This subproject is one of many research subprojects utilizing the resources provided by a Center grant funded by NIH/NCRR. The subproject and investigator (PI) may have received primary funding from another NIH source, and thus could be represented in other CRISP entries. The institution listed is for the Center, which is not necessarily the institution for the investigator. Since the introduction of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in 1996, AIDS is now viewed as a chronic disease. In the post HAART era, despite the dramatic decrease in the frequency of HIV-associated disorders, some of the new challenges we are faced with are the morbidities associated with therapy for AIDS including, malignancies, neurocognitive impairment and metabolic disorders. Congruent with the Strategic Plan and Scientific Priorities 2000 of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) (www.niaid.nih.gov/daids/project2000.htm), the investigators within the University of Hawaii, Pathobiology of HIV-Associated Disorders activity are conducting research on HIV-associated disorders (such as malignancies), the unexpected epidemic of metabolic abnormalities resulting from HAART (such as lipodystrophy, autonomic dysfunction and insulin resistance), and the neurological disorders resulting from opportunistic pathogens (such as the JC virus and associated disease progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy). Moreover, novel gene therapy strategies are being developed to combat HIV infection in brain. Metabolic disorders, lipodystrophy and mitochondrial toxicity are common among HIV-infected individuals on HAART. The ethnic group in Hawaii which is most affected by HIV/AIDS is the Hawaiian/Part Hawaiian minority group, the same ethnic group showing substantial disparities in health in diabetes and cancer. In implementing a multidisciplinary research agenda on pathobiology of HIV-associated disorders affecting Asians and Pacific Islanders and other ethnic minority groups, a cadre of clinical and basic science investigators is being mentored to develop hypothesis-driven research proposals for independent funding. By leveraging RCMI funding with State General Funds, we anticipate accelerated growth in terms of human and physical resources, as evidenced by significantly increased productivity of RCMI-supported investigators and progressive independence from RCMI support.
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