Effect of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate on Lipid Levels in HIV Infected Adults on Stable Anti-HIV Drug Therapy

Use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) has resulted in significant reductions in morbidity and mortality among HIV infected people. However, significant adverse effects, including dyslipidemia, have been associated with HAART. Dyslipidemia may cause elevations in serum total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and triglyceride concentrations, as well as a decrease in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) concentrations. Dyslipidemia is of particular concern for patients receiving HAART because the condition is associated with increased risk for cardiovascular events. TDF is an antiretroviral that has exhibited favorable lipid effects in several studies in HIV infected people, but the mechanism for the observed lipid-lowering effect of TDF is unknown. This study will evaluate the efficacy of TDF on lowering non-HDL in HIV infected adults currently on stable HAART. HAART itself will not be provided by this study.

This study will last 32 weeks. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two study arms. Arm A participants will receive 12 weeks of TDF daily, 4 weeks of no TDF, 12 weeks of placebo daily, then 4 weeks of no TDF. Arm B participants will receive 12 weeks of placebo daily, 4 weeks of no TDF, 12 weeks of TDF daily, then 4 weeks of no TDF. Participants will continue to take their currently prescribed stable HAART regimen for the duration of the study. There will be 13 study visits over the 32 weeks of the study. Clinical assessments will occur at all visits; blood and urine collection will occur at most visits.

Inclusion criteria

• HIV infected
• HIV viral load less than 400 copies/ml within 28 days prior to study entry
• Treatment with stable HAART for at least 90 days prior to study entry. Patients who have taken TDF, didanosine, unboosted atazanavir, or adefovir within 90 days prior to study entry are not eligible.
• Fasting triglycerides of 150 mg/dl or greater AND less than 1000 mg/dl within 28 days prior to study entry or fasting non-HDL cholesterol 100 mg/dl or greater AND less than 250 mg/dl within 28 days prior to study
• Hepatitis B virus surface antigen negative within 6 months prior to study entry
• Have adhered to a lipid-lowering diet and exercise program for at least 28 days prior to study screening, and willing to continue both for the duration of the study
• Willing to continue any current use of hormone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives for the duration of the study. Participants must have been on a stable dose of these medications for at least 28 days prior to study entry to be eligible.
• Willing to use acceptable means of contraception

Exclusion criteria

• Any lipid-lowering agents within 28 days prior to study entry
• Nephrotoxins, such as foscarnet and amphotericin B, within 28 days prior to study entry
• Systemic cancer chemotherapy within 60 days prior to study entry
• Hormonal anabolic therapies or systemic steroids within 6 months prior to study entry
• Allergy or sensitivity to the study drug or its formulation
• Uncontrolled diabetes, as defined by the protocol, within 28 days prior to study entry
• Current hypothyroidism which has been treated for less than 28 days prior to study entry
• History of coronary heart disease, known atherosclerotic disease, cerebrovascular disease, peripheral vascular disease, abdominal aortic aneurysm, or arterial blockage
• Any acute illness within 28 days prior to study entry that, in the opinion of the investigator, may interfere with the study
• Current drug or alcohol abuse that, in the opinion of the investigator, may interfere with the study
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding