Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 19, 2026

Measuring Frailty in HIV-infected Individuals. Identification of Frail Patients is the First Step to Amelioration and Reversal of Frailty
Published on: July 24, 2013
[Influence of long-term highly active antiretroviral therapy on bone mineral density in HIV/AIDS patients]
Yuan-bo Su1, Jing Xie, Yang Han
1Department of Infectious Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Peking Union Medical College, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing 100730, China.
Objective:
To evaluate the influence of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) on bone mineral density (BMD) in HIV/AIDS patients and correlating clinical factors.
Methods:
149 HIV patients were divided into 3 groups:untreated group with 41 patients, HAART for 1-2 years group with 60 patients, HAART over 5 years group with 48 patients; 20 healthy individuals included as a control group. BMD-T score and BMD-Z score were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).
Results:
BMD-Z score of right hip was significantly lower in HAART over 5 years group (0.16 ± 0.82) than untreated group (0.61 ± 1.09) (P = 0.039). BMD-Z score of right femoral neck was significantly lower in HAART over 5 years group (-0.002 ± 0.87) than untreated group (0.55 ± 1.08) (P = 0.012). BMD-Z score of HAART for 1-2 years group was not significantly decreased. BMD-Z score of right hip and right femoral neck were correlated negatively with HAART duration. The incidence of osteopenia/osteoporosis in HAART for 1 - 2 years group (31.7%) and HAART over 5 years group (31.3%) were significantly higher than untreated group (12.2%) (P < 0.05). Body weight was revealed as a risk factor of osteopenia/osteoporosis.
Conclusion:
BMD of right hip and right femur neck were significantly lower in HAART over 5 years group. The incidence of osteopenia/osteoporosis were significantly higher in patients receiving HAART. BMD were correlated negatively with HAART duration. Patients in long-term HAART combined with risk factors such as old age or lower body weight should be checked by DXA regularly.
Related Concept Videos
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Bone Disorders
Bone deposition is also affected by the levels of sex hormones like estrogen and testosterone that promote osteoblast activity and bone matrix synthesis. When the level of these hormones decreases due to aging, it causes a reduction in bone deposition. As a result, bone resorption by osteoclasts...
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring: Affecting Factors
Role of Vitamins in Maintaining Bone Health
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is involved in the process of bone remodeling. Retinoic acid, the active metabolite of Vitamin A, has nuclear receptors in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, which are involved in bone remodeling.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 acts as a cofactor during the formation of osteoblast-related proteins, such as osteocalcin. Vitamin B12 plays a role...
Bone Remodeling

