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Biomedical subjects

Steven Grinspoon

Publications and source records attributed to Steven Grinspoon.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Increased adrenal androgen secretion with inhibition of 11beta-hydroxylase in HIV-infected women.

Adrenal androgen production is reduced in association with disease severity in HIV-infected women. This response may be maladaptive in terms of maintenance of lean body mass, functional status, and immune function. The aim of this study was to assess whether the use of an adrenal enzyme inhibitor of 11beta-hydroxylase might increase androgen production in this population. We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study of metyrapone (500 mg p.o. qid) or placebo for 2 wk in 10 HIV-infected women with AIDS wasting [weight <90% ideal body weight (IBW) or weight loss >10%] and reduced androgen levels. Basal and ACTH-stimulated androgen, mineralocorticoid, and glucocorticoid levels were measured at baseline and after 14 days of treatment. Subjects were similar in age (40.9 +/- 0.9 yr), weight (91.7 +/- 3.5% IBW) and hormone concentrations at study entry. Total testosterone (84 +/- 54 vs. -0.4 +/- 2 ng/dl, P = 0.024), free testosterone (6.5 +/- 2.8 vs. 0.1 +/- 0.1 pg/ml, P = 0.024), DHEA (5.0 +/- 3.2 vs. -0.6 +/- 0.5 microg/l, P = 0.024), and 11-deoxycortisol (2,145 +/- 820 vs. -14 +/- 22 ng/dl, P = 0.024) levels increased in response to metyrapone compared with placebo treatment. In response to ACTH, significant increases in the DHEA/cortisol ratio (174 +/- 48 vs. 3 +/- 3, P = 0.008) were seen in the metyrapone group compared with placebo. Blood pressure and electrolytes did not change, and signs of adrenal insufficiency were not apparent. These data demonstrate that inhibition of 11beta-hydroxylase with metyrapone increases adrenal androgen secretion in HIV-infected women. Further studies are needed to assess the physiological effects of this strategy to increase anabolic hormone levels in severe stress, including detailed testing to rule out the potential risk of concomitant adrenal insufficiency.

Adolescent↗

Increased intramyocellular lipid accumulation in HIV-infected women with fat redistribution.

The human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-lipodystrophy syndrome is associated with fat redistribution and metabolic abnormalities, including insulin resistance. Increased intramyocellular lipid (IMCL) concentrations are thought to contribute to insulin resistance, being linked to metabolic and body composition variables. We examined 46 women: HIV infected with fat redistribution (n = 25), and age- and body mass index-matched HIV-negative controls (n = 21). IMCL was measured by 1H-magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and body composition was assessed with computed tomography, dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), and magnetic resonance imaging. Plasma lipid profile and markers of glucose homeostasis were obtained. IMCL was significantly increased in tibialis anterior [135.0 +/- 11.5 vs. 85.1 +/- 13.2 institutional units (IU); P = 0.007] and soleus [643.7 +/- 61.0 vs. 443.6 +/- 47.2 IU, P = 0.017] of HIV-infected subjects compared with controls. Among HIV-infected subjects, calf subcutaneous fat area (17.8 +/- 2.3 vs. 35.0 +/- 2.5 cm2, P < 0.0001) and extremity fat by DEXA (11.8 +/- 1.1 vs. 15.6 +/- 1.2 kg, P = 0.024) were reduced, whereas visceral abdominal fat (125.2 +/- 11.3 vs. 74.4 +/- 12.3 cm2, P = 0.004), triglycerides (131.1 +/- 11.0 vs. 66.3 +/- 12.3 mg/dl, P = 0.0003), and fasting insulin (10.8 +/- 0.9 vs. 7.0 +/- 0.9 microIU/ml, P = 0.004) were increased compared with control subjects. Triglycerides (r = 0.39, P = 0.05) and extremity fat as percentage of whole body fat by DEXA (r = -0.51, P = 0.01) correlated significantly with IMCL in the HIV but not the control group. Extremity fat (beta = -633.53, P = 0.03) remained significantly associated with IMCL among HIV-infected patients, controlling for visceral abdominal fat, abdominal subcutaneous fat, and antiretroviral medications in a regression model. These data demonstrate increased IMCL in HIV-infected women with a mixed lipodystrophy pattern, being most significantly associated with reduced extremity fat. Further studies are necessary to determine the relationship between extremity fat loss and increased IMCL in HIV-infected women.

