Background: Alterations in adiponectin levels among HIV-positive individuals receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) have been associated with cardiometabolic risk. However, adiponectin and metabolic parameters among people living with HIV on HAART remain insufficiently investigated. 

Aim: To evaluate adiponectin concentrations and some selected metabolic indices associated with obesity and lipid metabolism among HIV-positive individuals on HAART at the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt, Nigeria. 

Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study recruited 50 HIV-positive adults on HAART and 39 apparently healthy HIV-negative controls. Demographic information from participants was obtained using a structured questionnaire. Anthropometric indices and blood pressure were evaluated using standard procedures. Serum adiponectin was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), fasting plasma glucose concentration by the glucose oxidase method, and lipid profile parameters enzymatically, with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol calculated using the Friedewald equation. Derived cardiometabolic indices were computed using standard formulae. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 26, with statistical significance set at p < 0.05.

Results: There was no significant difference of connncentrations of adiponectin, glucose, lipid profile, and most cardiometabolic indices between HIV-positive patients on HAART and HIV-negative controls (p > 0.05). However, lipid accumulation product (LAP) (50.282±16.93 vs 46.35±19.37), visceral adiposity index (VAI) (0.92 ± 0.40 vs. 0.76 ± 0.93), body roundness index (BRI) (8.72 ± 0.69 vs. 6.66 ± 0.70), and weight-adjusted waist index (WWI) (8.30 ± 0.51 vs. 5.55 ± 0.51) were significantly higher (p < 0.05) among HIV-positive patients on HAART compared with HIV-negative controls.

Conclusion: Adiponectin levels and most metabolic indices did not differ significantly between HIV-infected individuals on HAART and HIV-negative controls. Nonetheless, elevated adiposity-related indices (LAP, VAI, BRI, and WWI) among HIV subjects on HAART suggest a potential subclinical cardiometabolic risk. Routine monitoring of these indices in HIV care and larger population-based studies are recommended in Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Thank God Prince Ohaka is a Nigerian Medical Laboratory Scientist with a growing profile in clinical and translational research. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science, specializing in Chemical Pathology, in 2022, demonstrating early academic distinction and commitment to medical laboratory science. He is currently a final-year postgraduate candidate pursuing a Master of Science degree in Medical Laboratory Science (Clinical Chemistry) at Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria.

Prince’s scholarly interests center on clinical research, particularly in the biochemical mechanisms underlying disease and metabolic disorders. He has authored nine scientific publications, reflecting both research productivity and dedication to evidence-based scientific advancement. His academic work demonstrates methodological rigor, analytical competence, and a sustained interest in contributing meaningful data to biomedical literature.

Driven by intellectual curiosity and professional discipline, he is committed to advancing medical laboratory science through research, collaboration, and innovation. His long-term aspiration is to make significant contributions to the scientific community by generating knowledge that supports improved diagnostic accuracy, therapeutic monitoring, and public health outcomes.