American Endocrine Society Award for Research Excellence

Dr G. Sakkas, a clinical researcher of the Insititute of Human Performance and Rehabilitation, CERETEH, and of the Department of Exercise Sciences, University of Thessaly, has co-authored a research paper which has been selected by The US Endocrine Society for the 2009 International Award for Excellence in Published Clinical Research. This prestigious award also includes a $10,000 cash prize. The research paper, entitled “The Effects of Recombinant Human Leptin on Visceral Fat, Dyslipidemia, and Insulin Resistance in Patients with Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Lipoatrophy and Hypoleptinemia” appeared in The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (94:1137-44, 2009). The study showed that leptin treatment was associated with marked improvement in dyslipidemia, improved hepatic insulin sensitivity and reduced lipolysis, while visceral fat decreased with no exacerbation of peripheral lipoatrophy. These results suggest that leptin can become a very promising medication for patients with HIV-associated lipoatrophy.