Down regulation of the inverse relationship between parathyroid hormone and irisin in male vitamin D-sufficient HIV patients

• Published in: Journal of endocrinological investigation 2023-12, Vol.46 (12), p.2563-2571
• Main Authors: Karras, S. N., Koufakis, T., Dimakopoulos, G., Zisimopoulou, E., Mourampetzis, P., Manthou, E., Karalazou, P., Thisiadou, K., Tsachouridou, O., Zebekakis, P., Makedou, K., Metallidis, S., Kotsa, K.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: 25-Hydroxyvitamin D; Adiponectin; Anthropometry; Bone mineral density; Calcium homeostasis; Endocrine disorders; Endocrinology; HIV; Homeostasis; Human immunodeficiency virus; Internal Medicine; Medicine; Medicine & Public Health; Metabolic Diseases; Original Article; Parathyroid hormone; Phenotypes; Physical activity; Statistical analysis; Testosterone; Vitamin D
• ISSN: 1720-8386; 0391-4097; 1720-8386
• DOI: 10.1007/s40618-023-02112-5

Purpose Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) predisposes to endocrine disorders, manifesting as a metabolic phenotype that affects the entire adipose-musculoskeletal unit (AMS). The present cross-sectional study aimed to investigate differences in irisin and adiponectin concentrations between people living with HIV and healthy controls, as well as to explore potential correlations between the levels of the aforementioned adipokines and markers of calcium homeostasis. Methods 46 HIV-infected individuals and 39 healthy controls (all men) were included in the study. Anthropometric data, adipokine levels, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [(25(OH)D)] and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations were evaluated in the two groups. Correlations for the relationship between adiponectin, irisin, and PTH levels were examined. The results were adjusted for several confounders, including 25(OH)D levels, anthropometry, physical activity, bone mineral density, testosterone levels, and exposure to ultraviolet B radiation. Results Mean adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower in the HIV group compared to the control group: 5868 ± 3668 vs 9068 ± 4277 ng/mL, p  = 0.011. The same was applicable to irisin concentrations: 8.31 ± 8.17 (HIV) vs 29.27 ± 27.23 (controls) ng/mL, p  = 0.013. A statistically significant and negative correlation was observed between irisin and PTH in the control group ( r  =  – 0.591; p  = 0.033). In contrast, no significant correlation was observed between PTH and irisin in the HIV group ( p  = 0.898). Conclusion Our results are the first to suggest a possible down regulation of the inverse relationship between PTH and irisin in HIV patients and to highlight that AMS dyshomeostasis could be involved in the development of skeletal and adipose HIV-related morbidities.