Body composition, hepatic fat, metabolic, and safety outcomes of Tesamorelin, a GHRH analogue, in HIV-associated lipodystrophy: A meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Tesamorelin may reduce visceral fat and improve lean body mass in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, but the clinical significance of these changes remains uncertain.
Where it sits
this study against the rest of the tesamorelin corpusSummary and findings
This meta-analysis evaluated the effects of Tesamorelin on body composition, hepatic fat, and metabolic outcomes in adults with HIV-associated lipodystrophy. Five randomized controlled trials were included, with significant reductions in visceral adipose tissue, trunk fat, limb fat, hepatic fat percentage, and waist circumference. An increase in lean body mass was also observed.
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>HIV-associated lipodystrophy leads to visceral fat accumulation, metabolic complications, body image concerns, medication non-adherence, and increased cardiovascular risks. We thought to assess the effects of Tesamorelin, a synthetic growth hormone-releasing hormone analogue, that has been proposed as a targeted therapy.<h4>Methods</h4>We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and CENTRAL through July 2025 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating Tesamorelin versus placebo in adults with HIV. Random-effects meta-analysis was applied. Outcomes included changes in body composition, hepatic and metabolic parameters, hormonal markers, and adverse events. Risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2.0, and certainty of evidence with GRADE.<h4>Results</h4>Five RCTs evaluating Tesamorelin were included in the analysis. Tesamorelin was associated with significant reduction in visceral adipose tissue (MD=-27.71 cm², 95 % CI [-38.37, -17.06]; P < 0.001), trunk fat (MD=-1.18 kg, 95 % CI [-1.40, -0.96]; P < 0.001), limb fat (MD=-0.22 kg, 95 % CI [-0.35, -0.08]; P = 0.001), hepatic fat percentage (MD=-4.28 %, 95 % CI [-6.31, -2.24]; P < 0.001), and waist circumference (MD=-1.61 cm, 95 % CI [-2.28, -0.95]; P < 0.001). A significant increase in lean body mass was observed (MD=1.42 kg, 95 % CI [1.13, 1.71]; P < 0.001). However, no significant reductions in subcutaneous adipose tissue or BMI were observed. Tesamorelin showed no significant change in CD4 + T-cell counts. Tesamorelin was associated with adverse events, including arthralgia, myalgia, paresthesia, and injection-site reactions like erythema.<h4>Conclusion</h4>Tesamorelin improves body composition, hepatic fat, lean body mass, and IGF-1 levels in HIV-associated lipodystrophy, without serious side effects or perturbation of glucose.
Background
The paper addresses the impact of Tesamorelin, a GHRH analogue, on body composition and metabolic outcomes in patients with HIV-associated lipodystrophy, a condition characterized by abnormal fat distribution. Prior studies have suggested potential benefits of Tesamorelin in reducing visceral fat and improving metabolic profiles, but comprehensive evaluations are necessary to confirm these effects across multiple trials. This meta-analysis aims to synthesize existing data to provide clearer insights into the efficacy and safety of Tesamorelin in this population.
Methods
The study is a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials focusing on Tesamorelin's effects on body composition and metabolic outcomes in HIV-associated lipodystrophy. The exact number of trials included and the total sample size are not reported in the abstract. Dosage and duration of treatment, as well as specific outcome measures, are also not detailed.
Results
Not reported in abstract.
Interpretation
Without specific numeric findings, it is challenging to compare the results of this meta-analysis to prior literature or assess the clinical significance of any observed effects. Effect sizes, if reported, would be necessary to determine whether any changes in body composition or metabolic parameters are clinically meaningful. Limitations such as potential publication bias or variability in study quality could confound the conclusions drawn from the meta-analysis.
Key findings
- Not reported in abstract.
Limitations
- Not reported in abstract.