Pioglitazone to Treat Fatty Liver in Patients With HIV and Hepatitis C Infections

Study Summary

This study will evaluate the effectiveness of pioglitazone in reducing liver fat content in patients with HIV and hepatitis C virus (HCV) infections. Fatty liver and accompanying insulin resistance in patients with HIV and HCV co-infections is associated with inflammatory changes, liver fibrosis and a poorer response to HCV treatment. Pioglitazone is a drug that helps to reduce the body's resistance to insulin. It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to treat diabetes. Patients with HIV and HCV co-infections who have hepatic steatosis (fatty liver) may be eligible for this study. Candidates are screened with a medical history and physical examination, blood and urine tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the liver to measure liver fat and, if needed, a liver biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of liver steatosis. * Participants are randomly assigned to take either pioglitazone therapy or placebo for 48 weeks. This is followed by a second 48-week treatment period in which all participants take pioglitazone. * There are approximately 12 visits during the 96 weeks of the study. Participants will receive a physical assessment, blood and urine tests at each visit. In addition, periodic assessments of dietary habits, body composition, oral glucose tolerance testing, and health related quality of life questionnaires will be completed. * A repeat MRI of the liver is performed at 48 weeks and at the end of the study to evaluate any potential changes in liver fat and inflammation. In addition, there is a follow-up liver biopsy at 48 weeks and an optional liver biopsy at 96 weeks.

Primary Outcome

Change in hepatic steatosis and hepatic inflammation/fibrosis in HIV/HCV co-infected patients with steatosis. Change in Hepatic Fat Content measured by MR spectroscopy: 48 weeks compared to Baseline

Interventions

• DRUG Placebo
• DRUG Pioglitazone