Adipose Tissue↗

A placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study of a growth hormone releasing factor in HIV-infected patients with abdominal fat accumulation.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of TH9507, a novel growth hormone releasing factor, on abdominal fat accumulation, metabolic and safety parameters in HIV-infected patients with central fat accumulation. DESIGN AND METHODS: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial enrolling 61 HIV-infected patients with increased waist circumference and waist-to-hip ratio. Participants were randomized to placebo or 1 or 2 mg TH9507 subcutaneously, once daily for 12 weeks. The primary outcome was change in abdominal fat, assessed by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry and cross-sectional computerized tomography scan. Secondary endpoints included change in insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), metabolic, quality of life, and safety parameters. RESULTS: TH9507 resulted in dose-related physiological increases in IGF-I (P < 0.01 for 1 mg (+48%) and 2 mg (+65%) versus placebo). Trunk fat decreased in the 2 mg group versus placebo (0.8, -4.6 and -9.2%; placebo, 1 and 2 mg, respectively, P = 0.014 for 2 mg versus placebo), without significant change in limb fat. Visceral fat (VAT) decreased most in the 2 mg group (-5.4, -3.6 and -15.7%; placebo, 1 and 2 mg, respectively) but this change was not significant versus placebo. Subcutaneous fat (SAT) was preserved and did not change between or within groups. Lean body mass and the ratio of VAT to SAT improved significantly in both treatment groups versus placebo. Triglyceride and the cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein ratio decreased significantly in the 2 mg group versus placebo. Treatment was generally well tolerated without changes in glucose. CONCLUSIONS: TH9507 reduced truncal fat, improved the lipid profile and did not increase glucose levels in HIV-infected patients with central fat accumulation. TH9507 may be a beneficial treatment strategy in this population, but longer-term studies with more patients are needed to determine effects on VAT, treatment durability, and safety.

Abdomen↗

Effects of physiological leptin administration on markers of inflammation, platelet activation, and platelet aggregation during caloric deprivation.

CONTEXT: Leptin is a nutritionally regulated adipocyte-derived cytokine. Previous studies in obese patients have demonstrated increased inflammatory markers and increased platelet aggregation in association with leptin. However, the effects of leptin administration on markers of inflammation and platelet aggregation in a human model of undernutrition have not previously been studied. OBJECTIVE: The objective of the study was to investigate markers of inflammation, platelet activation, and platelet aggregation in a model of caloric deprivation and increased leptin sensitivity. DESIGN: This study was a randomized, placebo-controlled study conducted between November 2002 and November 2003. SETTING: The study was conducted at an inpatient care setting at the General Clinical Research Center. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty healthy, young (18-35 yr old), normal-weight (body mass index, 20-26 kg/m2) women were recruited from local advertisements. No subjects withdrew due to adverse effects. INTERVENTION: The effects of physiological recombinant methionyl human leptin or identical placebo administration were investigated over a 4-d fast. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome measures for this study were C-reactive protein (CRP) and indices of platelet activity. RESULTS: Leptin administration prevented the fasting-induced decline in leptin (P < 0.05 vs. placebo at each time point). Leptin administration increased CRP (6.3 +/- 2.4 vs. 0.7 +/- 0.3 mg/liter; P = 0.04), circulating P-selectin (11.6 +/- 10.2 vs. -28.9 +/- 15.6 ng/ml; P = 0.04), and induction of platelet aggregation (5.8 +/- 2.6 vs. -2.7 +/- 2.9%, P = 0.04, percent maximum platelet aggregation) relative to placebo administration (change in leptin vs. change in placebo, respectively, for each variable). Leptin tended to increase serum amyloid A [0.1 +/- 0.2 vs. -0.3 +/- 0.1 log10 (ng/ml); P = 0.07], and the changes in serum amyloid A and CRP were highly correlated (r = 0.83; P < 0.0001). No changes in TNFalpha, IL-6, IL-10, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, haptoglobin, intercellular adhesion molecule, or vascular cell adhesion molecule were seen between the groups. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide evidence that physiological leptin administration stimulates inflammatory and platelet responses in humans during caloric deprivation.

Adult↗

Reciprocal changes in endogenous ghrelin and growth hormone during fasting in healthy women.

