Role of β-Klotho and Malondialdehyde in Metabolic Disorders, HIV Infection, and Antiretroviral Therapy

Metabolic alterations, resulting from factors such as obesity or infections (HIV), generate inflammation in the body, affecting the immune system and causing oxidative stress. Prolonged exposure to antiretroviral therapy (ART) conditions the appearance of alterations considered risk factors for metabolic syndrome (MetS), affecting the quality of life in people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA). beta-klotho is a protein that can counteract levels of oxidative stress. The aim was to determine the relation of beta-klotho and oxidative stress with metabolic alterations in PLWHA. We hypothesized that levels of beta-klotho and malondialdehyde (MDA) are related in PLWHA on ART with overweight/obesity. As a result of comparing cases versus controls, significant differences were obtained in levels of beta-klotho (p = 0.011), MDA (p < 0.0001), body mass index (p = 0.001), and weight (p < 0.0001). The presence of MetS in PLWHA was 21.2% and 10.6% according to the World Health Organization and ATP III (National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III) criteria, respectively. The founded correlations were of beta-klotho (r = 0.019) and MDA (r = 0.0001), both with CD4+ cells in PLWHA. In controls, beta-klotho was correlated with very low-density lipoprotein (r = 0.035) and atherogenic index (AI; r = 0.037), MDA with AI (r = 0.039), cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein (r = 0.002). The increase of inflammation in the organism, owing to HIV infection and/or the presence of obesity, conditions metabolic disruption or depletion of elements needed for homeostasis in the human body.