Atherogen lipid profile in HIV-1-infected patients with lipodystrophy syndrome

Background: Cases of lipodystrophy syndrome and metabolic disorders have been described since the onset of highly active antiretroviral therapy in HIV-infected patients. The aim of our study was to estimate the prevalence of lipodystrophy (LD) and to define the associated lipid profile of these patients. Methods: The following were determined for each patient: lipid profile (cholesterol and its subfractions, atherogenicity ratios, and triglycerides), blood glucose, and immunovirological markers (CD4(+) cell count and plasma viral load). Patients were classified into two groups on the basis of whether or not they presented with clinical signs of LD. Results: Among 233 HIV-infected patients included in the study, 61 cases (26.1%) of lipodystrophy (LD) were noted. Compared with non-LD patients (NLD), LD patients were older men (P<10(-4)) with a lower CD4(+) lymphocyte cell count (P<0.007) and more often at the AIDS stage (P<10(-3)) (OR=3.2 (95% CI: 1.47-6.2)). Multivariate analysis showed a correlation between LD cases and age (10 years older) (OR=1.78 (95% CI: 1.23-2.57), P<0.002) and the decrease in CD4(+) cell count (100 CD4(+)/mm(3) lower) (OR=1.31 (95% CI: 1.09-1.58), P<0.004). An analysis of lipid subfractions and atherogenicity ratios clearly indicated a proatherogenic lipid profile for the LD patients. Conclusions: The underlying physiopathological mechanism of LD is still unknown. However, the lipid profile of HIV-1-infected patients with a LD syndrome appears to place these patients at an increased risk of progression of atherosclerosis.