Higher vitamin D levels in HIV-infected out-patients on treatment with boosted protease inhibitor monotherapy

Increased Risk of Vitamin D Deficiency Among HIV-Infected Individuals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is a heavy burden worldwide. Observational studies have reported a high prevalence of vitamin D deficiency (VDD) among people living with HIV (PLWH). However, its deficiency is also a global health problem. Therefore, we conducted a meta-analysis and systemic review to compare differences between HIV-infected subjects and non-HIV-infected subjects.

Methods: We searched PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Cochrane library. We extracted data, including demographic information, study type, vitamin D-related values, and HIV-related values, ultimately including 15 studies after removing duplicates and screening titles, abstracts, and full texts and finally performing a meta-analysis in terms of vitamin D level and vitamin D deficiency prevalence.

Results: Regarding VDD prevalence, the HIV vs. the non-HIV group had an odds ratio of 1.502 (95% CI, 1.023–2.205; P = 0.038). In the subgroup analysis, the odds ratios were 1.647 (95% CI, 1.020–2.659; P = 0.041; I² = 94.568) from 7 studies (age over 40), 2.120 (95% CI, 1.122–4.008; P = 0.021; I² = 0.000) from 2 studies (BMI less than or equal to 25), 1.805 (95% CI, 1.373–2.372; P = 0.042; I² = 74.576) from 7 studies (latitude <40), 2.120 (95% CI, 1.122–4.088; P = 0.021; I² = 0.000) from 2 studies (only included male participants), and 2.296 (95% CI, 1.287–4.097; P = 0.005; I² = 19.927) from 3 studies (only included ART-experienced participants). Thirteen studies were deemed to have moderate quality, while two had high quality.

Conclusions: HIV infected subjects are prone to have VDD compared with general population. ART, older age, lower BMI, lower latitude and male sex may present risk factors for VDD in PLWH.

Systematic Review Registration:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/display_record.php?RecordID=228096.

Vitamin D Assessment Over 48 Weeks in Treatment-Naive HIV Individuals Starting Lopinavir/Ritonavir Monotherapy

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D deficiency is common in HIV population and has been associated with increased comorbidity risk and poor immunologic status.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of protease inhibitor lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy on changes in serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] over 48 weeks.

METHODS

Thirty-four treatment-naïve HIV individuals initiating lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy and receiving clinical care from private practice in Houston, Texas, were included. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels from stored plasma samples collected from IMANI-2 pilot study at both baseline and 48 weeks were analyzed using LC-MS assays. Mean 25(OH)D at baseline and 48 weeks were compared using paired t-tests. Linear regression analysis was used to evaluate factors associated with changes in 25(OH)D. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine the effect of vitamin D status and covariates on CD4 cell count recovery.

RESULTS

Mean 25(OH)D was significantly higher at 48 weeks (26.3 ng/mL (SD + 14.9); p=0.0003) compared to baseline (19.8 ng/mL (SD +12.1), with fewer individuals having vitamin D deficiency (41.2%) and severe deficiency (11.8%). Both body mass index and baseline CD4 cell count were significant independent covariates associated with 25(OH)D changes over 48 weeks. Baseline vitamin D status did not affect CD4 cell count recovery. However, in a 24-week multivariate analysis, current tobacco use was significantly associated with a decreased odds of CD4 cell count recovery (AOR 0.106, 95% CI 0.018-0.606; p=0.012).

CONCLUSION

Individuals treated with lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy had significantly higher 25(OH)D after 48 weeks. Current tobacco users had significantly diminished CD4 cell count recovery after starting treatment, warranting further clinical investigation.

Low vitamin D is associated with coronary atherosclerosis in women with HIV

BACKGROUND

Vitamin D deficiency is underdiagnosed and undertreated, especially among people living with HIV (PLWH). Recently, there has been an increased interest in the role of vitamin D in cardiovascular disease (CVD). While vitamin D deficiency has been associated with CVD in observational studies in the general population, there are limited data in PLWH. We therefore performed an analysis to assess the relationship of vitamin D and coronary atherosclerosis using coronary CT angiography (CCTA).

