Association between the APOC3 (rs2854116), ESR2 (rs3020450), HFE (rs1799945), and MMP1 (rs1799750) gene polymorphisms and lipodystrophy in people living with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND

The pathogenesis of lipodystrophy in people living with HIV (PLWHIV) receiving antiretrovirals appears to be multifactorial and may involve genetic factors; however, it is not yet fully understood. We verified the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms in the APOC3-rs2854116, ESR2-rs3020450, HFE-rs1799945 and MMP1-rs1799750 genes and lipodystrophy and its subtypes in PLWHIV receiving antiretroviral.

METHODS

Design

cross-sectional study. Lipodystrophy definition was based on self-report. Genotyping of the polymorphisms was performed using real-time polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Lipodystrophy was reported in 204/404 participants (51%), being 89/204 with mixed lipodystrophy, 72/204 with lipohypertrophy, and 43/204 with lipoatrophy. There was no association between APOC3, HFE, and MMP1 polymorphisms and lipodystrophy. The frequency of AA genotype (p=0.004/OR=3.33/CI=1.52-7.29) and of A allele (p=0.031/OR=1.72/CI=1.08-2.75) of the ESR2 polymorphism was higher in individuals with lipoatrophy compared to those without lipodystrophy. In the multivariate analysis, viral load >40copies/mL (p=0.037/OR=2.52/CI=1.03-6.91) and current use of zidovudine (p=0.007/OR=2.97/CI=1.32-6.54) were associated with lipoatrophy.

CONCLUSION

Participants with lipoatrophy had higher frequency of the AA genotype and the A allele of the ESR2-rs3020450 polymorphism. In addition, viral load >40 copies/mL and current use of zidovudine were associated with lipoatrophy, suggesting a potential involvement of this genetic variant in the pathogenesis of lipoatrophy in PLWHIV receiving antiretroviral.