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Binding and Fusion: HIV begins its life cycle
when it binds to a CD4 receptor and one of two
co-receptors on the surface of a CD4+
Tlymphocyte. The virus then fuses with the host
cell. After fusion, the virus releases RNA, its
genetic material, into the host cell.
Reverse Transcription: An HIV enzyme
called reverse transcriptase converts the singlestranded HIV RNA to double-stranded HIV DNA.
Integration: The newly formed HIV DNA
enters the host cell's nucleus, where an HIV
enzyme called integrase "hides" the HIV DNA
within the host cell's own DNA. The integrated
HIV DNA is called provirus. The provirus may
remain inactive for several years, producing few or
no new copies of HIV
Transcription: When the host cell receives a
signal to become active, the provirus uses a host
enzyme called RNA polymerase to create copies of
the HIV genomic material, as well as shorter
strands of RNA called messenger RNA (mRNA).
The mRNA is used as a blueprint to make long
chains of HIV proteins.
Assembly: An HIV enzyme called protease cuts
the long chains of HIV proteins into smaller
individual proteins. As the smaller HIV proteins
come together with copies of HIV's RNA genetic
material, a new virus particle is assembled.
Budding: The newly assembled virus pushes out
("buds") from the host cell. During budding, the new
virus steals part of the cell's outer envelope. This
envelope, which acts as a covering, is studded with
protein/sugar combinations called HIV
glycoproteins. These HIV glycoproteins are
necessary for the virus to bind CD4 and coreceptors. The new copies of HIV can now move
on to infect other cells.
What is Wallenberg syndrome? Wallenberg syndrome is a rare condition in which an infarction, or stroke, occurs in the lateral medulla. The lateral medulla is a part of the brain stem. Oxygenated blood doesn’t get to this part of the brain when the arteries that lead to it are blocked. A stroke can occur due to this blockage. This condition is also sometimes called lateral medullary infarction. The cause of the syndrome isn’t always clear, however.
Esophageal varices are abnormal, enlarged veins in the tube that connects the throat and stomach (esophagus). This condition occurs most often in people with serious liver diseases. Esophageal varices develop when normal blood flow to the liver is blocked by a clot or scar tissue in the liver. To go around the blockages, blood flows into smaller blood vessels that aren't designed to carry large volumes of blood. The vessels can leak blood or even rupture, causing life-threatening bleeding. A number of drugs and medical procedures can help prevent and stop bleeding from esophageal varices.