Treatment of HIV-associated dyslipidemia: a role for omega-3 fatty acids.
Both HIV and its treatment, particularly protease inhibitors, can cause lipidemia similar to that seen with the metabolic syndrome. The most notable effects are elevated triglyceride levels and decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels, with or without elevated low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels. Current recommendations by the National Cholesterol Education Program for HIV-infected persons focus on LDL-C as the primary target of therapy: after lifestyle modifications, statins should be used to lower LDL-C levels. Therapy with fibrates is recommended to lower triglyceride levels. However, omega-3 fatty acids can be an effective means of lowering triglyceride levels as well, particularly in patients with markedly elevated triglyceride levels.
Metroka
Craig E
CE
St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital, New York, USA.
Truong
Palestrina
P
Gotto
Antonio M
AM
D023241:Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active; D050171:Dyslipidemias / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D006801:Humans; D009203:Myocardial Infarction / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000150:complications*; D011480:Protease Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D012307:Risk Factors; D014280:Triglycerides / Q000097:blood*
D015525:Fatty Acids, Omega-3; D011480:Protease Inhibitors; D014280:Triglycerides