LDL-receptors expression in HIV-infected patients: relations to antiretroviral therapy, hormonal status, and presence of lipodystrophy

Potential use of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) inhibition and prevention method in viral infection

Cellular lipid membranes serve as the primary barrier preventing viral infection of the host cell and provide viruses with a critical initial point of contact. Occasionally, viruses can utilize lipids as viral receptors. Viruses depend significantly on lipid rafts for infection at virtually every stage of their life cycle. The pivotal role that proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin Type 9 (PCSK9) plays in cholesterol homeostasis and atherosclerosis, primarily by post-transcriptionally regulating hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and promoting its lysosomal degradation, has garnered increasing interest. Conversely, using therapeutic, fully humanized antibodies to block PCSK9 leads to a significant reduction in high LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved PCSK9 inhibitors, including inclisiran (Leqvio®), alirocumab (Praluent), and evolocumab (Repatha). At present, active immunization strategies targeting PCSK9 present a compelling substitute for passive immunization through the administration of antibodies. In addition to the current inquiry into the potential therapeutic application of PCSK9 inhibition in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected patients for hyperlipidemia associated with HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART), preclinical research suggests that PCSK9 may also play a role in inhibiting hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. Furthermore, PCSK9 inhibition has been suggested to protect against dengue virus (DENV) potentially and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) viruses. Recent evidence regarding the impact of PCSK9 on a variety of viral infections, including HCV, HIV, DENV, and SARS-CoV-2, is examined in this article. As a result, PCSK9 inhibitors and vaccines may serve as viable host therapies for viral infections, as our research indicates that PCSK9 is significantly involved in the pathogenesis of viral infections.

Hepatic expression of cholesterol regulating genes favour increased circulating low-density lipoprotein in HIV infected patients with gallstone disease: a preliminary study

BACKGROUND

HIV endemic populations are displaying higher incidence of metabolic disorders. HIV and the standard treatment are both associated with altered lipid and cholesterol metabolism, however gallstone disease (a cholesterol related disorder) in Sub-Saharan African populations is rarely investigated.

METHODS

This study sought to evaluate hepatic expression of key genes in cholesterol metabolism (LDLr, HMGCR, ABCA1) and transcriptional regulators of these genes (microRNA-148a, SREBP2) in HIV positive patients on antiretroviral therapy presenting with gallstones. Liver biopsies from HIV positive patients (cases: n = 5) and HIV negative patients (controls: n = 5) were analysed for miR-148a and mRNA expression using quantitative PCR.

RESULTS

Circulating total cholesterol was elevated in the HIV positive group with significantly elevated LDL-c levels(3.16 ± 0.64 mmol/L) relative to uninfected controls (2.10 ± 0.74 mmol/L; p = 0.04). A scavenging receptor for LDL-c, LDLr was significantly decreased (0.18-fold) in this group, possibly contributing to higher LDL-c levels. Transcriptional regulator of LDLr, SREBP2 was also significantly lower (0.13-fold) in HIV positive patients. Regulatory microRNA, miR-148a-3p, was reduced in HIV positive patients (0.39-fold) with a concomitant increase in target ABCA1 (1.5-fold), which regulates cholesterol efflux.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively these results show that HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy display altered hepatic regulation of cholesterol metabolizing genes, reducing cholesterol scavenging, and increasing cholesterol efflux.

Effect of chocolate and mate tea on the lipid profile of individuals with HIV/AIDS on antiretroviral therapy: A clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

HIV/AIDS is generally associated with dyslipidemia and oxidative imbalance, which are caused by the infection itself and by antiretroviral therapy (ART). The flavonoids, found in cocoa and yerba mate, have antioxidant and hypolipidemic properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of the consumption of dark chocolate and mate tea on the lipid profiles of individuals with HIV/AIDS who are undergoing ART.

