Leptin for Abnormal Lipid Kinetics in HIV Lipodystrophy Syndrome
Status:
Completed
Trial end date:
2011-10-01
Target enrollment:
Participant gender:
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.