Ghrelin stimulates growth hormone (GH) secretion, but it is unknown whether there is a feedback of GH on ghrelin secretion. In this study, we characterized the relatedness of GH and ghrelin in a model of acute caloric deprivation in 10 healthy women (age 26.7 +/- 1.6 yr) during a 4-day fast in the early follicular phase. GH, ghrelin, and cortisol were assessed every hour over 24 h during an isocaloric diet and after a 4-day complete fast. Sampling during a normal diet at baseline demonstrated that ghrelin decreased 17.9% within 1 h after meals (P < 0.0001), but there was no meal effect on GH. BMI (22.3 +/- 0.4 vs. 21.5 +/- 0.4 kg/m2, P < 0.0001) and IGF-I (312 +/- 28 vs.124 +/- 22 ng/ml, P < 0.0001) decreased during fasting. Mean 24-h GH increased (2.6 +/- 0.5 vs. 5.6 +/- 0.5 ng/ml, P < 0.001), but ghrelin decreased (441.3 +/- 59.7 vs. 359.8 +/- 54.2 pg/ml, P = 0.012). The peak ghrelin level decreased from 483.5 to 375.6 pg/ml (P < 0.0001), and the time of the peak ghrelin changed from 0415 to 1715. In contrast, the diurnal pattern of GH was maintained, with increases in the nadir (1.1 to 3.4 ng/ml) and peak GH concentrations (4.1 to 7.9 ng/ml) from the fed to fasted state (P < 0.0001). The change in morning GH concentrations was inversely related to the change in ghrelin (r = -0.79, P = 0.012). During complete short-term caloric deprivation in healthy women, ghrelin decreases, even as GH rises, and these processes appear to be reciprocal, suggesting that GH exhibits feedback inhibition on ghrelin. Our data provide new evidence of the physiological relationship of GH and ghrelin in response to changes in protein-energy metabolism.

Adult↗

Increased cardiovascular disease risk indices in HIV-infected women.

Little is known regarding cardiovascular disease risk indices in HIV-infected women. This study investigated cardiovascular disease risk indices in 100 consecutively recruited HIV-infected women and 75 healthy female control subjects. Subjects were recruited from hospital- and community-based health care providers. C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), adiponectin, lipid, and glucose levels were the main outcome measures. CT scan, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA), and anthropometry were used to assess body composition. Although similar in age, weight, and racial composition, HIV-infected women demonstrated higher CRP (4.6 +/- 0.7 vs. 2.3 +/- 0.4 mg/L, P = 0.007), IL-6 (2.7 +/- 0.2 vs. 1.8 +/- 0.1 pg/mL, P = 0.02), triglyceride (1.84 +/- 0.21 vs. 0.85 +/- 0.05 mM, P = 0.0002), 2-hour glucose after oral glucose challenge (6.88 +/- 0.22 vs. 5.72 +/- 0.17 mM, P = 0.0003), and fasting insulin (81 +/- 8 vs. 45 +/- 2 pM, P = 0.0002) and lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (1.17 +/- 0.03 vs. 1.45 +/- 0.05 mM, P < 0.0001) and adiponectin (5.4 +/- 0.3 vs. 7.6 +/- 0.5 mg/L, P = 0.0001) levels compared with the control population. HIV-infected women had more abdominal visceral fat and less extremity fat by CT and DXA scan and demonstrated a higher waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) than the control population. Within the HIV group, CRP and other indices were significantly related to body composition in stepwise regression models. Among all subjects, WHR, but not HIV status, was significantly related to CRP and other cardiovascular disease risk indices. HIV-infected women demonstrate significantly increased risk factors for cardiovascular disease in association with abnormal fat distribution.

Absorptiometry, Photon↗

Resistin levels in human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients with lipoatrophy decrease in response to rosiglitazone.

Resistin is a recently recognized adipocytokine thought to contribute to insulin resistance. We determined resistin levels and metabolic parameters in 24 HIV-infected men and women with lipoatrophy and hyperinsulinemia and studied the effect of 12 wk of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist rosiglitazone (4-8 mg/d) on resistin in these subjects. Participants completed metabolic testing before and after rosiglitazone including fasting determination of resistin, adiponectin, and leptin levels, serum inflammatory markers, and hyperinsulinemic euglycemic clamp testing. Resistin concentration decreased significantly after rosiglitazone (12.17 +/- 1.15 ng/ml to 10.23 +/- 1.05 ng/ml; P = 0.02), in conjunction with significant increases in adiponectin- (P < 0.001) and insulin- stimulated glucose disposal (P = 0.004). Leptin levels, as well as TNF-alpha, did not change with rosiglitazone. In summary, among HIV-infected subjects with insulin resistance and lipoatrophy, resistin levels decreased significantly after rosiglitazone. Further investigation into the physiological role of this peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma-responsive adipocytokine in the metabolic abnormalities associated with HIV is warranted.

