Bone Mineral Density, Body Composition, and Mineral Homeostasis Over 24 Months in Urban South African Women With HIV Exposed to Antiretroviral Therapy

The influence of HIV on body composition and its relationship with physical function in mid-life women: a cross-sectional study from Zimbabwe

OBJECTIVE

Menopause-related changes in body composition and physical function are unclear in Southern Africa, particularly in the context of a generalized HIV epidemic with high antiretroviral therapy (ART) coverage.

METHOD

A total of 263 Zimbabwean women (53% women living with HIV [WLH]) aged 40-60 years provided data on menopause, ART use, anthropometry, body composition (appendicular lean mass [ALM], muscle area, fat mass), handgrip strength (HGS) and gait speed. Linear regression determined relationships between body composition and physical function, unadjusted and age-menopause-adjusted, stratified by HIV status. Univariate logistic regression investigated associations between body composition and self-reported falls.

RESULTS

WLH (96% ART established) were a median (interquartile range) 10.4 (6.4-14.5) years since diagnosis, with lower weight, body mass index, ALM, fat mass and HGS than women living without HIV (WLWOH). With menopause transition, WLH lost weight, ALM, gynoid mass and muscle area (all p-trend <0.05); however, WLWOH did not. Both WLH and WLWOH lost HGS (p-trend <0.05). ALM was positively associated with HGS in all women. In WLH, greater percentage body fat, particularly gynoid fat, was associated with increased odds of falls (1.69 [1.00-2.89], p = 0.049 and 1.72 [1.08-2.75], p = 0.023, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Women living with HIV were more likely to experience adverse changes in body composition through menopause; fat mass gains were associated with risk of falls.

Trabecular bone deficits predominate in the appendicular skeleton of midlife women living with HIV: findings from a cross-sectional study in Zimbabwe

HIV-related mortality has fallen due to the scale-up of antiretroviral therapy (ART), so more women living with HIV (WLH) now live to reach menopause. Menopausal estrogen loss causes bone loss, as do HIV and certain ART regimens. However, quantitative bone data from WLH are few in Africa. A cross-sectional study of women aged 40-60 yr (49% WLH) was conducted in Harare, Zimbabwe. Menopause status, fracture history, HIV status and treatment, and anthropometry were collected, and radial/tibial peripheral QCT (pQCT) scans were performed. pQCT outcomes were distal radius and tibia trabecular volumetric BMD (vBMD), total area, and compressive bone strength (BSIc); proximal radius and tibia cortical vBMD, BMC, cortical thickness, bone area, and stress-strain index (SSI). Linear regression determined differences by HIV status, minimally adjusted for age and menopause status, and further adjusted for height and fat mass. Relationships between pQCT parameters and major osteoporotic fracture history were explored using univariate logistic regression. In WLH, linear regression assessed associations between HIV and ART durations on pQCT measures. 384 women mean (SD) age 49.7 (5.8) yr had pQCT data. WLH had lower absolute pQCT measures at all sites. Overall, HIV-related deficits were robust to adjustment for age, menopause status, height, and fat mass: WLH had lower trabecular vBMD (radius -7.3 [-12.5; -2.0]%, tibia -5.4 [-9.1; -1.7]%), and cortical vBMD (radius -3.5 [-5.9; -1.1]%, tibia -1.1 [-1.6; -0.5]%). Strength estimates were lower in WLH and of similar magnitude at the radius and tibia. Longer HIV duration was associated with lower radius bone area, BMC, and estimates of bone strength, independent of ART duration. Trabecular deficits predominate in WLH, though with age cortical compartment bone loss may increase in importance. This is particularly concerning as these differences were observed at the radius, a common site of postmenopausal osteoporotic fracture.