METHODS

Women living with HIV (WLWH) without known CVD were included. Based on the median value of serum vitamin D levels, participants were dichotomized to either the <25 ng/ml (lower vitamin D group) or ≥25 ng/ml (higher vitamin D group). CCTA was used to assess plaque characteristics.

RESULTS

Forty-three WLWH were included in the analyses (mean age 46 ±8 years, 56% African American, duration of HIV 15 ±6 years, 83% undetectable HIV viral load). WLWH in the lower vitamin D group (n=22) had significantly higher numbers of segments with any coronary plaque (2.27 ±3.01 versus 0.38 ±0.97; P=0.02) and segments with non-calcified coronary plaque (1.41 ±1.82 versus 0.29 ±0.64; P=0.03) compared with WLWH in the higher vitamin D group (n=21). After adjusting for Framingham CHD risk point score, body mass index, diabetes and race, the relationship remained significant.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study demonstrates a significant, independent relationship between lower vitamin D status and higher numbers of noncalcified coronary plaque segments in WLWH. Further studies are warranted to evaluate the effect of vitamin D on CVD in PLWH. Trial Registration Identifier: NCT00455793.

The Potential Protective Role of Vitamin D Supplementation on HIV-1 Infection

HIV infection remains a global and public health issue with the incidence increasing in some countries. Despite the fact that combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has decreased mortality and increased the life expectancy of HIV-infected individuals, non-AIDS conditions, mainly those associated with a persistent inflammatory state, have emerged as important causes of morbidity, and mortality despite effective antiviral therapy. One of the most common comorbidities in HIV-1 patients is Vitamin D (VitD) insufficiency, as VitD is a hormone that, in addition to its physiological role in mineral metabolism, has pleiotropic effects on immune regulation. Several reports have shown that VitD levels decrease during HIV disease progression and correlate with decreased survival rates, highlighting the importance of VitD supplementation during infection. An extensive review of 29 clinical studies of VitD supplementation in HIV-infected patients showed that regardless of cART, when VitD levels were increased to normal ranges, there was a decrease in inflammation, markers associated with bone turnover, and the risk of secondary hyperparathyroidism while the anti-bacterial response was increased. Additionally, in 3 of 7 studies, VitD supplementation led to an increase in CD4+ T cell count, although its effect on viral load was inconclusive since most patients were on cART. Similarly, previous evidence from our laboratory has shown that VitD can reduce the infection of CD4+ T cells in vitro. The effect of VitD supplementation on other HIV-associated conditions, such as cardiovascular diseases, dyslipidemia or hypertension, warrants further exploration. Currently, the available evidence suggests that there is a potential role for VitD supplementation in people living with HIV-1, however, comprehensive studies are required to define an adequate supplementation protocol for these individuals.

Bone mass preservation with high-dose cholecalciferol and dietary calcium in HIV patients following antiretroviral therapy. Is it possible?

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate whether treatment with 100,000 IU/month (equivalent to 3200 IU/day) of cholecalciferol and 1 g/day of dietary calcium supplementation in HIV patients following different cART regimens yields normal levels of vitamin D3 and PTH as well as whether changes in bone mineral density are clinically significant.

METHODS

Consecutive HIV patients following different cART regimens received 100,000 IU/month (equivalent to 3200 IU/day) of cholecalciferol and 1 g/day of dietary calcium supplementation. The participants underwent BMD assessment via dual energy X-ray absorptiometry of the spine and hip at baseline (T0) and after 24 months (T1). Levels of 25(OH) vitamin D3 and parathyroid hormone (PTH) were assessed at T0 and T1. Quantitative variables were assessed with a paired t-test, independent t-test or analysis of variance, as appropriate. A chi-squared analysis was used to assess the association between qualitative variables. A p-value <0.05 was considered significant. Patients were divided into three groups depending on the cART regimen.

