Abnormal free fatty acids and cortisol concentrations in the serum of AIDS patients

Abstract

The serum free fatty acid (FFA), cortisol and urinary creatinine, 17-hydroxycorticosteroid and 17-oxosteroid concentrations of acquired immunedeficiency syndrome (AIDS-I: beginning and AIDS-II: end phase) and AIDS-related complex (ARC) patients were determined. Both groups were compared to a control group (healthy men). ARC and AIDS-I patients. The ratios of stearic ( C18:0) to oleic ( C18:1) acid were 75%, P < 0.01 (ARC) and 45%, P < 0.05 (AIDS-I) greater than normal, due to a decrease in the relative percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids by 25%, P < 0.001 (ARC) and 20%, P < 0.01 (AIDS-I). In contrast, the relative percentage of polyunsaturated fatty acids was 85% greater than normal ( P < 0.001) in ARC and 100% greater than normal ( P < 0.001) in AIDS-I patients. Total FFA levels did not differ from controls. Serum cortisol levels were 35% ( P < 0.01) above normal in ARC and 60% ( P < 0.001) above normal in AIDS-I patients. Urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and 17-oxosteroids were very low ( 2–3-fold lower than normal values, P <0.001) in both groups of patients. Urinary creatinine did not differ from controls. In AIDS-II patients the total FFA concentration was below normal 35% ( P < 0.01) and the stearic/oleic acid ratio was 50% above normal ( P < 0.05). The relative percentages of monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids in this group were similar to those of controls. Serum cortisol concentrations were significantly higher, 50% ( P < 0.001), but he urinary 17-hydroxycorticosteroids and 17-oxosteroids were 2-fold lower ( P < 0.001) than those of controls. Urinary creatinine did not differ from controls. These significant differences from normal may be implicated in the pathophysiology of AIDS and could represent not only a good index of diagnosis and prognosis, but also indicate new therapeutic approach to the disease.