25(OH)D concentrations are not associated with adiposity indicators, but with the stage of immunodeficiency in people with HIV/AIDS

Introduction

Objective: this study assessed the association between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and anthropometric indicators of adiposity in people living with HIV/AIDS taking highly active antiretroviral therapy. Methods: the study included 244 people living with HIV/AIDS who received outpatient care at the Institute of Tropical Diseases in the city of Teresina, Brazil. Sociodemographic, clinical, anthropometric and laboratory characteristics were examined. Serum 25(OH)D was analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography in accordance with the Vitamin D Standardization Program. Multiple linear regression analysis adjusted for gender, age, disease stage and duration of highly active antiretroviral therapy was performed to assess the association between 25(OH)D concentrations and adiposity indicators. Results: the study included 142 (58.2 %) men and 102 (41.8 %) women, with a mean (± SD) age of 39.13 (± 10.83) years. A proportion of 57.8 per cent of the participants had insufficient concentrations of 25(OH)D below 30 ng/mL. Individuals in more advanced stages of immunodeficiency had lower concentrations of 25(OH)D (30.30 ± 16.10 ng/mL) compared to those with mild immunodeficiency or no immunodeficiency. There was no significant association between 25(OH)D concentrations and any of the adiposity indicators considered in this study. Conclusion: vitamin D concentrations in people living with HIV/AIDS using antiretroviral therapy are related to the degree of immunosuppression, but not to the individual's adiposity status.

Calcium and Iron Nutrition through the Reproductive Life Course

BACKGROUND

Two essential micronutrients over the life course are calcium and iron, and both are especially important during the reproductive cycle. The role of calcium in maternal and offspring bone health and in the prevention of pre-eclampsia in pregnancy are well described, although results from randomised controlled trials for both outcomes vary. Iron is essential for synthesis of red blood cells, being a core component of haemoglobin, which carries oxygen around the body, and hence is key in the prevention of anaemia and sequelae.

SUMMARY

This article reviews the evidence across the reproductive life course for dietary calcium and iron intakes and health outcomes. For calcium, focusing on bone health and prevention of pre-eclampsia, for iron considering its crucial role in foetal and neonatal development and how requirements may be impacted through inflammation and infection, particularly in environments where iron availability may be low.

Prevalence of HIV-associated osteoporosis and fracture risk in midlife women: a cross-sectional study in Zimbabwe

Antiretroviral therapy roll-out has dramatically reduced HIV-related mortality; more women are living to reach menopause. Menopausal estrogen loss causes bone loss, as does HIV and some of its treatments. However, data describing HIV's impact on osteoporosis prevalence and fracture risk are scarce in southern Africa. A cross-sectional study of women aged 40-60 years (49% women with HIV [WLH]) was conducted in Harare, Zimbabwe. Menopause, fracture, and HIV history were collected, and anthropometry and BMD (by DXA) measured, and FRAX 10-year fracture probabilities quantified. The FRAX probability of a major osteoporotic fracture (MOF) included HIV as a risk factor for secondary osteoporosis. Linear and Poisson regression determined the relationships between clinical risk factors and both femoral neck (FN) BMD and the 10-year FRAX probability of MOF respectively. The 393 participants had a mean (SD) age of 49.6 (5.8) years and mean (SD) BMI of 29.1 (6.0) kg/m2. 95% of WLH were antiretroviral therapy (ART) established (85% tenofovir disoproxil fumarate) and 81% had a viral load <50 copies/mL. A BMD T-score ≤ -2.5 was more common in WLH than those without, at both FN and lumbar spine (LS) (FN, 22 [11.4%] vs 5 [2.5%]; LS, 40 [20.8%] vs 9 [4.5%], respectively). Prior fracture was more prevalent in WLH: any fracture type (27 [14%] vs 14 [7%]); MOF (14 [7.3%] vs 5 [2.5%]). WLH had a higher 10-year MOF probability (median, 1.2%; IQR, 0.9-1.8) compared with those without HIV (1.0%; IQR, 0.9-1.5) (p < .001), although probabilities were low. Older age, low weight, and HIV infection were strongly associated with lower FN BMD. Higher probability of MOF was associated with older age, HIV infection, parental hip fracture and prior fracture, although adjustment attenuated the association with HIV. No woman reported anti-osteoporosis medication use. While osteoporosis and previous fractures were common and untreated in this relatively young population, particularly in WLH, the FRAX-predicted 10-year MOF risk was low. Clinical risk factors considered in fracture risk prediction tools in Zimbabwe may need contextual modification.

