Metabolic complications of HIV-1 antiretroviral therapy:: The lipodystrophy syndrome

The lipodystrophy syndrome is one of the complications reported with increased frequency in patients with HIV-1 infection receiving antiretroviral therapy. The wide range of prevalence estimates may be due to differing definitions, methods and patient populations. We described the various pathogenic theories and the morphological and metabolic alterations associated with this syndrome. Even if no effective treatment exists, a correct lifestyle, adequate diet and physical exercise seem to be very important. Moreover drug therapies should be used with care to avoid potentially harmful interactions with antiretroviral agents. Ideally, the future effort to define the mechanism of lipodystrophy would be multidisciplinary and would involve not only experts in AIDS research but also nutritionists, endocrinologists and cardiologists.