Ways To Prevent Mitochondrial Toxicity

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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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What can I do to prevent mitochondrial toxicity?

Nelson: I am taking Zerit+Kaletra+Epivir and am very aafraid of this thing I keep hearing about called mitochondrial toxicity. What are the symptoms and what supplements or things can I take to prevent it? I want to get off Zerit but my doctor does...

Response from Nelson Vergel, B.S.Ch.E., M.B.A.

Program for Wellness Restoration

I wish there was a clear answer to your question. As you probably remember from your biology class in school, the mitocondria are tiny cells within a cell that produce energy as ATP from sugars and fats. It seems that nucleoside analogs (NRTIs) not... Read more »

mitochondrial toxicity- what is it

Hi, Im taking 3tc, sustivia, and abacavir. Im experiencing lypo- who isnt it seems. What is mitochondrial toxicity and what caused it.Am I taking any medications which may contribute to it, and if so, some suggestions as to what else I might...

Response from Keith Henry, M.D.

University of Minnesota, School of Medicine

Lipodystrophy is not precisely defined but includes issues related to fat distribution (too much in some areas and loss of fat in others) and increases in blood fat levels. Some of those conditions are seen in the general population. Lipodystrophy... Read more »

thank you ! thank you!!! (Mitochondrial toxicity)

Thank you for your responses about mitochondrial toxcity and nukes.You have been so informative.I think alot of doctors don't take the time to explain in depth to their patients,because they think details may go over their heads,but I'm...

Response from Benjamin Young, M.D., Ph.D.

Rocky Mountain CARES

Thanks for your warm comments.As you point out, the only accurate test for mitochondrial injury currently is a lactic acid level. The test is promblematic (difficult to do reliably) and probably only picks up late injury.There are several groups... Read more »

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 »

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A Toxic Combination

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