[Effect of omega-3 fatty acids on the lipid structure of HIV-positive patients on antiretroviral therapy: personal observation of 20 subjects]

Infez Med. 2007 Dec;15(4):237-41.
[Article in Italian]

Abstract

Hyperlipidaemia related to antiretroviral therapy is a major issue in the management of HIV infection. In HIV positive patients, interventions on their lifestyles and dietary habits are only partially effective and pharmacological support is often required. However, fibrates and statins, interacting with antiretroviral therapy, may cause toxicity. A number of clinical trials have shown the effectiveness of omega-3 fatty acids on the hyperlipidaemia of HIV patients. In this study, the effect of six-month daily administration of omega-3 fatty acids on triglycerides, total and LDL cholesterol, and CD4 cell count was evaluated in a group of 20 HIV positive patients. Triglyceride levels significantly decreased, whilst total, LDL cholesterol and CD4 cell count did not vary. Fish oil therapy was well tolerated by all patients. Omega-3 fatty acids may contribute to reduce cardiovascular risk in HIV positive patients.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anti-HIV Agents / adverse effects*
  • Anti-HIV Agents / therapeutic use
  • Antiretroviral Therapy, Highly Active / adverse effects*
  • CD4 Lymphocyte Count
  • Cholesterol / blood
  • Cholesterol, LDL / blood
  • Combined Modality Therapy
  • Diet, Fat-Restricted
  • Dietary Fiber / therapeutic use
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / pharmacology*
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3 / therapeutic use
  • Female
  • HIV Infections / blood*
  • HIV Infections / drug therapy
  • Humans
  • Hypertriglyceridemia / chemically induced
  • Hypertriglyceridemia / diet therapy
  • Hypertriglyceridemia / drug therapy*
  • Male

Substances

  • Anti-HIV Agents
  • Cholesterol, LDL
  • Dietary Fiber
  • Fatty Acids, Omega-3
  • Cholesterol