RESULTS

A total of 79 patients were included (40 males, 51% and 39 females, 49%), with a mean age of 46.6 (SD ±11.2) years, a baseline CD4 count of 649 cells/µl and a mean 25 hydroxycholecalciferol (25(OH) D3) value of 25 + 10 ng/ml. After 24 months, the 25(OH) D3 increased to 40 + 11 ng/ml. The initial BMDs at T0 were estimated as 0.919 (±0.27) and 0.867 (±0.14) g/cm² at the spine and hip, respectively. After 24 months, the BMD was 0.933 (±0.15) g/cm² at the spine and 0.857 (±0.14) g/cm² at the hip. Based on a BMD change exceeding 3%, a worsening was observed in 23% of patients at the spine and 27% at the hip, whereas stability or improvement was demonstrated in 77% of patients at the spine and 73% at the hip. Subgrouping patients based on antiretroviral therapy indicated that, at T1, there was a statistically significant increase in vitamin D3 concentration in all patients, while PTH concentration was not significantly reduced in patients taking tenofovir or efavirenz. BMD stability or improvement was demonstrated in 77% of patients at the spine and 73% at the hip after 24 months. The multivariate analysis confirms a decrease in vitamin D3 and an increase in PTH levels in smokers, as well higher vitamin D3 concentrations in males and lower spine BMDs in menopausal females.

CONCLUSION

The proposed protocol of cholecalciferol and dietary calcium supplementation is safe and valid for correcting vitamin D abnormalities in almost all patients as well as reducing PTH levels in a high percentage of patients; however, it is not sufficient for normalization, particularly in patients exposed to tenofovir or efavirenz. At the spine, no significant BMD change was found in any of the therapy groups. At the hip, our data confirm a modest negative effect on bone mass caused by tenofovir and efavirenz.

Monthly or Weekly Supplementation with Cholecalciferol 20,000 IU in People Living with HIV: Results from a Nested Cohort Study

Background

There is still considerable uncertainty in handling vitamin D deficiency in people living with HIV (PLWH), due to a lack of comparative data and the wide range of recommended daily intake. Nondaily supplementation might be preferred in many PLWH, but recommendation on dosing has not been established. We aimed to compare the efficacy of weekly versus monthly supplementation with cholecalciferol 20,000 IU in a group of PLWH with vitamin D deficiency in Western Europe.

Study Design

Longitudinal, retrospective nested cohort study of PLWH from two large clinical care centers in Munich, Germany.

Results

Of 307 patients with vitamin D deficiency, 124 patients received vitamin D supplementation (weekly supplementation in 84 (67.7%)). 46.4% and 22.5% of patients achieved 25(OH)D levels ≥30 ng/mL after 12 months of weekly and monthly supplementation with cholecalciferol 20,000 IU, respectively (p=0.011). Dosing interval as well as 25(OH)D baseline levels >15 ng/mL were associated with the normalization of 25(OH)D.

Conclusion

A higher rate of 25(OH)D level normalization can be achieved via weekly supplementation. For several PLWH, even a weekly dose of cholecalciferol 20,000 IU might not be adequate to maintain 25(OH)D levels >30 ng/mL without an initial "loading" dose. The response to supplementation is poorly predictable at an individual level.

Vitamin D and bone loss in HIV

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Bone health has become an increasingly important aspect of the care of HIV-infected patients as bone loss with antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiation is significant and osteopenia and osteoporosis are highly prevalent. Vitamin D is tightly linked to calcium balance and bone health, and vitamin D deficiency is common in HIV. This review outlines the epidemiology of vitamin D deficiency in HIV, summarizes our current understanding of the relationship between vitamin D and bone loss in HIV and the impact of vitamin D supplementation in this patient group.

RECENT FINDINGS

Although data are conflicting as to whether vitamin D deficiency is more prevalent among HIV-infected individuals than in the general population, there are several reasons for why this patient group may be at heightened risk. Studies linking vitamin D deficiency to bone loss in HIV are limited; however, data from randomized clinical trials suggest a benefit of vitamin D supplementation for the prevention of bone loss with ART initiation and for the treatment of bone loss with bisphosphonate therapy.

SUMMARY

There are too limited data to recommend universal screening of vitamin D status or supplementation to all HIV-infected individuals. However, testing 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in those at risk for deficiency and treating patients found to be deficient or initiating ART or bisphosphonate therapy should be considered. Further study on vitamin D supplementation is needed regarding the potential benefit on immune activation and restoration in this patient group.

