Conjugated linoleic acid and body composition in HIV -version1
Research type
Research Study
Full title
The effects of a novel dairy fat (conjugated linoleic acid; CLA) on body fat in men with HIV receiving HAART: the CLAART study
IRAS ID
69063
Contact name
Anne Mullen
Contact email
Research summary
The use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) in HIV management may lead to the development of HIV-associated lipodystrophy syndrome (HALS), characterised by abnormal body fat distribution (fat gain on the abdomen, fat loss from the face, arms and legs), high plasma triglycerides, high blood pressure and blood vessel dysfunction (Loonam and Mullen, 2012). HALS increases the risk of premature heart disease (Bozzette et al 2008).
Up to 85% of patients with HALS report that body shape changes have been noticed by friends, family or work colleagues (Oette et al 2002, Power et al 2003). HALS has been shown to adversely affect quality of life (Shenoy et al 2013) and may cause stigma, low self-esteem, anxiety and depression (Collins et al 2000).
Conjugated linoleic acid (CLA) is a fatty acid found naturally in milk and dairy products. HALS has been suggested to occur as a result of antiretroviral drugs altering the fat cell’s ability to store fat (Caron et al 2009). When fat cells in the face, arms and legs no longer store fat correctly, this fat leaks from the fat cell and is taken up by fat cells in the abdomen (Caron-Debarle et al 2010). Recent work by our group has shown that CLA is able to increase fat storage and improve fat cell function. Here, we are investigating effects of CLA on abdominal fat, which has not previously been investigated.
The findings of this study will help identify whether CLA can reduce waist circumference and improve body fat abnormalities in men with HIV. This pilot, double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled study will assign participants to one of two groups- intervention (3g CLA/day) or placebo (3g mixed oils typical of those eaten in the UK/day) for 12 weeks. Men with HIV who are receiving HAART and have a waist circumference greater than 94cm or body mass index (BMI) of greater than 25kg/m2 will be recruited.
REC name
London - Queen Square Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
13/LO/1145
Date of REC Opinion
12 Sep 2013
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion