Abnormal fat accumulation in patients with HIV-1 infection

Abstract

The two reports in today's Lancet of abnormal fat accumulation in patients infected with HIV-1 might have important implications for the understanding or treatment of HIV-1 infection. “Buffalo hump” in men with HIV-1 infectionThe development of a buffalo hump cannot be attributed to hypercortisolism in these eight men. Furthermore, its occurrence is not unique to patients on protease inhibitors. Although the mechanism for dorsocervical fat accumulation is unclear, we speculate that regional abnormalities in lipogenesis and lipolysis occur, possibly influenced by the hormonal and metabolic changes seen with HIV-1 infection and its treatment. Full-Text PDF Visceral abdominal-fat accumulation associated with use of indinavirOur data suggest that some HIV-1-infected patients on indinavir treatment accumulate intra-abdominal fat that may cause abdominal symptoms. Recent evidence suggests that other HIV-1 protease inhibitors may be associated with changes in body-fat distribution. Larger studies of protease-inhibitor treatment are needed to investigate this association further and to investigate metabolic or endocrine mechanisms that may underlie this phenomenon. Full-Text PDF