Interleukin-17 regulates visceral obesity in HIV-1-infected patients

Objective The aim of the study was to evaluate the interleukin-17 (IL-17) plasma level in HIV-1-infected patients and its relation to central obesity. Methods Eighty-four HIV-1-infected patients [42 with visceral obesity (group A) and 42 without visceral obesity (group B)] and 46 HIV-negative subjects [23 with visceral obesity (group C) and 23 without visceral obesity (group D)] were enrolled in the study. Sonographic measurements of perirenal fat diameter/body mass index (PRFD/BMI) were used to assess visceral adipose tissue thickness. Results HIV-1-infected patients had higher plasma levels of IL-17 than HIV-negative subjects [837.8?+/- 260?pg/mL (mean +/- standard deviation) vs. 395.3 +/- 138.6?pg/mL, respectively; P?<?0.001]. Furthermore, HIV-1-infected patients with a diagnosis of visceral obesity had lower levels of IL-17 than HIV-infected lean patients (756.9?+/- 282.9?pg/mL vs. 918.7 +/- 208.4?pg/mL, respectively; P?<?0.01). IL-17 (r?=?-0.21; P?=?0.03) and waist circumference (r?=?0.48; P?<?0.001) were significantly associated with visceral adipose tissue thickness. A negative correlation of IL-17 (r?=?-0.23; P?<?0.001) with PRFD/BMI was found. Conclusions This study suggests a linear negative association between IL-17 and visceral adipose tissue thickness.