METHODS

A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover clinical trial was conducted with 92 patients receiving ART for ≥6 mo and with viral suppression. The participants were randomized to receive either 65 g of chocolate (with 2148 mg polyphenols) or placebo chocolate (without polyphenols) or 3 g of mate tea (with 107 mg total phenols and 84.24 mg chlorogenic acid) or placebo mate (without polyphenols) for 15 d each, separated by a washout period of 15 d. The lipid profile, including determination of electronegative low-density lipoprotein, was determined after each intervention. The data were analyzed by analysis of variance using the pkcross procedure of the Stata 11.0 software.

RESULTS

Analysis of variance revealed a significant overall difference in mean high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) between all supplements (P = 0.047). Using the paired t test, the effect was attributed to the consumption of dark chocolate (P = 0.046). The other parameters investigated were not improved.

CONCLUSIONS

The consumption of dark chocolate for 15 d improved HDL-C concentrations of individuals with HIV/AIDS undergoing ART, possibly due to the presence of fatty acids (stearic acid), polyphenols, and theobromine. This fact is important for the cardiovascular protection of these individuals.

HIV and its relationship to insulin resistance and lipid abnormalities

Antiretroviral therapy has revolutionized the care of people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) by reducing morbidity and mortality from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related conditions. Despite longer life expectancy, however, HIV-infected individuals continue to have a higher risk of death compared with the general population. This has been attributed to the increasing incidence of noncommunicable diseases, in particular, atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases. This is driven, in part, by the emergence of metabolic disorders, particularly dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and lipodystrophy, in those on antiretroviral therapy. The pathogenesis of these metabolic derangements is complex and multifactorial, and could be a consequence of an interplay between traditional age-related risk factors, HIV infection, antiretroviral therapy effects, and the inflammatory state and immune activation in this population. Understanding the contributions of each of these factors could not just impact the current management of these individuals and help mitigate the risk for premature cardiovascular disease, but also shape the future direction of research in HIV.

Hyperlipidaemia in HIV-infected patients on lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy in resource-limited settings

BACKGROUND

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is an emerging concern for HIV-infected patients. Hyperlipidaemia is a risk factor for CVD and a complication of protease-inhibitor-based antiretroviral therapy, but little is known about its incidence and risk factors in treated patients in resource-limited settings (RLS).

METHODS

We conducted a secondary analysis of ACTG A5230 trial in which HIV-infected adults from India, Malawi, Tanzania, Thailand and South Africa, with virological relapse on first-line therapy were initiated on lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) monotherapy. Hyperlipidaemia was a grade 2+ elevated fasting total cholesterol (FTC≥240 mg/dl) or fasting triglycerides (FTG≥500 mg/dl) or calculated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL≥160 mg/dl) based on measurements at weeks 12, 24, 48, 68 and 104. We evaluated factors potentially associated with quantitative lipid changes from baseline to week 12. These were age, sex, race, site and baseline body mass index, CD4⁺ T-cell count, HIV-1 RNA level and lipids.

RESULTS

106 participants without hyperlipidaemia at baseline started LPV/r; median age 39 years, 68% Black African, 55% female. The cumulative incidence of hyperlipidaemia at week 104 was 48% (95% CI 36, 58%). At week 12, there were significant mean increases from baseline in FTC (17 mg/dl, P<0.001) and FTG (104 mg/dl, P<0.001). In multivariable analysis, higher baseline FTC (P=0.044), FTG (P=0.025), Thai (P<0.001) or Indian sites (P=0.020) versus African sites were associated with increased risk of hyperlipidaemia.

CONCLUSIONS

In HIV-infected adults in RLS initiating LPV/r, hyperlipidaemia was common. Baseline lipid measurements and routine monitoring should be recommended in individuals starting LPV/r-based treatments with borderline high lipids.

Clinical management of dyslipidaemia associated with combination antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients

The introduction of potent combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has had a remarkable impact on the natural history of HIV infection, leading to a dramatic decline in the mortality rate and a considerable increase in the life expectancy of HIV-positive people. However, cART use is frequently associated with several metabolic complications, mostly represented by lipid metabolism alterations, which are reported very frequently among persons treated with antiretroviral agents. In particular, hyperlipidaemia occurs in up to 70%-80% of HIV-positive subjects receiving cART and is mainly associated with specific antiretroviral drugs belonging to three classes of antiretroviral agents: NRTIs, NNRTIs and PIs. The potential long-term consequences of cART-associated dyslipidaemia are not completely understood, but an increased risk of premature coronary heart disease has been reported in HIV-infected patients on cART, so prompt correction of lipid metabolism abnormalities is mandatory in this population. Dietary changes, regular aerobic exercise and switching to a different antiretroviral regimen associated with a more favourable metabolic profile are the first steps in clinical management, but lipid-lowering therapy with fibrates or statins is often required. In this case, the choice of hypolipidaemic drugs should take into account the potential pharmacokinetic interactions with many antiretroviral agents.

HIV-1 Nef impairs key functional activities in human macrophages through CD36 downregulation

Monocytes and macrophages utilize the class A and B scavenger receptors to recognize and perform phagocytosis of invading microbes before a pathogen-specific immune response is generated. HIV-1 Nef protein affects the innate immune system impairing oxidative burst response and phagocytic capacity of macrophages. Our data show that exogenous recombinant myristoylated Nef protein induces a marked CD36 downregulation in monocytes from Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells, in Monocyte-Derived Macrophages (MDMs) differentiated by cytokines and in MDMs contained in a mixed culture obtained expanding PBMCs under Human Erythroid Massive Amplification condition. Under the latter culture condition we identify three main populations after 6 days of expansion: lymphocytes (37.8±14.7%), erythroblasts (46.7±6.1%) and MDMs (15.7±7.5%). The Nef addition to the cell culture significantly downregulates CD36 expression in MDMs, but not in erythroid cells. Furthermore, CD36 inhibition is highly specific since it does not modify the expression levels of other MDM markers such as CD14, CD11c, CD86, CD68, CD206, Toll-like Receptor 2 and Toll-like Receptor 4. Similar results were obtained in MDMs infected with VSV-G pseudotyped HIV-1-expressing Nef. The reduced CD36 membrane expression is associated with decrease of correspondent CD36 mRNA transcript. Furthermore, Nef-induced CD36 downregulation is linked to both impaired scavenger activity with reduced capability to take up oxidized lipoproteins and to significant decreased phagocytosis of fluorescent beads and GFP-expressing Salmonella tiphymurium. In addition we observed that Nef induces TNF-α release in MDMs. Although these data suggest a possible involvement of TNF-α in mediating Nef activity, our results exclude a possible relationship between Nef-induced TNF-α release and Nef-mediated CD36 downregulation. The present work shows that HIV-1 Nef protein may have a role in the strategies elaborated by HIV-1 to alter pathogen disease outcomes, by modulating CD36 expression in macrophages, favoring the onset of opportunistic infections in HIV-1 infected people.

The roles of genetic polymorphisms and human immunodeficiency virus infection in lipid metabolism

Dyslipidemia has been frequently observed among individuals infected with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), and factors related to HIV-1, the host, and antiretroviral therapy (ART) are involved in this phenomenon. This study reviews the roles of genetic polymorphisms, HIV-1 infection, and highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in lipid metabolism. Lipid abnormalities can vary according to the HAART regimen, such as those with protease inhibitors (PIs). However, genetic factors may also be involved in dyslipidemia because not all patients receiving the same HAART regimen and with comparable demographic, virological, and immunological characteristics develop variations in the lipid profile. Polymorphisms in a large number of genes are involved in the synthesis of structural proteins, and enzymes related to lipid metabolism account for variations in the lipid profile of each individual. As some genetic polymorphisms may cause dyslipidemia, these allele variants should be investigated in HIV-1-infected patients to identify individuals with an increased risk of developing dyslipidemia during treatment with HAART, particularly during therapy with PIs. This knowledge may guide individualized treatment decisions and lead to the development of new therapeutic targets for the treatment of dyslipidemia in these patients.

Metabolic abnormalities in adult HIV infected population on antiretroviral medication in Malaysia: a cross-sectional survey

Background

In the current two decades, dyslipidemia and increased blood glucose as metabolic abnormalities are the most common health threats with a high incidence among HIV/AIDS patients on antiretroviral (ARV) treatment. Scientific investigations and reports on lipid and glucose disorders among HIV infected communities are inadequate especially in those developing such as Malaysia. This cross-sectional survey was mainly aimed to evaluate the prevalence of metabolic abnormalities and associated risk factors among HIV infected population patients on ARV medication.

