Adiponectin and leptin levels in Chinese patients with HIV-related lipodystrophy: a 30-month prospective study

The relationship of adipocytokine with the development of HIV-related lipodystrophy was investigated in a case-control study. Adipocytokine, lipid, and glycemic parameters were measured at every visit. Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the HIV-LD risk factors and the Spearman correlation coefficients test was used to assess the correlation between adiponectin with other metabolic variables. Most of the patients (96.3%) developed HIV-LD after month 12. Comparing the baseline adiponectin, the adiponectin concentration of the HIV-LD group rose by month 6 and began to decrease substantially by month 18; this reduction was maintained until month 30 (p < 0.05). Comparing the HIV-NLD group, the adiponectin concentration at months 18, 24, and 30 were significantly lower in the HIV-LD group. The leptin concentration of both the HIV-LD and HIV-NLD groups remained stable. Patients in the lower concentration of baseline adiponectin and greater adiponectin change rate at month 18 presented with increased odds ratio for HIV-LD. The adiponectin level had a correlation with serum triglycerides (r = -0.616, p < 0.0001), serum insulin concentration (r = -0.494, p = 0.001), and HDL-C (r = 0.673, p < 0.0001). The adiponectin concentration of HIV-LD began to decrease substantially by month 18. The lower baseline concentration of adiponectin and the greater change rate at month 18 were independent risk factors of HIV-LD. The adiponectin level had a correlation with serum triglycerides, serum insulin concentration, and HDL-C, suggesting that adiponectin may link the metabolic abnormalities and HIV-LD.