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Published on: October 6, 2016
Counteracting muscle wasting in HIV-infected individuals
W D Dudgeon1, K D Phillips, J A Carson
1Department of Exercise Science, Arnold School of Public Health, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA.
HIV-associated wasting causes muscle loss, accelerating disease. Resistance exercise training shows promise as an accessible treatment to counteract this condition and improve lean tissue mass.
Area of Science:
- Medicine
- Physiology
- Nutrition
Background:
- HIV infection frequently leads to lean tissue mass loss, specifically skeletal muscle wasting.
- This condition, known as HIV-associated wasting, is linked to faster disease progression and increased morbidity.
- The etiology involves signaling molecules like TNF-alpha, growth hormone, IGF-1, testosterone, and nutritional factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the HIV/AIDS muscle-wasting syndrome.
- To explore the underlying causes (etiology) of muscle wasting in HIV-infected individuals.
- To examine potential treatments for counteracting HIV-associated wasting.
Main Methods:
- Literature review exploring the mechanisms of muscle wasting in HIV/AIDS.
- Analysis of factors contributing to lean tissue mass loss.
- Evaluation of various therapeutic interventions.
Main Results:
- Several circulating molecules and nutritional status are implicated in the development of muscle wasting.
- Potential treatments include nutritional supplementation, cytokine reduction, hormone therapy, and resistance exercise training.
- Resistance exercise training is highlighted as a promising and accessible intervention.
Conclusions:
- HIV-associated wasting is a complex condition with multiple contributing factors.
- Resistance exercise training offers a viable and accessible strategy for managing muscle wasting in HIV-infected populations.
- Further research into targeted therapies can improve patient outcomes.
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