Plasma
adiponectin and
leptin levels were measured in the fasting state. Body composition was assessed by physical examination, dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry and computed tomography.
Insulin sensitivity (S(I)) was measured using the
insulin-modified frequently sampled intravenous
glucose tolerance test.
RESULTS:
Leptin levels were significantly higher in HIV-infected men with
lipodystrophy as compared to HIV-infected controls (5.2 vs 3.0 ng/ml, P=0.01). Across the entire study population,
leptin levels were positively correlated with measures of general adiposity. In the HIV-infected patients,
leptin levels were negatively correlated with S(I) after adjustment for fat mass (r=-0.38, P=0.07).
Adiponectin levels were significantly lower in HIV-infected men with
lipodystrophy as compared to both HIV-infected and healthy controls (1.6 vs 3.4 microg/ml, P<0.05 and 1.6 vs 6.7 microg/ml, P<0.001, respectively).
Adiponectin levels, after adjustment for fat mass, were correlated with measures of fat distribution. Finally, in the HIV-infected patients,
adiponectin levels were significantly and positively correlated with S(I) after adjustment for fat mass (r=0.75, P < or = 0.001), and
adiponectin level was also an independent determinant of S(I).
CONCLUSIONS: