How To Treat Mitochondrial Toxicity And Hiv

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Mitochondrial Toxicity

Lactic acidosis can be fatal. See your health care provider immediately if you have these symptoms. MT may also cause nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy, see Fact Sheet 555 ). It has been linked to kidney damage and hearing loss. Some researchers believe it might also contribute to fat redistribution (lipodystrophy, see Fact Sheet 553 ) in people taking antiretroviral medications (ARVs). How Do ARVs Cause MT? Mitochondria have an enzyme...

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How is Mitochondrial Toxicity Ruled Out?

Dear Dr. Bob,I have been HIV+ for 17 years, and on Viracept, D4T, 3TC for the past three years. My viral load undetectable, CD4's averaging 900, but I have had severe fatigue for around 9 months. I am often so exhausted that I am afraid of...

Response from Robert J. Frascino, M.D.

The Robert James Frascino AIDS Foundation

Hello Whipped in S.F.,Well, Ill stand by my previous statement, "we have much to learn about how to diagnose and treat mitochondrial toxicity." Is there a way to "conclusively rule it out?" Well, there are ways, but these types... Read more »

MITOCHONDRIAL TOXICITY

Anti-HIV drug side effects linked to mitochondrial toxicity have been around for years. It is obvious with the growing incidence and possible role of lipodystrophy. It's a fact that all nukes inhibit cellular DNA polymerase beta and gamma, thus...

Response from Graeme Moyle, M.D.

Chelsea and Westminster Hospital

This rather a long question so I hope I can respond to all of it.The risk factors for lipoatrophy inlcude disease characteristics (AIDS, low CD4), genetic characteristics (genes which promote the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF) and both nucs and PIs.... Read more »

mitochondrial toxicity

I've been hearing a lot lately about mitochondrial toxicity and I know one of the most common signs of MT is muscle weakness. I'm 52 and have been positive for around 10 years. My viral load is 15,000 and my t-cell count 450. I'm not...

Response from Thomas N. Kakuda, Pharm.D.

University of Minnesota

Gary,Dysfunctional mitochondria in the muscles can lead to a condition known as "mitochondrial myopathy" which manifests itself as muscle weakness and fatigue. The famous cyclist Greg LeMond retired in 1994 due to this disease.... Read more »

MITOCHONDRIAL TOXICITY

I have developed myopathy due to HIV meds. Med cocktail has been change to one with minimal toxicity. In the meantime I plan to start nucleomax,coq10,lacetyl carnitine vitb1/2/6 to minimize sxs until change of meds takes effect..Are there any foods...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

Your vitamin regimen seems reasonable under the circumstances. I am not aware of any particular diet that would clearly impact the course of muscle recovery from drug related injury due to presumed mitochondrial toxicity. If any reader is aware of... Read more »

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A Toxic Combination

Posted by Choosing2Liv, 9 Replies

If my dilemma was:

- just dealing with the virus; or

- just suffering with the guilt of cheating on my wife; or

- just the feelings of rejections by those who said they loved me; or

- just the constant blaming, belittlement and bursts of rage from my... Read more »