Methods

In a single reference health center in Malaysia, 2739 adult HIV positive patients on antiretroviral therapy (ART) were studied cross-sectionally using medical records. Besides demographic variables and associated health disorders, those factors which can change the lipid and glucose levels were collected. Logistic Regression was used to find the potential risk factors (p < 0.05).

Results

Majority of the studied population were male (81.1%) and aged between 30–49 (68.6%). Mean CD4 count was 474.25 (cells/mm³) while undetectable RNA viral load was common among 83.3 (%) of subjects. Among 1,583 patients with the recent blood lipid and glucose tests, increased levels of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) were frequently prevalent in half of the population as 59 (%) and 54.2 (%) while 28.7 (%), 35.1 (%) and 38.2 (%) had declined level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL), raised low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and fasting plasma glucose (FPG) which were less common. Dyslipidemia was common in 82.3 (%) of the subjects. Notably, medication with protease inhibitor (PI) was a potential risk for elevated triglyceride (odds ratio (OR) = 2.309, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.605–3.324, P = 0.001), high TC (OR = 1.561, 95% CI = 1.123–2.169, P = 0.008) and low HDL (OR = 1.449, 95% CI = 1.037–2.024, P = 0.029). As lifestyle factor, alcohol consumption results as significant risk factor for raised TG (OR = 2.653, 95% CI = 1.353–5.202, P = 0.004). Also having hepatitis raised risk of high FPG level (OR = 1.630, 95% CI = 1.197-2.220, P = 0.002) in this sample population.

Conclusions

Dyslipidemia is highly common in Malaysian HIV subjects receiving ARV medication. Lifestyle modification, changing PI and switch to other ARV regimen can help in reduction of these abnormalities. Also suitable strategies and plans are necessary to prevent cardiovascular diseases in future.

The impact of dietary iodine intake on lipid metabolism in mice

The present study has been designed to investigate the impact of dietary iodine intake on lipid metabolism in mice, including iodine deficiency and iodine excess. Different amounts of iodine mixed in the drinking water were continuously administered to mice. The body weights and the levels of urinary iodine were measured 8 months after the treatment. Thyroid hormones in the serum were detected by chemiluminescence immunoassay. Serum total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were determined enzymatically by automatic analyzer. Results showed that the urine iodine concentrations paralleled the amounts of iodine intakes. No statistical differences of body weights among different groups were found. The levels of thyroid hormones were dramatically decreased in iodine deficiency while no significant differences were found between iodine excess groups and normal iodine group. In iodine deficiency groups, the levels of TG, TC, and LDL were increased at varying degrees. In iodine excess groups, the levels of TG in the male mice and the levels of TC in the female mice were much lower than normal iodine group. In conclusion, dietary iodine intake may affect the metabolism of serum lipids. Hypothyroid function induced by iodine deficiency may be responsible for the changes of lipids. Higher iodine intake might benefit lipid metabolism.

Low Density Lipoprotein Apolipoprotein B Metabolism in Treatment-Naive HIV Patients and Patients on Antiretroviral Therapy

Background

Dyslipidaemia and lipodystrophy have been described in treated HIV patients and in a small percentage of untreated HIV patients. Lipodystrophy in these patients has been shown to be associated with a lower expression of low density lipoprotein (LDL) receptors.

Methods

We have investigated the effect of antiretroviral treatment with either a protease inhibitor (PI) or a non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI) on body fat distribution and LDL apolipoprotein B (apoB) kinetics in 12 HIV-negative controls and 52 HIV-infected patients, including antiretroviral treatment-naive (TN) patients ( n=13) and patients taking two nucleoside analogues plus either a PI ( n=15) or an NNRTI ( n=24).

