Stable partnership and progression to AIDS or death in HIV infected patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy: Swiss HIV cohort study

It is my hypothesis (1985) that low DHEA produces vulnerability to
the AIDS virus. (The term "HIV" did not exist at the time.)
Subsequently, I decided that the symptoms of AIDS actually represent loss
of DHEA. The first reports of low DHEA in AIDS appeared in 1989. Since
that time the symptoms of AIDS have been connected with low DHEA.

It is also my idea that cortisol and testosterone antagonize the
effects of DHEA. There are numerous reports of the adverse effects of a
high cortisol to DHEA ratio in AIDS / HIV disease. These effects of
cortisol and testosterone may explain the findings of Young, et al. In
2003, Burnham, et al., repoted: "Results revealed that men in committed,
romantic relationships had 21% lower testosterone levels than men not
involved in such relationships." (Hormones and Behavior 2003; 44(2): 119-
122).

Now, if the subjects of Young, et al., are of higher testosterone
and, therefore, do not remain in committed relationships, then their
increased testosterone would adversely affect their levels of DHEA. If
the partners of the subjects of Young, et al., have high testosterone and,
therefore, leave the relationship, then the cortisol which occurs as a
result would adversely affect their levels of DHEA. Also, any loss of
partnership will also increase cortisol. These situations, or
combinations thereof, will reduce the effects of DHEA.

I suggest the findings of Young, et al., reflect a more stable level
of DHEA in the subjects of this study.

Competing interests:
None declared