METHODS AND COMPOSITIONS FOR PREDICTING, DIAGNOSING AND TREATING LIPODYSTROPHY

摘要

This invention relates to a method of predicting those individuals at risk o f developing lipodystrophy associated with antiretroviral therapy is disclosed . The method includes the steps of: (a) measuring CD36 levels in the patient prior to protease inhibitor or antiretroviral therapy; (b) measuring CD36 levels in the patient after initiating protease inhibitor or antiretroviral therapy; (c) determining whether CD36 levels after antiretroviral or proteas e inhibitor therapy are changed after therapy, a change in CD36 levels being predictive of the subsequent development of lipodystrophy. The invention als o includes a composition for treating or preventing lipodystrophy associated with PI or antiretroviral therapy. The composition includes PPAR.gamma.-RXR agonist to up-regulate CD36 in admixture with a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, excipient, or diluent. The composition can be used in a method to prevent or treat lipodystrophy. The invention also includes a method of determining whether a test compound causes lipodystrophy in a mammal.