Repositori URV

Identifier: TDX:1240

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TDX1240

Authors:
Veloso Esteban, Sergio

Abstract:
Lipodysytrophy is a common and relevant problema in HIV-1 infected patients taking antiretroviral therapy. It is known the existence of a chronic inflammatory state in which the proinflammatory cytokines such a Tumor Necrosis factor alpha (TNF- α) play an important role. In this thesis, we studied their role in the immunopathology of infection and the onset of lipodystrophy. The most relevant conclusions are, with regard to the lipodystrophy, the existence of increased TNF-α levels in HIV-infected patients and increased adipocyte apoptosis in patients with lipodystrophy. The data obtained suggest the existence of a local inflammatory effect in the adipose tissue. We have found no relationship between the polymorphisms of TNF-α and the risk of developing lipodystrophy. With regard to the natural history we found no relationship between the polymorphisms and susceptibility and/or progression of the disease.