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Uridine supplementation in HIV lipoatrophy: pilot trial on safety and effect on mitochondrial indices

European Journal of Clinical Nutrition volume 62, pages 1031–1037 (2008)Cite this article

Abstract

Objectives:

Uridine abrogates mitochondrial toxicities of nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor in adipocyte cell culture. We aim to study the effect of uridine supplementation on human adipocyte mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) levels in subjects with human immunodeficiency (HIV) lipoatrophy.

Methods:

Sixteen patients with lipoatrophy on stavudine-containing antiretroviral therapy were enrolled, and received NucleomaxX, a dietary supplement with a high bioavailability of uridine (36 g TID every other day for 16 weeks). Patients were then followed off-uridine for another 16 weeks. Highly active antiretroviral therapy remained unchanged during the trial.

Results:

Fourteen patients completed the study. Two subjects dropped out before week 4 for study-unrelated reasons. No adverse events were noted throughout the study. HIV-1 RNA, CD4 counts, liver enzymes and hemoglobin remained unchanged. Body mass index, lactate, lipids, insulin and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance were unaltered. Fat and peripheral blood and mononuclear cell mtDNA levels did not correlate with each other and exhibited no changes throughout the study. Lipoatrophy scores by patients and physician improved significantly at weeks 16 and 32 compared to study entry.

Conclusion:

In this pilot study, NucleomaxX was safe, well tolerated without apparent deleterious effect on HIV indices. In contrast to in vitro data, NucleomaxX did not lead to changes in fat or blood mtDNA levels.

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Acknowledgements

This work was supported by NIAID AI-060484 (GM), and was partially funded by Bristol Myers Squibb Co. This study was presented at the 7th International Workshop on Adverse Drug Reactions and Lipodystrophy in HIV, 13–17 November 2005, Dublin, Ireland.

Role of the funding source: The funding source had no role in the collection, analysis or interpretation of the data or in the decision to submit the paper for publication. Dr McComsey serves as consultant for Bristol Myers Squibb Co. Dr UA Walker has applied for patents regarding the use of uridine or its precursors in lipodystrophy. He also serves as a consultant for the company that produces NucleomaxX.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital, Cleveland, OH, USA

    G A McComsey & M O'Riordan

  2. Department of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA

    G A McComsey & E Baron

  3. Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medizinische Universitätsklinik, Freiburg, Germany

    B Setzer, D Lebrecht & U A Walker

Authors
  1. G A McComsey
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  2. M O'Riordan
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  3. B Setzer
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  4. D Lebrecht
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  5. E Baron
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  6. U A Walker
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Correspondence to G A McComsey.

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McComsey, G., O'Riordan, M., Setzer, B. et al. Uridine supplementation in HIV lipoatrophy: pilot trial on safety and effect on mitochondrial indices. Eur J Clin Nutr 62, 1031–1037 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.ejcn.1602793

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