Biochemical Markers of Calcium and Bone Metabolism during and after Lactation in Ugandan Women with HIV on Universal Maternal Antiretroviral Therapy

We reported accentuated lactational decreases in areal bone mineral density and only partial skeletal recovery after lactation in Ugandan women with HIV (WWH) initiated on tenofovir disoproxil fumarate-based antiretroviral therapy (TDF-based ART) during pregnancy compared to women without HIV (REF). WWH also had higher breast milk calcium in the first months of lactation. To investigate the mechanisms, we measured bone turnover markers (bone resorption: C-terminal telopeptide [CTX]; bone formation: procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide [P1NP], bone-specific and total alkaline phosphatase [BALP, TALP]), hormones (parathyroid hormone [PTH], intact fibroblast growth factor 23 [FGF23], 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D [1,25(OH)2 D]), vitamin D status (25-hydroxyvitamin D [25OHD]), and indices of mineral metabolism and renal function. Blood and urine samples collected at 36 weeks of gestation, 14 and 26 weeks of lactation, and 3-6 months after lactation were analyzed. Mean 25OHD was >50 nmol/L throughout. Both groups experienced similar biochemical changes during pregnancy and lactation to women in other settings, but within these patterns, the two groups differed significantly. Notably, WWH had higher PTH (+31%) and lower 1,25(OH)2 D (-9%) and TmP/GFR (-9%) throughout, lower P1NP (-27%) and plasma phosphate (-10%) in pregnancy, higher CTX (+15%) and BALP (+19%), and lower eGFR (-4%) during and after lactation. P1NP/CTX ratio was lower in WWH than REF in pregnancy (-21%), less so in lactation (-15%), and similar after lactation. Additionally, WWH had lower plasma calcium (-5%), lower FGF23 (-16%) and fasting urinary calcium (-34%) at one or both lactation timepoints, and higher fasting urinary phosphate (+22%) at 26 weeks of lactation and after lactation. These differences resemble reported TDF effects, especially raised PTH, increased bone resorption, decreased bone formation, and decreased renal function, and may explain the observed differences in bone mineral density and breast milk calcium. Further studies are needed to determine whether HIV and TDF-based ART have long-term consequences for maternal bone health and offspring growth. © 2023 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Long-Term Change in Bone Mineral Density in Women Living With HIV: A 10-Year Prospective Controlled Cohort Study

Women living with HIV (WLWH) may be at higher risk for osteoporosis and fragility fractures. However, limited prospective data describe long-term trajectories of bone mineral density (BMD) in WLWH versus women without HIV. Thus, in this prospective study, we aimed to compare 10-year change in areal BMD (aBMD) between WLWH (n = 49; 36.8 ± 8.8 years; 96% pre/perimenopausal) and HIV-negative women (population-based controls; n = 49; 41.9 ± 9.2 years; 80% pre/perimenopausal). In an exploratory analysis, we compared fracture history between WLWH and controls. Outcomes were lumbar spine (L1 to L4), total hip, and femoral neck aBMD at baseline and follow-up, which occurred at 13 and 10 years in WLWH and controls, respectively. We fit multivariable regression models to compare baseline and 10-year change in aBMD between groups, adjusting for osteoporosis risk factors. Within WLWH, we examined associations between aBMD and HIV-related factors, including combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) duration. WLWH were diagnosed 6.5 ± 3.7 years before baseline, 80% were on cART for 241 ± 142 weeks, and 49% had HIV plasma viral load <40 copies/mL. Before and after adjusting for osteoporosis risk factors, baseline and 10-year change in aBMD did not differ between WLWH and controls at any site. At baseline, more WLWH than controls reported a history of low-trauma fracture (30% versus 10%, p < 0.05) and major osteoporotic fracture (17% versus 4%, p < 0.05). During follow-up, the number of WLWH and controls with incident fragility fracture was not significantly different. Lifetime cART duration and tenofovir use were not associated with aBMD 10-year percent change. Higher CD4 count at baseline was positively associated with femoral neck aBMD 10-year percent change. Long-term aBMD change in this small WLWH cohort paralleled normal aging, with no evidence of influence from cART use; however, these results should be interpreted with caution given the small sample size. Larger cohort studies are needed to confirm these findings. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.

