Exploring Biochemical Markers in HIV-Infected Individuals with Lipodystrophic Symptoms

Abstract

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) which was first reported in the United States in 1981 has the 
potential to cause catastrophic medical and social effect because of its Immunosuppressive effect 
(Sabatier, 1987; Abimuku et al., 1995; Blattner, 1991; National STD, AIDS Control 1992). Lipodystrophy is 
a defective fat metabolism of Lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy experienced by HIV patients on Anti
Retroviral therapy (ARV) (Grunfeld, 2001). The aim of this study was to determine the Lipid profile, total 
protein and glucose concentration in 14 HIV patients on ARV with Lipodystrophy. 28 HIV patients were 
recruited randomly in the outpatient clinic of the infectious disease unit of the Jos University Teaching 
Hospital (JUTH), their blood samples collected, centrifuged and analyzed. The lipid profile, albumin and 
bilirubin were increased while glucose and total protein concentration were decreased in patients with 
Lipodystrophy. 62.8% of females and 37.2% of males, and 59% of married victims and 41% of singles 
were affected. 47.8% attended tertiary institution, 31.2% of secondary schools and 21% primary school 
level. Patients with Lipodystrophy were on ARV treatment for a period of 17 – 24 months while those 
without Lipodystrophy were on ARV for a period of 8 – 12 months. This study showed increase in the 
mean concentrations of HDL-Cholesterol, total cholesterol, triglyceride, albumin and bilirubin and 
decrease in the mean concentration of glucose and total protein in patients with Lipodystrophy.