HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Treatment Focuses On Improving the Muscle Functions of the Major Organs

HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Treatment


An estimated 86,000 people in Germany are living with HIV – around 20% live in Berlin. Use of older antiretroviral drugs (ART) in people suffering from HIV may lead to lipodystrophy. These drugs include, stavudine (d4T, Zerit), zidovudine (AZT, Retrovir), didanosine (ddI, Videx) and indinavir (Crixivan). In AIDS patients, the body's lymphatic system cannot produce sufficient quantities of the fat-producing hormone leptin, which normally controls energy intake and energy expenditure. The first documented cases of this condition were revealed among HIV-infected individuals taking ART. Since then, numerous studies have provided evidence that people with HIV experience an increased risk of contracting lipodystrophy, particularly through inherited fat accumulation within the context of a compromised immune response. It has been hypothesized that this fat accumulation results in a decreased ability of the liver to respond to insulin, thereby contributing to the progression of HIV.

The exact cause for lipodystrophy is unknown. HIV-Associated Lipodystrophy Treatment is typically focused on improving the muscle functions of the major organs. Several experimental treatments have shown promise in improving weight control and fat distribution. Ongoing studies are examining the effects of pharmacologic agents on the process of fat accumulation.

Several experiments have demonstrated that altering diet can greatly improve survival in HIV-infected individuals, reducing the prevalence of life-threatening complications associated with poor nutrition. Similarly, genetic studies have shown that caloric restriction can reduce the progression of lymphomas and other conditions in HIV-infected individuals. If the caloric intake is significantly decreased, researchers have found that the DNA levels of HIV patients become hypometabolic, resulting in an improvement of their health. Plastic surgery can be a consideration for patients with severe HIV-associated lipodystrophy, which includes the use of temporary or permanent fillers.

HIV-associated lipodystrophy treatment may include switching from stavudine or zidovudine to abacavir or tenofovir. Trading stavudine or zidovudine for either tenofovir or abacavir can lead to gains in peripheral fat and significant improvement in limb fat mass. 

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