Sympathetic nervous system function in HIV-associated adipose redistribution syndrome.

It was recently suggested that HIV-associated adipose redistribution syndrome (HARS) results from an autonomic dysbalance. We investigated the local and global sympathetic nervous system function of patients with HIV-1 infection and HARS. Interstitial noradrenaline concentrations in skeletal muscle and subcutaneous adipose tissue were increased in the absence of changes in global sympathetic nerve activity, consistent with locally increased sympathetic activity. This could promote localized lipolysis in subcutaneous adipose tissue and contribute to the development of HARS.