Adult↗

Effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone on bone turnover in human immunodeficiency virus-infected men with fat accumulation.

GHRH is a potentially appealing strategy to simultaneously improve fat distribution and increase bone turnover in HIV-infected patients. We investigated the effects of GHRH (1 mg sc twice a day over 12 wk) in 31 HIV-infected men with abdominal fat accumulation (age 46 +/- 1 yr, body mass index 26.2 +/- 0.6 kg/m2) in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. We previously reported significant effects of GHRH on IGF-I and truncal fat. In this study, we assessed whether GHRH increased markers of bone turnover. At baseline, 32% of our subjects (n = 10) demonstrated a bone density Z score less than -1.0 sd and greater than or equal to -2.5 sd, and 3% (n = 1) demonstrated a Z score of less than -2.5 sd. IGF-I correlated with N-terminal telopeptide (NTx) (r = 0.49, P = 0.005) and tended to correlate with C-terminal telopeptide (CTx) (r = 0.35, P = 0.06) at baseline. Of the bone resorption markers, CTx increased significantly (0.16 +/- 0.07 vs. -0.03 +/- 0.03 ng/ml, GHRH vs. placebo, P = 0.02), and NTx tended to increase in response to GHRH (2.8 +/- 1.4 vs. -0.5 +/- 1.0 nm bone collagen equivalent, GHRH vs. placebo, P = 0.07). Of the bone formation markers, N-terminal propeptide of type 1 procollagen increased (14.6 +/- 9 vs. -6.8 +/- 3.1 microg/liter, GHRH vs. placebo, P = 0.03) and osteocalcin tended to increase (8.4 +/- 3.0 vs. 2.0 +/- 1.6 ng/ml, GHRH vs. placebo, P = 0.06) in response to GHRH. The calciotropic hormones, calcium and phosphorus, did not change significantly. The change in IGF-I correlated with the change in NTx (r = 0.45, P = 0.02), CTx (r = 0.38, P = 0.05), and osteocalcin (r = 0.55, P = 0.002). GHRH improves fat distribution and bone metabolism in men with HIV-related fat accumulation. Long-term studies are needed to determine whether the stimulatory effects of GHRH on bone turnover will translate into increased bone density in this population.

Adult↗

Growth hormone (GH) responses to GH-releasing hormone-arginine testing in human immunodeficiency virus lipodystrophy.

Prior studies suggest reduced overnight GH secretion in association with excess visceral adiposity among patients with HIV lipodystrophy (LIPO, i.e. with fat redistribution). We now investigate GH responses to standardized GHRH-arginine in LIPO patients (n = 39) in comparison with body mass index- and age-matched control groups [HIV patients without fat distribution (NONLIPO, n = 17)] and healthy subjects (C, n = 16). IGF-I [242 +/- 17; 345 +/- 38; 291 +/- 27 ng/ml (P < 0.05 vs. NONLIPO)] was lowest in the LIPO group. Our data demonstrate failure rates of 18% for the LIPO group vs. 5.9% for the NONLIPO group and 0% for the C group, using a stringent criterion of 3.3 ng/ml for peak GH response to GHRH-arginine (P < 0.05 LIPO vs. C). Using less stringent cutoffs, the failure rate in the LIPO group rises to 38.5% at 7.5 ng/ml. Among the LIPO patients, the peak GH response to GHRH-arginine was significantly predicted by visceral adipose tissue (P = 0.008), free fatty acid (P = 0.04), and insulin level (P = 0.007) in regression modeling controlling for age, body mass index, sc fat area, and triglyceride level. These data demonstrate increased failure rates to standardized stimulation testing with GHRH-arginine in LIPO patients, in association with increased visceral adiposity. The effects of low-dose GH should be assessed in the large subset of LIPO patients with abnormal GH stimulation testing.

Adult↗

Growth hormone-releasing hormone in HIV-infected men with lipodystrophy: a randomized controlled trial.

