Leptin for Abnormal Lipid Kinetics in HIV Lipodystrophy Syndrome

Summary

"HIV lipodystrophy syndrome" (HLS) is characterized by loss of fat in the arms and legs, with increase in fat in the abdomen, and abnormal blood lipid levels. Persons with HLS have high risk for cardiovascular disease and diabetes mellitus and the metabolic syndrome. The investigators have previously shown that the abnormal lipid levels and lipodystrophy in HLS are associated with defective regulation of lipid metabolic rates, specifically, accelerated lipolysis (breakdown of stored fats), and decreased fat oxidation (utilization of fats for energy). Patients with HLS also have low levels of the hormone leptin. The investigators hypothesize that treatment of these patients with leptin will improve fat oxidation and may slow the rate of lipolysis. Hence, the investigators propose to study the effect of leptin therapy on lipid metabolic rates and lipid and glucose levels in adults with HLS. The investigators will use state of the art stable isotope tracer techniques and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) to measure lipolysis, fat oxidation, and fat re-esterification in adipose tissues and liver.

Timeline

Start

2003-02

Primary completion

2011-06

Completion

2011-10

Publications

• Results Sekhar RV, Jahoor F, Iyer D, Guthikonda A, Paranilam J, Elhaj F, Coraza I, Balasubramanyam A. Leptin replacement therapy does not improve the abnormal lipid kinetics of hypoleptinemic patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome. Metabolism. 2012 Oct;61(10):1395-403. doi: 10.1016/j.metabol.2012.03.013. Epub 2012 Apr 28.

Drugs

Indications