Lack of effects of statins on high-density lipoprotein subfractions in HIV-1-infected patients receiving protease inhibitors

Abstract

BackgroundWe evaluated the effect of 45 days of rosuvastatin or pravastatin treatment on the distribution of HDL subfractions in HIV-1-infected individuals receiving boosted protease inhibitors (PIs) with cardiovascular risk. MethodsThe distribution of HDL subclasses by gradient gel electrophoresis was blindly assessed in 74 HIV-1-infected individuals receiving boosted PIs at baseline and at day 45 of statin treatment, and compared with the distribution obtained in 63 healthy normolipidemic individuals taken as controls. ResultsNo significant modification appeared in HDL distribution between the two arms of statins for the HIV-1-infected individuals. Nevertheless, when compared to controls, HDL subfractions showed a significantly lower HDL2b proportion and significantly higher proportions of HDL2a and HDL3b (P<0.001). ConclusionNo difference was observed in HDL distribution between pravastatin and rosuvastatin after 45 days treatment, in HIV-1-infected individuals under PIs. Nevertheless, when compared to healthy normolipidemic subjects, HDL distribution is clearly different, with a distribution in HIV-infected individuals under PIs associated with an increased cardiovascular risk.