Disparities in the Prevalence of Osteoporosis and Osteopenia in Men and Women Living in Sub-Saharan Africa, the UK, and the USA

PURPOSE

To review the rising prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in sub-Saharan Africa and the challenges this poses to governments and healthcare services. Using existing studies, we compare the prevalence of osteopenia and osteoporosis in men and women from sub-Saharan Africa to US and UK cohorts. Context-specific disparities in healthcare are discussed particularly the challenges in diagnosis and treatment of osteoporosis.

RECENT FINDINGS

There are few epidemiological data describing the burden of osteoporosis in sub-Saharan Africa. In the studies and cohorts presented here, osteoporosis prevalence varies by sex, country and area of residence, but is generally higher in African populations, than has previously been appreciated. Risk factors contributing to poorer bone health include HIV, malnutrition and "inflammaging." Reprioritization towards care of ageing populations is urgently required. Equitable access to implementable preventative strategies, diagnostic services, treatments and pathways of care for bone health (for example embedded within HIV services) need now to be recognized and addressed by policy makers.

Longitudinal Change in Bone Density, Geometry, and Estimated Bone Strength in Older Men and Women From The Gambia: Findings From the Gambian Bone and Muscle Aging Study (GamBAS)

Musculoskeletal aging in the most resource-limited countries has not been quantified, and longitudinal data are urgently needed to inform policy. The aim of this prospective study was to describe musculoskeletal aging in Gambian adults. A total of 488 participants were recruited stratified by sex and 5-year age band (aged 40 years and older); 386 attended follow-up 1.7 years later. Outcomes were dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) (n = 383) total hip areal bone mineral density (aBMD), bone mineral content (BMC), bone area (BA); peripheral quantitative computed tomography (pQCT) diaphyseal and epiphyseal radius and tibia (n = 313) total volumetric BMD (vBMD), trabecular vBMD, estimated bone strength indices (BSIc), cross-sectional area (CSA), BMC, and cortical vBMD. Mean annualized percentage change in bone outcomes was assessed in 10-year age bands and linear trends for age assessed. Bone turnover markers, parathyroid hormone (PTH), and 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) were explored as predictors of change in bone. Bone loss was observed at all sites, with an annual loss of total hip aBMD of 1.2% in women after age 50 years and in men at age 70 years plus. Greater loss in vBMD and BSIc was found at the radius in both men and women; strength was reduced by 4% per year in women and 3% per year in men (p trend 0.02, 0.03, respectively). At cortical sites, reductions in BMC, CSA, and vBMD were observed, being greatest in BMC in women, between 1.4% and 2.0% per annum. Higher CTX and PINP predicted greater loss of trabecular vBMD in women and BMC in men at the radius, and higher 25(OH)D with less loss of tibial trabecular vBMD and CSA in women. The magnitude of bone loss was like those reported in countries where fragility fracture rates are much higher. Given the predicted rise in fracture rates in resource-poor countries such as The Gambia, these data provide important insights into musculoskeletal health in this population. © 2022 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Menopause is associated with bone loss, particularly at the distal radius, in black South African women: Findings from the Study of Women Entering and in Endocrine Transition (SWEET)

Menopause transition is associated with accelerated bone loss, though data are limited from sub-Saharan African (SSA). Our objective was to describe bone density, geometry and estimated strength in women by menopause status and to explore whether patterns differed within those living with HIV.

