Effects of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone in HIV

Summary

HIV-infection and its treatment are often associated with an increase in belly fat, as well as abnormal cholesterol and problems metabolizing sugar. People with HIV infection and increased belly fat often have decreased growth hormone (GH) levels. Low GH levels may contribute independently to increased belly fat and to increased cardiovascular risk through effects on sugar metabolism, inflammation, and other mechanisms. Tesamorelin, a growth hormone releasing hormone (GHRH) analogue, has been shown to to reduce belly fat in patients with HIV-associated abdominal fat accumulation. However, the effects of tesamorelin on fat accumulation in the liver and muscle, sugar metabolism, and cardiovascular health are not yet known. The current study is designed to determine the effects of tesamorelin treatment on fat accumulation in the muscle and liver, insulin sensitivity and sugar metabolism, and markers of cardiovascular health including blood vessel thickness (carotid intima media thickness \[cIMT\]) and markers of inflammation in the body. The investigators hypothesize that tesamorelin will decrease fat accumulation in the liver and muscle and will decrease markers of inflammation, with either neutral or beneficial effects on glucose metabolism.

Timeline

Start

2010-12

Primary completion

2014-02

Completion

2014-02

Publications

• Results Stanley TL, Feldpausch MN, Oh J, Branch KL, Lee H, Torriani M, Grinspoon SK. Effect of tesamorelin on visceral fat and liver fat in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation: a randomized clinical trial. JAMA. 2014 Jul 23-30;312(4):380-9. doi: 10.1001/jama.2014.8334.
• Braun LR, Feldpausch MN, Czerwonka N, Torriani M, Grinspoon SK, Stanley TL. Fibroblast growth factor 21 decreases after liver fat reduction via growth hormone augmentation. Growth Horm IGF Res. 2017 Dec;37:1-6. doi: 10.1016/j.ghir.2017.10.002. Epub 2017 Oct 7.

Drugs

Indications