CLINICAL RESEARCH POSTER PRESENTATION ABSTRACTS
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Salons 10-12.
FRIDAY, 5:45-6:30 PM
Abrams DI, Couey P, Shade SB, Aweeka F, Stamets P.
Antihyperlipidemic effects of Pleurotus Ostreatus (oyster
mushrooms) in HIV-infected individuals with antiretroviral-induced hypercholesterolemia:
preliminary results.
Community Consortium, Positive Health Program,
University of California, San Francisco dabrams@php.ucsf.edu
PURPOSE: Hyperlipidemia is a common complication
of antiretroviral therapy in HIV disease, and prior studies indicate
potential interactions between botanical agents and antiretrovirals.
This study evaluates the short-term safety and potential efficacy of
P. ostreatus for treatment of hypercholesterolemia in persons with HIV
who are taking low-dose ritonavir and another protease inhibitor (PI).
METHODS: This is a single-arm, open-label, 8-week
proof-of-concept pilot study to examine the effect of P. ostreatus in
20 HIV-positive patients taking a ritonavir-boosted protease inhibitor
who have elevated non-HDL cholesterol (>160 mg/dl). Patients are given
packets of freeze-dried P. ostreatus (15 gm/day) to be administered
orally each day for the 8-week trial period. They are followed with
lipid levels drawn every two weeks to assess efficacy. Safety assessments
include a pharmacokinetic sub-study to determine if P. ostreatus alter
the hepatic metabolism of the PIs, self-reported incidence of muscle
aches, and measurement of liver and muscle enzymes. HMG CoA reductase
inhibition activity following P. ostreatus ingestion will be measured.
RESULTS: Of the 10 participants who have completed
the study, three had at least a 30-point decline in non-HDL cholesterol
over the eight-week study. Overall, mean non-HDL cholesterol declined
approximately 10%, from 213 +52 to 194 +51. We also observed a 25% decline
in mean triglyceride level (from 288 +169 to 214 +102) and an 11% increase
in HDL cholesterol (from 32 +9 to 35 +6). There was no evidence of substantial
toxicity associated with oyster mushrooms. Mean AST declined slightly
from 25 +9 to 23 +7, mean ALT increased slightly from 19 +8 to 20 +8
and mean creatine phosphokinase declined from 205 +169 to 159 +108.
CONCLUSIONS: There is some preliminary evidence
of a small decline in non-HDL cholesterol and other metabolic parameters
associated with the use of oyster mushrooms. In addition, there is no
evidence of substantial toxicity associated with their use. Although
these results are based on a small sample, they do warrant continued
enrollment to the trial.
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