It is noted that HIV itself has renin-like properties and can inappropriately alter the aldosterone:renin ratio.[32,33] Circulating aldosterone concentrations were inappropriately low in patients with AIDS-related diarrhea, which is associated with profound electrolyte deficiencies and general adrenal failure.[34] However, in this study, there was no difference between the aldosterone concentrations of HIV patients and those of healthy subjects. This evidence concerns the gene REN and AIDS.