Abstract
Dyslipidemia in HIV infection is common and is of concern owing to reports of premature atherosclerosis and cardiovascular disease in HIV-infected individuals. HIV infection itself has been associated with lower high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, but higher triglycerides. Antiretroviral therapy has also been associated with dyslipidemia, particularly hypertriglyceridemia. The proposed underlying mechanisms by which HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy cause alterations in high-density lipoprotein, low-density lipoprotein and triglycerides will be explored in this review, including the host response to HIV leading to alterations in lipids and lipoproteins, as well as the effect of HIV on cellular lipid metabolism. The effects of specific classes of antiretroviral drugs and individual antiretroviral drugs on dyslipidemia will also be examined. An understanding of the potential mechanisms leading to dyslipidemia in HIV infection will provide insight into the development of lipid-improving therapies targeted to HIV-specific pathways.
Financial & competing interests disclosure
The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.