CONTEXT: Reduced growth hormone (GH) concentrations are observed in men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) lipodystrophy. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), a GH secretagogue, in treatment of HIV lipodystrophy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial conducted at a research center in the United States between October 2002 and June 2003 and enrolling 31 HIV-infected men aged 18 to 60 years with evidence of lipodystrophy. INTERVENTIONS: Participants were assigned to receive GHRH (1 mg subcutaneously twice daily) or placebo for 12 weeks. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary outcome was change in concentrations of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) to detect overall change in GH levels in response to GHRH. Secondary end points included body composition by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography, lipodystrophy ratings, and levels of glucose, insulin, and lipids. RESULTS: Mean (SD) IGF-1 concentrations increased significantly in the GHRH group vs the placebo group (104 [110] ng/mL vs 6 [44] ng/mL, P =.004). Lean body mass significantly increased in the GHRH group vs the placebo group (0.9 [1.3] kg vs -0.3 [1.7] kg, P =.04), trunk fat significantly decreased (-0.4 [0.7] kg vs 0.2 [0.6] kg, P =.03), and the ratio of trunk to lower extremity fat improved significantly (-0.22 [0.32] vs 0.14 [0.29], P =.005). Abdominal visceral fat was reduced (-19.2 [36.6] cm2 vs 2.3 [24.3] cm2, P =.07) and the ratio of abdominal visceral fat to abdominal subcutaneous fat improved significantly more in the GHRH group (-0.19 [0.28] vs 0.07 [0.27], P =.02). Both physician and patient rating of lipodystrophy in the arms, legs, and abdomen also improved significantly. Levels of glucose, insulin, and lipids did not change significantly. CONCLUSIONS: GHRH was well tolerated and effectively increased levels of IGF-1 in HIV-infected men with lipodystrophy. Total and regional body composition improved in response to GHRH, with increased lean mass and reduced truncal and visceral fat. Use of GHRH may potentially be a beneficial treatment strategy for this population.

Adult↗

Metabolic effects of rosiglitazone in HIV lipodystrophy: a randomized, controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Patients with HIV infection who are treated with antiretroviral agents often lose subcutaneous fat and have metabolic abnormalities, including insulin resistance and reduced adiponectin levels, which may be related to disrupted subcutaneous adipogenesis and altered peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma signaling. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of rosiglitazone (4 mg/d), a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonist, in HIV-infected men and women with hyperinsulinemia and lipoatrophy. DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 3-month study. SETTING: University hospital. PATIENTS: 28 HIV-infected men and women with hyperinsulinemia and lipoatrophy. MEASUREMENTS: Insulin sensitivity measured by euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp testing; subcutaneous leg fat area measured by computed tomography; adiponectin, free fatty acid, and lipid levels; and safety variables. RESULTS: Rosiglitazone, when compared with placebo, improved insulin sensitivity (mean [+/-SD] change, 1.5 +/- 2.1 mg of glucose/kg of lean body mass per minute vs. -0.4 +/- 1.6 mg/kg per minute; P = 0.02), increased adiponectin levels (mean [+/-SD], 2.2 +/- 2.2 micro g/mL vs. 0.1 +/- 1.1 microg/mL; P = 0.006), and reduced free fatty acid levels (mean [+/-SD], -0.09 +/- 0.1 mmol/L vs. 0.01 +/- 0.1 mmol/L; P = 0.02). Mean percentage (+/-SD) of body fat (1.38% +/- 3.03% vs. -0.83% +/- 2.76%; P = 0.03) and subcutaneous leg fat area (2.3 +/- 8.4 cm2 vs. -0.9 +/- 1.9 cm2; P = 0.02) increased significantly with rosiglitazone compared with placebo. Mean total cholesterol levels (+/-SD) also increased with rosiglitazone compared with placebo (0.6 +/- 1.0 mmol/L [25 +/- 37 mg/dL] vs. -0.4 +/- 0.6 mmol/L [-15 +/- 25 mg/dL]; P = 0.007). LIMITATIONS: The study was relatively small and of short duration. CONCLUSIONS: The authors demonstrated positive effects of rosiglitazone on lipoatrophy; insulin sensitivity; and metabolic indices, including adiponectin levels, in HIV-infected patients with lipoatrophy and insulin resistance. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma agonists may correct the metabolic abnormalities associated with disrupted adipogenesis in this population. Further studies must determine the clinical utility of such agents in HIV-infected patients.

