Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 17, 2026

06:46
Isolation of Exosomes from the Plasma of HIV-1 Positive Individuals
Published on: January 5, 2016
Energy balance in asymptomatic HIV infection
D R Sharpstone1, C P Murray, H M Ross
1Department of HIV/Genito-Urinary Medicine, Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London, UK.
AIDS (London, England)
|October 1, 1996
Summary
HIV infection impacts energy balance, increasing resting energy expenditure and altering body composition. These effects on energy balance are linked to the severity of immune suppression in men.
Area of Science:
- Human physiology
- Immunology
- Nutritional science
Background:
- Body weight regulation depends on energy intake and expenditure.
- The specific impact of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection on energy balance requires further investigation.
- Understanding these metabolic changes is crucial for managing HIV-seropositive individuals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the effect of HIV on energy balance in asymptomatic men.
- To examine the relationship between immunodeficiency parameters (CD4 count) and energy balance.
- To explore the interrelationships among different components of energy balance in HIV-seropositive men.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study involving 104 HIV-seropositive men and 57 HIV-seronegative controls.
- Assessed energy and protein intake via 5-day diaries.
- Measured small bowel absorption and permeability using sugar probes; resting energy expenditure via indirect calorimetry; and body composition using multiple methods.
Main Results:
- HIV-seropositive men exhibited increased resting energy expenditure, decreased fat mass, and increased fat-free mass compared to controls.
- Reduced absorption of specific sugars and increased small bowel permeability were observed in HIV-seropositive individuals.
- Lower CD4 counts (<100 x 10^6/L) were associated with decreased nutrient absorption and normalized resting energy expenditure.
Conclusions:
- HIV infection directly influences energy balance parameters.
- The observed effects on energy balance are dependent on the degree of immunosuppression.
- These findings highlight the complex metabolic alterations associated with HIV infection.
Related Concept Videos
Energy Balance
The human body gets energy from the three macronutrients: carbohydrates, proteins, and fats. Energy is released when the chemical bonds in the organic compounds present in the food are broken down. The energy content of food is measured in kilocalories (kcal), defined as the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of one kilogram of water by one degree Celsius. This value is determined by measuring the temperature change of the water surrounding a calorimeter after the complete...
Sexually Transmitted Infections
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...

