For people with HIV and belly fat who have high liver enzyme levels, those who lost at least 8% of their visceral fat from tesamorelin treatment had much bigger drops in their liver enzyme levels compared to those who didn't lose much fat.
Scientific Claim
In HIV-infected individuals with abdominal obesity and elevated baseline liver enzymes (ALT or AST >30 U/L), a ≥8% reduction in visceral adipose tissue was associated with a greater decrease in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (8.9 U/L decrease vs. 1.4 U/L increase) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (3.8 U/L decrease vs. 0.4 U/L increase) compared to nonresponders after 26 weeks of tesamorelin treatment.
Original Statement
“In subjects assigned to tesamorelin with baseline ALT or AST > 30 U/L, VAT responders experienced greater reductions in ALT (−8.9 ± 22.6 vs. 1.4 ± 34.7 U/L, P = 0.004) and AST (−3.8 ± 12.9 vs. 0.4 ± 22.4 U/L, P = 0.04) compared to nonresponders over 26 weeks.”
Evidence Quality Assessment
Claim Status
appropriately stated
Study Design Support
Design supports claim
Appropriate Language Strength
association
Can only show association/correlation
Assessment Explanation
The claim uses 'associated with' and correctly describes the observed data without implying causation. The study design (RCT) supports association claims, and the language aligns with the evidence strength guidelines.
Evidence from Studies
Supporting (1)
Visceral fat reduction with tesamorelin is associated with improved liver enzymes in HIV