Julia G. answered • 03/31/21
4 Degrees?! Pick me!!
From what I've researched thus far, it seems as though there is no one, clear answer as to why people with HIV suffer from bone loss. One theory said that HIV infection increases the production of proteins IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-a. These proteins may contribute to bone loss. Another theory is that the constant immune inflammation may be the source affected bone health. Some researches speculate that HIV-infected cells within the bone marrow may be responsible for bone loss. Remember, bones tissue is always being broken down (osteoclasts) and rebuilt (osteoblasts). When you have an immunocompromised patient, every bodily function is affected -- including bone growth. There's some research that suggests HIV medications also impair normal bone degeneration and regrowth, but I'm not sure this relates directly to your question. The research shows that some HIV medications impair the mitochondria in osteoblasts cells. This means that osteoclasts breaking down bone are at work, but new bone made by osteoblasts are prevented from working at optimal capacity by the medications. HIV medications are generally linked with bone loss, though, regardless of whether the mitochondria are responsible. This one website I went to estimates that an average of 2% to 6% bone loss occurs within the first 2 years of starting HIV treatment. To put that in perspective, 2% to 6% of bone loss also occurs in a woman after the onset of menopause.
