Creatine phosphokinase elevations following exercise in individuals infected with the human immunodeficiency virus

Abstract

Problem: Muscle disease is a well described consequence of HIV infection and its therapy. While symptomatic myopathy is rare, elevations in serum markers of muscle injury are seen more commonly. These elevations may represent subclinical muscle damage due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and/or antiretroviral therapy. Provocative testing of muscle by resistance training may elicit abnormal patterns of the enzyme creatine phosphokinase (CK) in HIV-infected individuals with muscle abnormalities. Methods: Thirteen untrained HIV-infected individuals on antiretroviral therapy and six age- and gender-matched HIV-seronegative controls took part in a single session of isokinetic leg exercise. The degree of CK elevation was assessed at several intervals post-exercise. The magnitude and duration of CK elevation was related to demographic, anthropomorphic, functional and HIV disease-related variables. Results: The HIV-positive participants had lower body fat percentage and body mass index compared to controls, but comparable muscle mass and function. There were no significant differences between the HIV-positive participants and the control group with regard to baseline or peak CK values, nor were there differences in the time to peak CK values or to normalization post-exercise. Conclusion: This feasibility study did not reveal significant variables correlating to CK elevations in those with HIV-disease. Further investigation utilizing a larger sample population may be warranted.