Metabolic Consequences of Antiretroviral Therapy

AbstractPurpose of ReviewThis review reports on published studies describing metabolic changes associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) to treat HIV disease including a historical perspective of earlier ART agents, but with the main focus on newer ART agents currently in use.Recent FindingsStudies from different countries around the world have shown that integrase inhibitor (INSTI)-based regimens as well as tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) are associated with weight gain, with women and people of black race at especially high risk. Some studies preliminarily suggest worsened metabolic outcomes associated with this weight gain including adverse effects on glucose homeostasis.SummaryAntiretroviral therapy can affect weight, adipose tissue, glucose, and lipids. As obesity is prevalent and increasing among people with HIV, awareness of risk factors for weight gain, including the ART medications associated with greater weight gain, are needed in order to inform prevention efforts. Further research is needed to better understand the long-term health consequences of INSTI- and TAF-associated weight increases.
Source: Current HIV/AIDS Reports - Category: Infectious Diseases Source Type: research