The protease inhibitors and HIV-associated bone loss

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

HIV infection is an established risk factor for osteoporosis and bone fracture. Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) increases bone resorption leading to an additional 2-6% bone mineral density (BMD) loss within the first 1-2 years of therapy. Although tenofovir disoproxil fumarate is often blamed for antiretroviral drug-associated bone loss, evidence abounds to suggest that other agents, including the protease inhibitors (PIs), have adverse bone effects. In the current review, we examine bone loss associated with protease inhibitor use, describing the relative magnitude of bone loss reported for individual protease inhibitors. We also review the potential mechanisms associated with protease inhibitor-induced bone loss.

RECENT FINDINGS

As a class, protease inhibitors contribute to a greater degree of bone loss than other anchor drugs. HIV disease reversal and the associated immune reconstitution following cART initiation play an important role in protease inhibitor-mediated bone loss in addition to plausible direct effects of protease inhibitors on bone cells.

SUMMARY

Protease inhibitors remain an important component of cART despite their adverse effects on bone. A better understanding of factors that drive HIV/cART-induced bone loss is needed to stem the rising rate of fracture in the HIV-infected population.

Hypovitaminosis D and hyperparathyroidism: effects on bone turnover and bone mineral density among perinatally HIV-infected adolescents

OBJECTIVES

The impact of hypovitaminosis D and secondary hyperparathyroidism on bone mineral density (BMD) in the setting of pediatric HIV infection remains unclear. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of hypovitaminosis D and hyperparathyroidism and their effects on bone turnover and BMD among HIV-infected adolescents in Southeast Asia.

DESIGN

A multicenter, cross-sectional study evaluating bone health and vitamin D metabolism in HIV-infected adolescents in Thailand and Indonesia.

METHODS

Perinatally HIV-infected adolescents aged 10-18 years on antiretroviral therapy with virologic suppression were enrolled. Serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D, intact parathyroid hormone, and bone turnover markers (C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen and procollagen type I amino-terminal propeptide) were assessed; serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D less than 20 ng/ml and intact parathyroid hormone more than 65 pg/ml were defined as hypovitaminosis D and hyperparathyroidism, respectively. Lumbar spine (L2-L4) BMD Z-score -2 or less was defined as low BMD.

RESULTS

Of 394 adolescents, 57% were women. The median age [interquartile range (IQR)] was 15.0 (13.3-16.9) years. The prevalence of hypovitaminosis D, hyperparathyroidism, and both conditions were 21% [95% confidence interval (CI): 17-25%], 17% (95% CI: 13-20%), and 5% (95% CI: 3-7%), respectively. Adolescents with hypovitaminosis D and secondary hyperparathyroidism had the highest median bone resorption (C-terminal cross-linked telopeptide of type I collagen: 1610 vs. 1270 ng/l; P = 0.04) and bone formation (procollagen type I amino-terminal propeptide: 572 vs. 330 μg/l; P = 0.02) markers, and the greatest proportion of low BMD (42 vs. 15%; P = 0.01) compared with the rest of the cohort.

CONCLUSION

Hypovitaminosis D complicated with secondary hyperparathyroidism was associated with increased bone turnover and bone loss. Early treatment of hypovitaminosis D before hyperparathyroidism occurs may be important to prevent bone mass deterioration.

Plasma Selenium Concentrations Are Sufficient and Associated with Protease Inhibitor Use in Treated HIV-Infected Adults

BACKGROUND

Selenium is an essential constituent of selenoproteins, which play a substantial role in antioxidant defense and inflammatory cascades. Selenium deficiency is associated with disease states characterized by inflammation, including cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although HIV infection has been associated with low selenium, the role of selenium status in HIV-related CVD is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

We sought to assess associations between plasma selenium and markers of inflammation, immune activation, and subclinical vascular disease in HIV-infected adults on contemporary antiretroviral therapy (ART) and to determine if statin therapy modifies selenium status.

METHODS

In the Stopping Atherosclerosis and Treating Unhealthy bone with RosuvastatiN trial, HIV-infected adults on stable ART were randomly assigned 1:1 to rosuvastatin or placebo. Plasma selenium concentrations were determined at entry, week 24, and week 48. Spearman correlation and linear regression analyses were used to assess relations between baseline selenium, HIV-related factors and markers of inflammation, immune activation, and subclinical vascular disease. Changes in selenium over 24 and 48 wk were compared between groups.

