Effect of fatty acid content in the diet on lipid profile in HIV-infected patients treated with antiretroviral drugs

Introduction
Metabolic syndrome has become an important issue affecting the long-term prognosis of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients in the context of cardiovascular disease. The aim of the study was to determine whether the amount and quality of dietary fats consumed had an effect on total, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and triglycerides (TG), the glycemic load had an effect on TG concentration, and quality of consumed fats had an impact on cardiovascular risk.

Material and methods
80 HIV(+) patients treated with protease inhibitors (PIs) and nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) were involved in the study. Information on the diet and eating habits was collected by 24-hour dietary recall and a questionnaire prepared by the researchers. The analysis of nutritional value of the diet was made using the Food Processor diet program.

Results
A statistically significant correlation between saturated fatty acids (SFA) diet content and a negative correlation between the content of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and LDL cholesterol levels was observed. A positive correlation between omega 6 (n6)/omega 3 (n3) fatty acid ratio, and negative between glycemic load of diet and total cholesterol levels were found. The 10-year risk of CD was: high 3.75%, medium 12.5%, low 83.75%. Smoking was the most potent risk factor.

Conclusions
The diets of the study group of HIV(+) patients should be properly balanced and require modifications of many nutritional habits. The effectiveness of treatment of HIV-infected patients may be strongly influenced by dietary intervention. Therefore it seems advisable to include a dietitian in the group of specialists who take care of these patients.