March 19, 2008

Some Genetically Protected Against Lipoatrophy

Some people have genetic mutations that protect them from lipoatrophy, the loss of fat beneath the skin in the face and limbs caused by some HIV drugs, while others have genes that make them more vulnerable, say the authors of a new study published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases and reported by AIDSmap.

Lipoatrophy is believed to be caused primarily by certain antiretroviral drugs, such as Zerit (stavudine), Videx (didanosine) and zidovudine (found in Retrovir, Combivir and Trizivir), which can damage mitochondria, the energy generators inside cells—including fat cells. Previous research discovered that certain polymorphisms, or mutations, to the hemochromatosis gene (HFE)—a protein that plays a role in iron uptake—in people living with HIV protected them from mitochondrial damage leading to peripheral neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that can cause alternating numbness and pain, usually in the feet and hands.

Todd Hulgan, MD, from the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine in Nashville, and his colleagues conducted a genetic analysis of group of people selected from the AIDS Clinical Trials Group 384 study. The 96 participants they studied were part of a substudy that evaluated fat loss from antiretroviral therapy by using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) scans. The majority of the participants, 90 percent, were male and 58 percent were white. On average, the group had lost 8.8 percent of their limb fat after a year on HIV treatment.

Hulgan’s team found that the participants who had a specific HFE polymorphism, 187C/G, actually gained 6.1 percent of limb fat, while another group with the 187C/C polymorphism lost 12.5 percent of limb fat. The large difference in limb fat gains and losses between the people with the two polymorphisms was statistically significant, meaning it was too great to have occurred by chance.

While Hulgan’s team acknowledges that additional research is needed to confirm the results of this study, they propose that it may one day be possible to test people for these or other polymorphisms as a way to tailor HIV treatments to individuals.

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Previous Comments:

Sfn, San Francisco, 2008-05-11 19:39:47
I am taking Trizivir for 8 years and just last two years see fat loss in my legs... If switch to different comb of drug would I start to see a change? Docts what me to change but with T-C are #1230 and no V-load for 22 years WOULD YOU SWITCH? thanks

Salvador Guzman, San Francisco Ca., 2008-04-10 12:35:28
Just to say, Hello!!!

Stephane, Hamilton, 2008-04-09 10:47:32
Been living with HIV for 19 years and have the problem with Lipoatrophy under my neck and upper back and under my arms. Why since the medication do this effect that there is not a medication created to destroy this problem Thank you

Superman, Hamilton, 2008-04-09 10:22:20
I just wish that there was something I could take to destroy those cells that create Lipoatrophy, cause I one of those people who have been HIV for 19 Years that have that problem under my neck, harm pit, upper back and had to go thru many surgery to get it reduce, but still had this point, not all gone and sometime I feel that people are looking at me funny. My question is, since the medication are creating this problem why is there not one who can destroy it. Thanks you

adhiambo kenya, , 2008-04-06 08:40:00
I on the other hand have gained a lot of weight.I am a bit worried about my midsection-waistline. What can i do to reduce it?

scott, , 2008-03-27 12:09:32
why is there no meds or cure for lypoatrophy or lypodystrophy?

elizabeth perez, Union City, 2008-03-26 20:45:31
How sad is to have to live with the stigma of HIV and also have to bare the signs in your body and face,it takes one to know another one by just looking at each other at the super market.I been there many times.

Jose Fernando, Sacrameno, 2008-03-26 13:46:39
I am thankful to the World Health Organization for giving a chance to extend the life of people all over the world by providing countries like the Philippines to have access to the wonder drugs we have now for AIDS treatment which would otherwise be prohibitive because of cost or otherwise.

Jose Fernando, Sacrameno, 2008-03-26 13:43:28
I was one of those lucky ones that survive these epidemic. Since 1986, when they found out how to test people did I learn I was positive and when they discovered the new wonders of these protese inhibitors, I was one of those that took them and have been non detectable ever since. I thank God for giving me the chance to be there at the right time and the means to improve my health.

Jose Fernando, Sacrameno, 2008-03-26 13:37:36
I am probably one of those that's immune to the effects of taking the drugs. I don't have any symptoms that would suggest I have lipoatrophy and/or loss of fat beneath my skin. Thank God!