[13C]Methionine Breath Test as a Marker for Hepatic Mitochondrial Function in HIV-Infected Patients

Metabolic disturbances such as dyslipidemia, lipodystrophy syndrome, visceral obesity, hyperlactatemia, diabetes mellitus, and hepatic steatosis have been recognized as serious complications in long-term antiretroviraltreated HIV-infected patients. The oxidative capacity of liver mitochondria plays a central role in their pathogenesis and can be analyzed using the [C-13] methionine breath test. We analyzed hepatic mitochondrial function using the [C-13] methionine breath test in antiretrovirally treated and untreated HIV-infected patients as well as HIV-negative controls. Patients with hepatic steatosis, hypertriglyceridemia, lipohypertrophy, and older age showed reduced methionine metabolism. Hepatic mitochondrial function is impaired in antiretroviraltreated HIV-infected patients with disturbances of lipid metabolism.