METHODS

Radius and tibia peripheral QCT data were collected for Black South African women (n = 430) aged 40-61 years with verified menopause and HIV status. pQCT outcomes were distal 4 % radius and tibia total cross-sectional area (CSA), total volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD), and compressive bone strength (BSIc); proximal 66 % radius and 38 % tibia cortical vBMD, total CSA, cortical thickness, and Stress-strain Index (SSI). Linear regression assessed associations between pre, peri-, and postmenopausal groups and pQCT outcomes adjusting for age, height, and weight, and then stratified by HIV status. Mean [95%CI] and tests for trend (p-trend) across menopausal groups are presented.

RESULTS

Women were mean (SD) age 49.2 (5.3) years, with a body mass index (BMI) of 32.4 (6.3) m/kg², and 18 % were living with HIV. After adjustment, later menopause stage was associated with lower 4 % radius total mean [95%CIs] vBMD (premenopause: 345.7 [335.8,355.5] vs. postmenopause: 330.1 [322.7,337.6] mg/cm³, p-trend = 0.017) and BSIc (premenopause: 0.39 [0.37,0.41] vs. postmenopause: 0.36 [0.35,0.37] g²/cm⁴; p-trend = 0.012). Similar trends were observed at the 66 % radius for cortical vBMD (premenopause: 1146.8 [1138.9,1154.6] vs. postmenopause: 1136.1 [1130.1,1142.0] mg/cm³; p-trend = 0.028) and cortical thickness (premenopause: 2.01 [1.95,2.06] vs. postmenopause: 1.93 [1.89,1.98] mm; p-trend = 0.036). After stratification by HIV status a similar patten was observed in women with HIV (cortical vBMD premenopause: 1152.9 [1128.5,1177.2] mg/cm³ vs. postmenopause: 1123.6 [1106.0,1141.2] mg/cm³, p-trend = 0.048). Total CSA varied little by menopause or HIV status at either radius sites; few differences were found at the tibia.

CONCLUSION

In black South African women, menopause is associated with lower bone density and strength at the distal radius, a common site of osteoporotic fracture, in addition to lower cortical density and thickness at the proximal radius. Although the sample size was small, following stratification by HIV, women living with HIV had evidence of lower cortical density across menopause stages, unlike those without HIV. These findings raise concern for the incidence of Colles' fractures in postmenopausal women in South Africa; longitudinal studies of fracture incidence and implications of living with HIV are required.

The association between serum vitamin D and body composition in South African HIV-infected women

BACKGROUND

HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART) alter vitamin D metabolism, and may be associated with bone loss.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to determine the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) and body composition in postmenopausal South African women living with HIV and on ART.

METHOD

In this 2-year longitudinal study on 120 women conducted in the North West province of South Africa, serum 25(OH)D concentration, bone mineral density (BMD) at three sites, lean mass and percentage of body fat (%BF) were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Multivariable linear mixed models were used to assess the association between serum 25(OH)D and body composition over 2 years. Linear mixed models were also used to determine the longitudinal association between lean mass, %BF and BMD.

RESULTS

Vitamin D deficiency and insufficiency increased from baseline (10.2% and 19.5%) to 11.5% and 37.5%, respectively, after 2 years. Serum 25(OH)D decreased significantly, however, with a small effect size of 0.39 (P = 0.001), whilst total BMD (effect size 0.03, P = 0.02) and left hip femoral neck (FN) BMD (effect size 0.06, P = 0.0001) had significant small increases, whereas total spine BMD did not change over the 2 years. Serum 25(OH)D had no association with any BMD outcomes. Lean mass had a stronger positive association with total spine and left FN BMD than %BF.

CONCLUSION

Serum 25(OH)D was not associated with any BMD outcomes. Maintenance of lean mass could be important in preventing bone loss in this vulnerable group; however, longer follow-up may be necessary to confirm the association.

