Donohue Syndrome

Peripheral artery Disease (PAD) is a major cardiovascular disease that can impair quality of life (QoL). It affects more often male patients and its pathophysiology is not completely known. Probably androgen receptors and metabolism alteration may play an important role in the onset and in the progression of PAD towards its dreadful complications. The aim of this study is to evaluate the role of Androgen Recetpr , IGF-I receptor, and Insulin Receptor on the arterial wall of male patients with PAD undergoing open revascularization surgery.

The study evaluates the association between soluble insulin receptor dysfunction, cardiorespiratory fitness, and HIV associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). Those who volunteer to participate in the study will have two evaluations at study entry that include a dual x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) densitometry, anthropometry, neurocognitive testing, blood and urine samples for metabolic testing, and a cardiorespiratory fitness testing. DEXA will be conducted in the Endocrinology Unit at the University Hospital, Medical Center (letter of support included). The cardiorespiratory fitness testing will be conducted in the AIDS Clinical Trials Unit (ACTU) project, University of Puerto Rico, Medical Sciences Campus, and the Puerto Rico Clinical and Translational Research Consortium. Then, participants will be invited to participate in a 6-week, 3 days/week individualized exercise program. The exercise program will be conducted at the University of Puerto Rico Medical Sciences Campus. After completion of the exercise program, study entry evaluations will be repeated. The duration of the study will take approximately 10 weeks.