Studies of adipose tissue metabolism in human immunodeficiency virus-associated lipodystrophy

We studied aspects of metabolism in subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT) in 40 human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected subjects with and without lipodystrophy and in healthy control subjects. HIV-infected subjects without lipodystrophy had less SAT and visceral adipose tissue (VAT). Glycerol release was higher in both HIV-infected groups, especially those without fat redistribution. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF) release from SAT and serum soluble TNF receptor 2 concentrations were significantly higher in HIV-infected individuals with lipodystrophy. The absolute production of acylation-stimulating protein (ASP) and the percentage conversion of the complement protein to ASP were significantly lower in HIV-infected subjects with lipodystrophy. Further studies are needed to dissect the factors that mediate lipoatrophy in HIV infection.