RESULTS

One hundred forty-seven HIV-infected adults were included. All participants were on ART. Median current CD4+ count was 613, and 76% had HIV-1 RNA ≤48 copies/mL (range: <20-600). Median plasma selenium concentration was 122 μg/L (range: 62-200). At baseline, higher selenium was associated with protease inhibitor (PI) use, lower body mass index, and a higher proportion of activated CD8+ T cells (CD8+CD38+human leukocyte antigen-DR+), but not markers of inflammation or subclinical vascular disease. Over 48 wk, selenium concentrations increased in the statin group (P < 0.01 within group), but the change did not differ between groups (+13.1 vs. +5.3 μg/L; P = 0.14 between groups).

CONCLUSIONS

Plasma selenium concentrations were within the normal range for the background population and were not associated with subclinical vascular disease in HIV-infected adults on contemporary ART. The association between current PI use and higher selenium may have implications for ART allocation, especially in resource-limited countries. Also, it appears that statin therapy may increase selenium concentrations; however, larger studies are necessary to confirm this finding. This trial was registered at clinicaltrials.gov as NCT01218802.

Vitamin D3 supplementation in HIV infection: effectiveness and associations with antiretroviral therapy

Background

HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) may create unique risk factors for vitamin D insufficiency, including alterations of vitamin D metabolism by ART. We prospectively compared demographic and clinical parameters between vitamin D sufficient and insufficient HIV-infected (HIV+) adults, and assessed changes in these parameters among insufficient participants following standardized vitamin D supplementation.

Methods

HIV+ adults (≥18 years old) with HIV-1 RNA <50 copies/mL on ART were enrolled. Vitamin D sufficiency and insufficiency were defined as 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) ≥30 or <30 ng/mL, respectively. Insufficient participants received open-label vitamin D3 50,000 IU twice weekly for 5 weeks, then 8000 IU twice weekly to complete 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was success or failure to achieve 25(OH)D ≥30 ng/mL at week 24.

Results

Ninety-seven participants enrolled (34 vitamin D sufficient, 63 insufficient); 32 % female, 47 % non-White, median age 46 years, ART duration 5 years, CD4+ T lymphocyte count (CD4) 673 cells/mm³. 25(OH)D repletion was 83 % (95 % CI 71 %–90 %) successful. 25(OH)D levels correlated with both CD4 (r = 0.44, p = 0.01) and time on protease inhibitor (r = −0.35, p = 0.01). After adjusting for age, sex, race, nadir CD4 and baseline 25(OH)D: 1) current use of efavirenz exposure was associated with a 21.1 ng/mL higher week 24 25(OH)D level (p = 0.007), 2) per year use of zidovudine was associated with 7.1 ng/mL reduction in week 24 serum 25(OH)D (p = 0.05) and 3) every 1 ng/mL 25(OH)D increase was associated with a 3.3 cell/mm³ CD4 increase (p = 0.06).

Conclusion

Vitamin D₃ supplementation was effective in repleting 25(OH)D levels after 24 weeks. Current efavirenz use was positively associated with post-repletion 25(OH)D levels, while greater time on zidovudine was associated with lower post-repletion 25(OH)D levels. The association between improved CD4 recovery and vitamin D repletion suggests a potential benefit of vitamin D supplementation on immunologic recovery during HIV treatment.

Trial registration

This trial is registered at The Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (U1111‐1165‐2537).

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12937-015-0072-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

An update on the association of vitamin D deficiency with common infectious diseases

Vitamin D plays an important role in modulating the immune response to infections. Deficiency of vitamin D is a common condition, affecting both the general population and patients in health care facilities. Over the last decade, an increasing body of evidence has shown an association between vitamin D deficiency and an increased risk for acquiring several infectious diseases, as well as poorer outcomes in vitamin D deficient patients with infections. This review details recent developments in understanding the role of vitamin D in immunity, the antibacterial actions of vitamin D, the association between vitamin D deficiency and common infections (like sepsis, pneumonia, influenza, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, human immunodeficiency virus type-1 (HIV), and hepatitis C virus (HCV)), potential therapeutic implications for vitamin D replacement, and future research directions.