Evidence of endocrine involvement early in the course of human immunodeficiency virus infection

Adrenal, gonadal, and thyroid function were assessed in 40 asymptomatic subjects in whom infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) had recently been documented. None of the patients had historical or clinical evidence of endocrine dysfunction. Their mean serum hormone levels were also within the expected ranges, but several differences were noted compared to those of seronegative controls. Basal cortisol, basal aldosterone, and ACTH-stimulated cortisol were significantly lower in the HIV group. One subject (2.5%) had a subnormal cortisol response, and two (5%) had abnormal aldosterone responses to ACTH. PRA tended to be higher, and serum angiotensin-converting enzyme levels somewhat lower in the HIV group. Serum free testosterone was markedly elevated in the HIV patients and was associated with an exaggerated LH response to GnRH, but PRL, estradiol, and basal and peak GnRH-stimulated FSH did not differ between groups. Three subjects (8%) had subclinical hypothyroidism. Serum thyroid hormone levels were normal, but basal T3 was lower in the HIV group compared to control values. While of little immediate clinical importance, many subtle endocrine aberrations are evident very early in the course of HIV infection. These findings obtained in HIV-seropositive subjects without infections or tumors and who were not receiving medical therapy suggest an effect of HIV on each of the endocrine systems examined.