Adiponectin↗

Effects of testosterone administration in human immunodeficiency virus-infected women with low weight: a randomized placebo-controlled study.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) disease is increasing among women, many of whom remain symptomatic with low weight and poor functional status. Although androgen levels may often be reduced in such patients, the safety, tolerability, and efficacy of testosterone administration in this population remains unknown. METHODS: A total of 57 HIV-infected women with free testosterone levels less than the median of the reference range and weight less than 90% of ideal body weight or weight loss greater than 10% were randomly assigned to receive transdermal testosterone (4 mg/patch) twice weekly or placebo for 6 months. Muscle mass was assessed by urinary creatinine excretion. Muscle function was assessed by the Tufts Quantitative Muscle Function Test. Treatment effect at 6 months was determined by analysis of covariance. Results are mean +/- SEM unless otherwise specified. RESULTS: At baseline, subjects were low weight (body mass index [calculated as weight in kilograms divided by the square of height in meters] 20.6 +/- 0.4), with significant weight loss from pre-illness maximum weight (18.7% +/- 1.2%), and demonstrated reduced muscle function (upper and lower extremity muscle strength, 83% and 67%, respectively, of predicted range). Testosterone treatment resulted in significant increases in testosterone levels vs placebo (total testosterone: 37 +/- 5 vs -2 +/- 2 ng/dL [1.3 +/- 0.2 vs -0.1 +/- 0.1 nmol/L] [P<.001]; free testosterone: 3.7 +/- 0.5 vs -0.4 +/- 0.3 pg/mL [12.8 +/- 1.7 vs -1.4 vs 1.0 pmol/L] [P<.001]) and was well tolerated, without adverse effects on immune function, lipid and glucose levels, liver function, or body composition or the adverse effect of hirsutism. Muscle mass tended to increase (1.4 +/- 0.6 vs 0.3 +/- 0.8 kg; P =.08), and shoulder flexion (0.4 +/- 0.3 vs -0.5 +/- 0.3 kg; P =.02), elbow flexion (0.3 +/- 0.4 vs -0.7 +/- 0.4 kg; P =.04), knee extension (0.2 +/- 1.0 vs -1.7 +/- 1.3 kg; P =.02), and knee flexion (0.7 +/- 0.5 vs 0.3 +/- 0.7 kg; P =.04) increased in the testosterone-treated compared with the placebo-treated subjects. CONCLUSIONS: Testosterone administration is well-tolerated and increases muscle strength in low-weight HIV-infected women. Testosterone administration may be a useful adjunctive therapy to maintain muscle function in symptomatic HIV-infected women.

Adult↗

Reduced bone density in HIV-infected women.

OBJECTIVES: Although bone density has been previously investigated in HIV-infected men, little is known regarding bone density in HIV-infected women. METHODS AND DESIGN: Bone density was measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry in 84 ambulatory, HIV-infected females and 63 healthy female control subjects similar in age (41 +/-1 versus 41+/- 1 years, P = 0.83), body mass index (26.0 +/- 0.6 versus 27.0 +/- 0.5 kg/m, P = 0.44) and racial background (% non-Caucasian, 61 versus 51%; P = 0.24, HIV-infected versus control). RESULTS: Lumbar spine (1.02+/- 0.02 versus 1.07 +/- 0.02 g/cm, P = 0.03) and total hip (0.93 +/-0.01 versus 0.99 +/- 0.01 g/cm, P = 0.004) bone density were reduced in HIV-infected compared with control subjects. Osteopenia was demonstrated in 54 versus 30% (P = 0.004) of HIV-infected versus control subjects and was 2.5 times more likely in a multivariate model accounting for age, race, menstrual function and body mass index. Urinary N-telopeptides of type 1 collagen (NTx) (39.6 +/- 3.5 versus 29.9 +/- 2.0 nM/mM urine creatinine, P = 0.03) and osteoprotegerin (4.76 +/- 0.23 versus 3.39 +/- 0.17 pmol/l, P < or = 0.0001) were increased in HIV-infected compared with control subjects. Among the HIV-infected women, bone density correlated with weight (r = 0.41, P < 0.001) and inversely with urinary NTx (r = -0.28, P = 0.01). Bone density did not differ by current or past protease inhibitor, nucleoside reverse trancriptase inhibitor, or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor exposure. CONCLUSIONS: HIV-infected women demonstrate reduced bone density. Altered nutritional status, hormonal function and body composition may contribute to lower bone density in HIV-infected women. Consideration should be given to testing bone density in HIV-infected women with risk factors for osteopenia.

Adult↗