participants for about 18 weeks to see the effect of taking Acitretin on their immune cells

Retinoids have been shown in in vitro and ex vivo models to have the ability to reverse latency reactivating the HIV reservoir and the potential for selective eradication of HIV-harbouring cells. We feel that acitretin shows significant potential as a potential adjuvant to current ART regimens, however, there is a lack of data to demonstrate that treatment with acitretin at normal are able to induce molecular and transcription changes consistent with the above activities. In order to provide a scientific basis for retinoid therapy in HIV infection, a Phase I trial of acitretin in human subjects is proposed.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Male gender
2. Age 18 - 65
3. Able to provide informed consent
4. Willingness to participate in study treatment and follow-up
5. Willingness for serial phlebotomy and storage and future viro-immunological assays

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Female gender
2. Participants with a known hypersensitivity/allergy to the acitretin.
3. Participants who are actively participating in an experimental therapy study or who have received experimental therapy within the last 1 year.
4. Participants who are a poor medical risk because of other systemic diseases or active uncontrolled infections including HIV, Hepatitis B or C, and tuberculosis
5. Participants with impaired glucose tolerance including prediabetes or diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, or liver dysfunction
6. Previous or current history of mood disorder, psychosis, or suicidality
7. Participants currently receiving ongoing treatment with methotrexate, tetracyclines, or other retinoids