Significant changes are seen across the menopause transition among women without HIV including increased visceral fat and waist circumference, reduced muscle mass, and changes in lipids, glucose metabolism and bone density. HIV and potentially antiretroviral therapy use have been associated with similar manifestations such as reduced bone density, changes in lipid and glucose metabolism, and body composition, though little is known regarding how the virus may influence or exacerbate such changes across the menopause transition. Menopause has also been associated with changes in mood state, decreased quality of life, and presence of vasomotor symptoms among women without HIV. Similar psychosocial indices are common among women with HIV, and may manifest or worsen during the menopause transition. The proposed study will investigate the prevalence and extent of both metabolic and psychosocial changes associated with the menopause transition at baseline and over one year among women with HIV compared to women without HIV of similar age, weight, menstrual status, and ethnic background. Specifically, it is hypothesized that HIV positive women in the menopause transition will demonstrate: 1) increased visceral adipose tissue, reduced lean body mass, dyslipidemia, and alterations in glucose metabolism, 2) a greater degree of bone loss and an accelerated pattern of bone loss over time, 3) increased symptomatology related to depression, reduced quality of life, and increased severity of vasomotor symptoms. Findings from this novel investigation will generate important data that will benefit both the physical and psychosocial health of women with HIV during the menopause transition. To achieve these aims, the candidate will participate in a combination of didactic coursework, research, mentorship and advisement activities, in addition to scientific symposia and conferences. The candidate's institutional support provides an environment that is conducive to conducting patient-oriented clinical research under the mentorship of a world renowned expert in the area of HIV-related metabolics and endocrinology. The assistance of the K23 career development award will help the candidate fulfill her goal of becoming an independent nurse scientist, and establish a program of clinical research that will focus on metabolic and psychosocial indices associated with the menopause transition among women with HIV.

Public Health Relevance

Significant changes in both metabolic and psychosocial parameters are seen across the menopause transition among women without HIV. HIV, and potentially antiretroviral therapy use have been associated with similar metabolic and psychological manifestations, though little is known regarding how the virus may influence or exacerbate such changes across the menopausal transition. This cross-sectional and longitudinal investigation will evaluate metabolic and psychosocial indices associated with the menopause transition at baseline and over one year among women with HIV compared to women without HIV who are similar in age, race/ethnicity, weight and menstrual status.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Nursing Research (NINR)
Type
Mentored Patient-Oriented Research Career Development Award (K23)
Project #
5K23NR011833-03
Application #
8251922
Study Section
National Institute of Nursing Research Initial Review Group (NRRC)
Program Officer
Hardy, Lynda R
Project Start
2010-05-20
Project End
2013-04-30
Budget Start
2012-05-01
Budget End
2013-04-30
Support Year
3
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
$134,033
Indirect Cost
$9,757
Name
Massachusetts General Hospital
Department
Type
DUNS #
073130411
City
Boston
State
MA
Country
United States
Zip Code
02199
Looby, Sara E; Psaros, Christina; Raggio, Greer et al. (2018) Association between HIV status and psychological symptoms in perimenopausal women. Menopause 25:648-656
Looby, Sara E; Shifren, Jan; Corless, Inge et al. (2014) Increased hot flash severity and related interference in perimenopausal human immunodeficiency virus-infected women. Menopause 21:403-9
Fitch, Kathleen V; Looby, Sara E; Rope, Alison et al. (2013) Effects of aging and smoking on carotid intima-media thickness in HIV-infection. AIDS 27:49-57
Looby, Sara E Dolan (2012) Menopause-associated metabolic manifestations and symptomatology in HIV infection: a brief review with research implications. J Assoc Nurses AIDS Care 23:195-203
Fitch, Kathleen V; Stanley, Takara L; Looby, Sara E et al. (2011) Relationship between neck circumference and cardiometabolic parameters in HIV-infected and non-HIV-infected adults. Diabetes Care 34:1026-31
Fitch, Kathleen V; Stavrou, Eleni; Looby, Sara E et al. (2011) Associations of cardiovascular risk factors with two surrogate markers of subclinical atherosclerosis: endothelial function and carotid intima media thickness. Atherosclerosis 217:437-40