Mitochondrial toxicity of nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitors: a looming obstacle for long-term antiretroviral therapy?

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors suppress HIV replication by blo cking reverse transcriptase, an RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, these drugs c an also affect cellular and mitochondrial DNA polymerases. Mitochondria[ DN A polymerase gamma is particularly sensitive to nucleoside reverse transcri ptase inhibitors, and the majority of adverse effects caused by nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors are most likely caused by mitochondrial dy sfunction. This article reviews the recent clinical implications of nucleos ide reverse transcriptase inhibitor-induced mitochondrial toxicity and disc usses options for management. Curr Opin Infect Dis 13:5-11. (C) 2000 Lippin cott Williams & Wilkins.