Results

LDL cholesterol was not different between groups. Compared with the controls, LDL apoB absolute synthetic rate (ASR) and fractional catabolic rate (FCR) were lower and residence time (RT) was higher in the PI and NNRTI groups ( P<0.05). In the TN patients, LDL ASR was lower ( P<0.05) and there was a trend for a lower FCR and higher RT compared with the controls ( P=0.07). LDL apoB pool size was greater in the PI group compared with the controls ( P<0.05). In the PI group, patients on ritonavir (RTV)-containing regimens had a lower LDL apoB ASR ( P=0.009) and a trend to a lower LDL apoB FCR and increased RT compared with non-RTV-containing PI regimens ( P=0.05). There was a positive correlation between LDL apoB FCR and limb fat/lean body mass ( P=0.004) in all subjects.

Conclusions

Decreased LDL FCR, despite unchanged LDL cholesterol, was demonstrated in both treated and untreated HIV patients. It was more marked with RTV-containing regimens and was associated with reduced limb fat. The increased LDL RT may lead to an increased risk of atherogenesis thus contributing to the risk for cardiovascular disease in these patients.

Abnormalities in plasma fatty acid composition in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children treated with protease inhibitors

AIM

To study plasma fatty acid composition in human immunodeficiency virus-infected children treated with protease inhibitors and its relation with other components of the metabolic syndrome observed after this therapy.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study from collected clinical database.

SUBJECTS

17 children with HIV infection treated with protease inhibitors. Nine patients received ritonavir (20-30 mg/kg/d) and the remaining eight received nelfinavir (60-90 mg/kg/d). Duration of protease inhibitors treatment was 711+/-208 d. As controls, we used 112 matched blood samples from apparently healthy children admitted for minor surgical procedures.

METHODS

Plasma fatty acids were determined using a Hewlett Packard GC 5890 gas chromatograph.

RESULTS

Plasma levels of cholesterol and triglycerides and insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) tended to be high in protease inhibitor-treated patients. Plasma content of omega6 long-chain polyunsaturated fatty acids and, in particular, of the highly unsaturated 22ratio4omega6 and 22ratio5omega6, was significantly increased. Also, infected children had increased Delta6 and Delta4 desaturase activities and decreased Delta5 desaturase activity. Significant correlations were present between plasma IGF-1 level and plasma triglycerides, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity and Delta6 desaturase activity.

CONCLUSION

HIV-infected, protease inhibitor-treated children exhibit a metabolic syndrome which is associated with significant changes in plasma fatty acid composition. These changes are similar to those observed in situations of insulin resistance and are linked to variations in plasma IGF-1 concentration.

Substituting abacavir for hyperlipidemia-associated protease inhibitors in HAART regimens improves fasting lipid profiles, maintains virologic suppression, and simplifies treatment

Background

Hyperlipidemia secondary to protease inhibitors (PI) may abate by switching to anti-HIV medications without lipid effects.

Method

An open-label, randomized pilot study compared changes in fasting lipids and HIV-1 RNA in 104 HIV-infected adults with PI-associated hyperlipidemia (fasting serum total cholesterol >200 mg/dL) who were randomized either to a regimen in which their PI was replaced by abacavir 300 mg twice daily (n = 52) or a regimen in which their PI was continued (n = 52) for 28 weeks. All patients had undetectable viral loads (HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL) at baseline and were naïve to abacavir and non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors.

Results

At baseline, the mean total cholesterol was 243 mg/dL, low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol 149 mg/dL, high density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol 41 mg/dL, and triglycerides 310 mg/dL. Mean CD4+ cell counts were 551 and 531 cells/mm³ in the abacavir-switch and PI-continuation arms, respectively. At week 28, the abacavir-switch arm had significantly greater least square mean reduction from baseline in total cholesterol (-42 vs -10 mg/dL, P < 0.001), LDL-cholesterol (-14 vs +5 mg/dL, P = 0.016), and triglycerides (-134 vs -36 mg/dL, P = 0.019) than the PI-continuation arm, with no differences in HDL-cholesterol (+0.2 vs +1.3 mg/dL, P = 0.583). A higher proportion of patients in the abacavir-switch arm had decreases in protocol-defined total cholesterol and triglyceride toxicity grades, whereas a smaller proportion had increases in these toxicity grades. At week 28, an intent-to treat: missing = failure analysis showed that the abacavir-switch and PI-continuation arms did not differ significantly with respect to proportion of patients maintaining HIV-1 RNA <400 or <50 copies/mL or adjusted mean change from baseline in CD4+ cell count. Two possible abacavir-related hypersensitivity reactions were reported. No significant changes in glucose, insulin, insulin resistance, C-peptide, or waist-to-hip ratios were observed in either treatment arm, nor were differences in these parameters noted between treatments.

