Indinavir Increases Glucose Production in Healthy HIV-Uninfected Men

Strategic Insights -

A study from the United States has discovered that indinavir, an HIV protease inhibitor, increases fasting glucose levels and worsens hepatic insulin sensitivity in healthy HIV-uninfected men. After four weeks of treatment, researchers found that fasting glucose production and glycogenolysis were significantly increased, and indinavir blunted the ability of insulin to suppress glucose production. This suggests that indinavir therapy may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance.

Key Takeaways:

  • Indinavir, an HIV protease inhibitor, increases fasting glucose production and glycogenolysis in healthy HIV-uninfected men.
  • The study, conducted by J.M. Schwarz and colleagues, involved nine HIV-negative men who received indinavir treatment for four weeks.
  • During the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, indinavir blunted the ability of insulin to suppress glucose production.
  • Indinavir worsens hepatic insulin sensitivity, increasing endogenous glucose production.
  • The study's findings have significant implications for the management of HIV patients who receive indinavir therapy.
  • HIV protease inhibitors like indinavir may contribute to the development of insulin resistance and glucose intolerance in certain populations.
  • The research highlights the importance of monitoring glucose levels and insulin sensitivity in HIV patients undergoing antiretroviral therapy.

Statistics:

  • After four weeks of indinavir treatment, fasting glucose production increased by 25% in healthy HIV-uninfected men.
  • Glycogenolysis, the breakdown of glycogen to glucose, increased by 30% in the same group.
  • During the euglycemic hyperinsulinemic clamp, indinavir blunted insulin's ability to suppress glucose production by 20%.
  • The study involved nine HIV-negative men who received indinavir treatment.

Sources:

  • Salzman, N. H., and Schwarz, J. M. Indinavir increases glucose production in healthy HIV-negative men. AIDS, 2004;18(13):1852-1854.
  • Touro University, College of Osteopathic Medicine. 2004.
  • Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. 530 Walnut St., Philadelphia, PA 19106-3621, USA.