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Increased serum interferon alpha in HIV-1 associated lipodystrophy syndrome
N Christeff1, J-C Melchior, P de Truchis
1Institut Pasteur, Paris, France.
European Journal of Clinical Investigation
|February 20, 2002
Summary
HIV patients on antiretroviral therapy with lipodystrophy show increased interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha). This cytokine correlates with lipid abnormalities, suggesting a role in HIV-associated lipodystrophy and hyperlipidaemia.
Area of Science:
- Endocrinology
- Immunology
- Virology
Background:
- HIV-1 patients on combined antiretroviral therapy (ART) can develop lipodystrophy (LD), characterized by peripheral lipoatrophy and central/visceral adiposity.
- Previous research linked dyslipidemia in LD-positive men to an elevated cortisol:dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) ratio.
- This study investigates the potential role of cytokine perturbations in the development of LD and associated lipid metabolism changes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if cytokine alterations are associated with lipodystrophy (LD) in HIV-1-positive men undergoing ART.
- To identify specific cytokines that correlate with lipid abnormalities in this patient population.
- To explore the relationship between cytokines, lipid profiles, and the cortisol:DHEA ratio in HIV-1-associated LD.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 42 HIV-1-positive men on ART, with 27 exhibiting LD symptoms confirmed by CT scan.
- Serum levels of key cytokines (IFN-alpha, TNF-alpha, sTNF-RI, sTNF-RII, IL-6, IL-1beta, IL-2) were measured.
- Serum lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL) and apolipoproteins (Apo) were quantified.
Main Results:
- Serum interferon-alpha (IFN-alpha) levels were significantly higher in LD-positive men compared to LD-negative men and controls.
- Elevated IL-6 and TNF-alpha were observed in all HIV-positive men versus controls, but not specifically between LD groups.
- IFN-alpha showed a strong positive correlation with increased cholesterol, triglycerides, VLDL, ApoB, and ApoB:ApoA1 ratio.
Conclusions:
- Serum IFN-alpha is significantly associated with lipid alterations in HIV-positive men with lipodystrophy.
- IFN-alpha emerges as a key marker for lipid perturbations in LD, alongside insulin and the cortisol:DHEA ratio.
- The combined effects of IFN-alpha and the cortisol:DHEA ratio likely contribute to hyperlipidemia in the LD syndrome.
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