1.
FGF21 and its Relationship with Inflammatory and Metabolic Parameters in HIV Patients after Antiretroviral Treatment.
Ruiz-Padilla, AJ, Ruiz-Noa, Y, Del Rocio Ibarra-Reynoso, L, Lazo-de-la-Vega-Monroy, ML, Alonso-Castro, AJ, Sánchez-Barajas, M, Alvarez-Alvarez, RM, Del Carmen Preciado-Puga, M
Current HIV research. 2020;(5):308-314
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fibroblast Growth Factor 21 (FGF21) serum levels are associated with insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in HIV patients. OBJECTIVE To quantify FGF21 levels in HIV patients using antiretroviral therapy (ART) and to analyze a possible association between serum FGF21 levels and lipid profile, levels of proinflammatory cytokines, and atherogenic risk factors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Twenty patients with HIV infection, who received ART in a scheme consisting of Tenofovir/Emtricitabine+Lopinavir/Ritonavir, were enrolled in this study. The serum levels of FGF21, inflammatory parameters (IL-6 and IL-1β), glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, and insulin were determined at baseline and after 36 weeks of treatment. The homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the atherogenic risk factor were also calculated. RESULTS After 36 weeks, serum FGF21 levels decreased significantly (p=0.011), whereas IL-6 levels (r=0.821, p=0.0001) and the CD4+ T cell count (r=0.446, p=0.048), showed a positive correlation with the decrease in FGF21 levels. There was an increase in total cholesterol (r=-0.483, p=0.031), LDL (r=-0.496, p=0.026), VLDL (r=-0.320, p=0.045), and the atherogenic index factor (r=-0.539, p=0.014), these values showed a negative correlation with FGF21 levels. CONCLUSION The decrease of serum FGF21 levels due to ART is associated with the alteration in lipid profile and an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases. These variations are predictors of inflammatory status in HIV patients using antiretroviral therapy.
2.
Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with HIV Infection.
Papagianni, M, Tziomalos, K
AIDS reviews. 2018;(3):171-173
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent in patients with HIV infection and appears to be more severe than in HIV-uninfected patients. Both metabolic (e.g., obesity and insulin resistance) and HIV-related factors (e.g., antiretroviral treatment and inflammation) play a role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD in this population. Accordingly, all patients with HIV infection should be evaluated for the presence of NAFLD. Ultrasound is the first-line diagnostic procedure, but non-alcoholic steatohepatitis has to be diagnosed with liver biopsy. However, non-invasive methods, including serological markers and transient elastography, might also be useful in this population. Lifestyle changes represent the cornerstone of treatment. Bariatric surgery, pioglitazone, and vitamin E can be considered in patients with significant fibrosis or at high risk for progression of NAFLD, including those with type 2 diabetes mellitus, metabolic syndrome, elevated transaminases, or pronounced necroinflammation. However, there are no studies that evaluated the safety of efficacy of diet, exercise, or pharmacotherapy in this population. Therefore, research is needed to identify safe and effective pharmacological treatments for NAFLD in patients with HIV infection.