Conclusion

In hyperlipidemic, antiretroviral-experienced patients with HIV-1 RNA levels <50 copies/mL and CD4+ cell counts >500 cells/mm³, substituting abacavir for hyperlipidemia-associated PIs in combination antiretroviral regimens improves lipid profiles and maintains virologic suppression over a 28-week period, and it simplifies treatment.

HIV-related lipodystrophy and related factors

As new therapies for HIV infection have been developed, some of the clinical focus related to AIDS and HIV infection has shifted from acute care, to more chronic issues. Some of these new clinical issues seem related to the HIV infection itself, while others seem to be side effects of therapeutic efforts. Metabolic abnormalities, such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and lipodystrophy (LD) have been observed. The clinical importance of these is demonstrated by the increased prevalence of cardiovascular disease and diabetes in HIV infected persons. LD is a general term used to describe varying degrees of fat redistribution, including lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy, in different body regions. Though LD was observed in persons with HIV infection before highly active treatment regimens were developed, the prevalence of LD has seemingly increased drastically with the widespread use of more active therapies. It has been postulated that protease inhibitors (PI), especially, are linked to the development of LD. This review will assess the epidemiologic information related to HIV-associated LD, and related metabolic syndromes. In addition, potential mechanisms accounting for these syndromes will be reviewed. In general, the available data do not define a single, definable etiology or mechanism explaining these clinical conditions, but suggest that these conditions are caused by a complex interaction potentially involving such things as the side effects of medications, alteration of immune function, and individual subject characteristics, such as body weight and baseline lipid level.

Serum adipocytokines are related to lipodystrophy and metabolic disorders in HIV-infected men under antiretroviral therapy

OBJECTIVES

Adipocytokines, secreted by adipose tissue, may regulate fat metabolism, lipid and glucose homeostasis and insulin sensitivity. We analysed the relations between circulating concentrations of adiponectin, leptin, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha and its soluble receptors sTNFR1 and R2, lipodystrophic phenotypes and metabolic alterations in patients under highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).

METHODS

We studied 131 consecutive HIV-infected males under protease inhibitor (PI)-based HAART, with body mass index < 27 kg/m2 and C-reactive protein (CRP) < 10 mg/l. Patients were classified in four groups according to clinical examination: no lipodystrophy (NL), lipohypertrophy (LH), lipoatrophy (LA) and mixed lipodystrophy (ML). In addition to adipocytokines, we measured plasma fasting levels of triglycerides, cholesterol, cardiovascular risk markers (high-sensitivity CRP and apolipoproteins B/A1 ratio), fasted and 2 h post-glucose loading glycemia and insulinemia and calculated the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index.

RESULTS

The patients were HIV-infected and PI-treated for a mean of 8.2 and 1.6 years respectively; 74% presented lipodystrophy, 38% altered glucose tolerance and 42% hypertriglyceridemia. Insulin sensitivity correlated positively with adiponectin and negatively with leptin and interleukin-6. Adiponectin, but not leptin, negatively correlated with all metabolic parameters. Insulin resistance, metabolic defects and cardiovascular risk markers were strongly negatively correlated with the adiponectin/leptin ratio (A/L), and positively with sTNFR1. LA patients had a longer duration of infection but ML patients presented the most severe metabolic alterations, insulin resistance and A/L decrease.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that adiponectin and the TNFalpha system are related to lipodystrophy, insulin resistance and metabolic alterations in patients under PI-based HAART. A/L and sTNFR1 could predict insulin sensitivity and potential cardiovascular risk in these patients.