Effects of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone in HIV
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2014-02-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
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.