Measuring the uptake of continuous care among people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy and social determinants of the uptake of continuous care in the southwest of China: a cross-sectional study

Background

Continuous care is essential for people living with HIV. This study aimed to measure continuous care uptake and investigate the association between higher uptake of continuous care and behavioral and social factors, including HIV-acquisition risk and socioeconomic characteristics.

Methods

A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted from April to November 2019 in an HIV treatment center of a specialized hospital in Kunming city, China. Fourteen service indicators were used to calculate composite care scores, which were classified into three levels (low, middle, and high), using principal component analysis. The Behavioral Model for Vulnerable Populations was employed to examine predisposing, enabling, and need factors associated with composite care scores among people living with HIV.

Results

A total of 702 participants living with HIV aged ≥ 18 years (median age: 41.0 years, 69.4% male) who had been on ART for 1–5 years were recruited. Based on ordinal logistic regression modeling, predisposing factors: being employed (adjusted odds ratio (AOR): 1.54, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.13–2.11), heterosexuals (AOR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.11–2.25) and men who have sex with men (AOR: 2.05, 95% CI: 1.39–3.02) and enabling factors: Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (AOR: 1.90, 95% CI: 1.03–3.54), middle socioeconomic status (SES) (AOR: 1.42, 95% CI: 1.01–2.01), were positively associated with the higher level of continuous care uptake, compared to the unemployed, people who inject drugs, those with no medical insurance and low SES, respectively.

Conclusion

There were large differences in continuous care uptake among people living with HIV. HIV-acquisition risk categories and socioeconomic factors were significant determinants of uptake of continuous care. Our findings could inform the development of evidence-based strategies that promote equitable healthcare for all people living with HIV.

Changes in Bone Mineral Density During and After Lactation in Ugandan Women With HIV on Tenofovir-Based Antiretroviral Therapy

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) is associated with bone loss, but data are limited in lactation, when physiological bone mineral mobilization is occurring. This research charted changes in areal bone mineral density (aBMD) during and after lactation in Ugandan women with HIV (WWH) initiated onto ART in pregnancy, compared to women without HIV (REF). One-hundred WWH on tenofovir-based ART and 100 REF were enrolled in pregnancy. Lumbar spine (LS), total hip (TH), and whole-body-less-head (WBLH) aBMD were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at 2, 14, and 26 weeks of lactation, and at 3 months postlactation. The primary outcome was the difference between groups in mean percent change in LS aBMD between 2 and 14 weeks. Statistical analysis was performed in hierarchical repeated measures ANOVA models that corrected for multiple testing. Median age was 23.4 (IQR, 21.0 to 26.8) years. WWH had lower body weight. aBMD decreased in both groups during lactation, but WWH had greater decreases at TH (2-to-26 weeks: WWH [n = 63] -5.9% [95% CI, -6.4 to -5.4] versus REF [n = 64] -4.3% [95% CI, -4.8 to -3.8]; group*time point interaction p = .008). Decreases in LS aBMD were similar in WWH and REF (2-to-26 weeks: -2.0% [95% CI, -2.5 to -1.5]), although there was a tendency toward a smaller decrease in WWH between 2 and 14 weeks (WWH [n = 77] -1.8% [95% CI, -2.2 to -1.4] versus REF [n = 69] -2.9% [95% CI, -3.3 to -2.5]; group*time point interaction p = .08). Postlactation, LS aBMD was higher relative to week 2 in both groups. TH and WBLH aBMD did not return to week 2 values in WWH but did in REF (TH postlactation versus week 2: WWH [n = 61] -3.1% [95% CI, -3.6 to -2.6]; REF [n = 29] +0.1% [95% CI, -0.9 to +1.1]). These data show accentuated bone loss during lactation and only partial skeletal recovery by 3 months postlactation in Ugandan WWH on tenofovir-based ART. Studies are ongoing to understand longer-term consequences for bone health. © 2020 The Authors. Journal of Bone and Mineral Research published by American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.