Objective: Fatty liver disease is increased among individuals with HIV. We sought to explore how aldosterone, a key hormone linked to insulin resistance and inflammation, relates to liver fat in the large population of individuals with HIV and metabolic abnormalities.
Methods: Forty-six individuals with HIV and increased waist circumference and dysglycemia were assessed for liver fat using proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Serum aldosterone level was obtained following strictly controlled posture conditions and a standardized sodium diet and was related to liver fat.
Results: Among the entire group [median (interquartile range) liver fat: 5% (3%, 12%) and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance: 1.74 (1.21, 2.83)], serum aldosterone significantly correlated with liver fat (r = 0.31; P = 0.049). Liver fat level was significantly higher in those with aldosterone above vs below the median [8% (3%, 20%) vs 4% (2%, 10%); P = 0.02]. In the presence of metabolic syndrome, individuals with aldosterone levels above vs below the median had markedly elevated liver fat values [14% (9%, 23%) vs 5% (3%, 12%); P = 0.005] and increased presence of fatty liver disease (FLD; 92% vs 50%; P = 0.02). Controlling for metabolic syndrome, hepatitis C virus, and alcohol use, aldosterone was a significant and independent predictor of liver fat (β estimate: 0.6038, P = 0.01; overall model r 2 = 0.41, P = 0.0005) and FLD (OR: 1.38, P = 0.02; overall model r 2 = 0.28, P = 0.002).
Conclusion: These data highlight a robust association between aldosterone and liver fat among individuals with HIV and metabolic dysregulation. Increased aldosterone may be a risk factor for liver fat accumulation among the population with HIV.
Keywords: HIV; aldosterone; fatty liver disease; liver fat; metabolic syndrome.