We have examined the effects of Tat on the anti-oxidant regulatory network driven by the transcription factor Nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) in primary human pulmonary arterial endothelial cells, which are heavily involved in pathogenesis of HIV associated lung diseases including pulmonary arterial hypertension and COPD.
So far, randomized controlled trials of drugs approved for pulmonary arterial hypertension have yielded discouraging results in both interstitial lung diseases and COPD with PH.