Dr. Garg's research team is recruiting volunteers to participate in further studies pertaining to lipodystrophy. If you have been diagnosed with lipodystrophy or believe that you may have lipodystrophy, you and your family can be an important part of this research. Affected and unaffected family members are necessary to identify the genetic basis and cellular mechanisms responsible for different varieties of lipodystrophies.

Patients with HIV infection are needed to participate in several new trials. Some of these trials are directed towards understanding the mechanisms of fat loss , which occurs in HIV-infected patients upon receiving protease inhibitor therapy. Other trials are directed towards finding newer therapies for patients who have already developed lipodystrophy.

If after reading the study descriptions below, you are interested in participating in a research study, please contact Claudia Quittner

More study information including detailed informed consent information is also available:
Research Study Forms

ENROLLING STUDIES

Physical and Metabolic Abnormalities in Lipodystrophy
The purpose of this ongoing study is to identify defective candidate genes responsible for the body fat loss and metabolic abnormalities in various types of genetic lipodystrophies. We are also trying to identify underlying mechanisms (autoimmune and others) for fat loss in patients with the acquired lipodystrophies.

Mechanisms of Lipodystrophy in HIV-infected Patients
In this trial previously untreated patients are randomly assigned to one of the two treatment regimens; one with protease inhibitor (PI) -HAART (highly active antiretroviral therapy) and the second with non-PI-HAART (Sustiva). Patients will be closely evaluated through out the study for the metabolic parameters and body shape changes suggestive of lipodystrophy associated with HIV-infection. Approximately 200 HIV-infected patients, age 18-70 years, will participate in this study.

Omega-3 Fatty Acid Therapy for HIV-infected Patients
This study is to assess the effectiveness of fish oil when used alone and in combination with sitostanol in lowering the triglycerides (blood lipid levels) and normalizing cholesterol levels in HIV-infected patients on antiviral therapy who have elevated triglycerides.

• Aim:
  This study is to assess the effectiveness of fish oil when used alone and in combination with sitostanol in lowering triglycerides (blood lipid levels) and normalizing cholesterol levels in HIV-infected patients on antiviral therapy who have elevated triglycerides.
• Study Description:
  The subjects who are screened and qualified will be randomly (as if by drawing straws) assigned to one of the three treatment arms for 6 weeks each. After the first phase of study, each patient will crossover to the second phase for the next 6 weeks and then to the third phase for the final 6 weeks.
• Inclusion criteria:
  • HIV patients on protease inhibitor therapy for >6 months
  • High levels of blood lipids (triglycerides>400 mg/dl)
  • Age >14years
• Treatment arms:
  • Fish oil capsules and sitostanol margarine
  • Fish oil capsules and placebo for sitostanol margarine
  • Placebo for fish oil and placebo for sitostanol margarine
• Outpatient clinic visits:
  • At screening, at baseline evaluation, and after the 6th week, 12th week and 18th week
• Includes:
  • Body and skin fold measurements
  • Blood draw
  • 3-day food recall