Fat Loss May Be Linked to a Protein

Elevated levels of interleukin-18'a cytokine that causes inflammation and tissue destruction'in HIV-positive people may be leading to lipodystrophy-related fat loss in the face and extremities, according to a study in the May 1 issue of The Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes. Researchers studied 42 HIV-positive men at a Copenhagen clinic and discovered that IL-18 levels were significantly higher in the men experiencing lipodystrophy-related fat loss and somewhat elevated in those with a combination of fat loss and central fat gains. Men taking Zerit also were more prone to high IL-18 levels. IL-18 levels were lower in HIV-positive men not experiencing fat loss or gain but were still higher than in HIV-negative adults. The researchers conclude that there is a significant link between inflammation caused by elevated IL-18 levels and antiretroviral-induced metabolic changes, particularly fat loss.