Recombinant Methionyl Human Leptin Therapy in Replacement Doses Improves Insulin Resistance and Metabolic Profile in Patients with Lipoatrophy and Metabolic Syndrome Induced by the Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Abstract

r-metHuLeptin replacement at physiological doses in HIV+ leptin-deficient patients with HAART-induced lipoatrophy improves insulin resistance, high-density lipoprotein, and truncal fat mass. Future larger and more long-term studies in HAART-induced lipoatrophy, including patients with more severe metabolic abnormalities, are warranted to evaluate the physiological and potentially therapeutic role of r-metHuLeptin for this condition and to fully clarify the underlying mechanisms of action.