title: Whole body protein turnover in children with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection.
abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine the rate of whole body protein turnover (WBPT) in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected children, and to determine the relationship between WBPT and growth. The rate of WBPT was calculated from the cumulative excretion of labeled urinary ammonia after a single intravenous dose of 15N-glycine in three groups of children: 1) HIV+ with growth retardation (HIV+ Gr); 2) HIV+ with normal growth (HIV+); and 3) HIV-uninfected with normal growth (HIV-). Twenty-six children between 2 and 11 y of age were studied (10 HIV+ Gr, 12 HIV+, 4 HIV-). All children were afebrile and free of acute infection during the study. Rates of WBPT (mean +/- SD) for the study groups were: HIV+ Gr, 12.2 +/- 4.8; HIV+, 10.7 +/- 5.1; and HIV-, 8.6 +/- 2.1 g.protein.kg-1.d-1 (NS, P > 0.05). Although not statistically significant, mean WBPT was 42% greater in HIV+ Gr, and 24% greater in HIV+ compared to HIV-. Statistically significant correlations were found between WBPT and Z scores for height (r = -0.39, P = 0.05) and weight-for-age (r = -0.51, P = 0.01) and dietary intake of protein (r = 0.39, P = 0.05), and between protein balance (synthesis-catabolism) and intakes of energy (r = 0.47, P = 0.02) and protein (r = 0.40, P = 0.04). There was no statistically significant correlation between WBPT and resting energy expenditure (r = 0.27, P = 0.19), or CD4 cell number (r = 0.05, P = 0.82). These data suggest an association between increased rates of protein turnover and low weight and height-for-age Z scores, and that it may be possible to achieve positive protein balance given an adequate intake of nutrients.
authors: Department of Pediatrics and Center for Human Nutrition, Johns Hopkins Schools of Medicine and Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA. robinh@dhmh.state.md.us
authors: R A
authors: RA
authors: Henderson
authors: K
authors: K
authors: Talusan
authors: N
authors: N
authors: Hutton
authors: R H
authors: RH
authors: Yolken
authors: B
authors: B
authors: Caballero
mesh_terms: D000641:Ammonia / Q000652:urine; D001481:Basal Metabolism; D001827:Body Height; D001835:Body Weight; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D005998:Glycine / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000378:metabolism; D006130:Growth Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D018023:HIV Seronegativity / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes; D011506:Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D009587:Nitrogen Isotopes; D011506:Proteins; D000641:Ammonia; D005998:Glycine