Gender Differences in Weight Gain from HIV Protease Inhibitors in Mice
Author Information
Author(s): Melinda E Wilson, Kimberly F Allred, Elizabeth M Kordik, Deana K Jasper, Amanda N Rosewell, Anthony J Bisotti
Primary Institution: Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, University of Kentucky
Hypothesis
Do gender differences affect weight gain in mice treated with HIV protease inhibitors?
Conclusion
Female mice with elevated cholesterol gain less weight when treated with the HIV protease inhibitor ritonavir compared to males.
Supporting Evidence
- Ritonavir treatment reduced weight gain in female LDL-R null mice.
- Leptin levels were significantly lower in females compared to males.
- Ovariectomy prevented the weight loss induced by ritonavir in female mice.
Takeaway
This study found that female mice gain less weight than male mice when given a specific HIV medication, and this is linked to hormones.
Methodology
Mice were treated with ritonavir or vehicle for 6 weeks, and weight gain, food intake, and serum hormone levels were measured.
Limitations
The study was conducted on mice, which may not fully represent human responses.
Participant Demographics
Mice included both male and female LDL-R null and wild-type C57BL/6 strains.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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