Down regulation of the inverse relationship between parathyroid hormone and irisin in male vitamin D-sufficient HIV patients.

PURPOSE: Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) predisposes to endocrine disorders, manifesting as a metabolic phenotype that affects the entire adipose-musculoskeletal unit (AMS). The present cross-sectional study aimed to investigate differences in irisin and adiponectin concentrations between people living with HIV and healthy controls, as well as to explore potential correlations between the levels of the aforementioned adipokines and markers of calcium homeostasis. METHODS: 46 HIV-infected individuals and 39 healthy controls (all men) were included in the study. Anthropometric data, adipokine levels, 25-hydroxyvitamin D [(25(OH)D)] and parathyroid hormone (PTH) concentrations were evaluated in the two groups. Correlations for the relationship between adiponectin, irisin, and PTH levels were examined. The results were adjusted for several confounders, including 25(OH)D levels, anthropometry, physical activity, bone mineral density, testosterone levels, and exposure to ultraviolet B radiation. RESULTS: Mean adiponectin concentrations were significantly lower in the HIV group compared to the control group: 5868 ± 3668 vs 9068 ± 4277 ng/mL, p = 0.011. The same was applicable to irisin concentrations: 8.31 ± 8.17 (HIV) vs 29.27 ± 27.23 (controls) ng/mL, p = 0.013. A statistically significant and negative correlation was observed between irisin and PTH in the control group (r = - 0.591; p = 0.033). In contrast, no significant correlation was observed between PTH and irisin in the HIV group (p = 0.898). CONCLUSION: Our results are the first to suggest a possible down regulation of the inverse relationship between PTH and irisin in HIV patients and to highlight that AMS dyshomeostasis could be involved in the development of skeletal and adipose HIV-related morbidities.

Prevalence of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase deficiency in Northern Greece.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) deficiency affects more than 400 million persons worldwide. Its distribution varies significantly among different geographic regions and different population groups. Purpose of our study was to estimate its prevalence in Northern Greece. The dataset comprised 5161 newborns and adults who were screened for G6PD deficiency between July 2001 and March 2007. G6PD deficiency was detected by the dye reduction method. In the screened group, 6.3% of subjects were G6PD deficient. Moderate enzyme deficiency was shown in 139 individuals (2.7%). Complete deficiency was identified in 3.7%. The prevalence of G6PD deficiency in Northern Greece is much higher compared with the general Greek population. Moreover, G6PD prevalence in the male sex is much higher - almost double - that in the female sex.