Fat Matters: Understanding the Role of Adipose Tissue in Health in HIV Infection

Curr HIV/AIDS Rep. 2016 Feb;13(1):20-30. doi: 10.1007/s11904-016-0298-8.

Abstract

More than one-third of adults in the USA are obese and obesity-related disease accounts for some of the leading causes of preventable death. Mid-life obesity may be a strong predictor of physical function impairment later in life regardless of body mass index (BMI) in older age, highlighting the benefits of obesity prevention on health throughout the lifespan. Adipose tissue disturbances including lipodystrophy and obesity are prevalent in the setting of treated and untreated HIV infection. This article will review current knowledge on fat disturbances in HIV-infected persons, including therapeutic options and future directions.

Keywords: Adipose tissue; Antiretroviral therapy; BMI; HIV; HIV infection; HIV/AIDS; Inflammation; Lipodystrophy; Obesity; Obesity and HIV; Review.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adipocytes / pathology*
  • Adipose Tissue / cytology
  • Adipose Tissue / physiopathology*
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active
  • Body Fat Distribution
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • HIV Infections / pathology*
  • HIV Infections / virology
  • Humans
  • Lipodystrophy / complications
  • Lipodystrophy / epidemiology*
  • Lipodystrophy / therapy
  • Obesity / complications
  • Obesity / epidemiology*
  • Obesity / therapy
  • United States / epidemiology

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents