Side Effects of azt: A Synthesis of Findings from 21 Studies

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Original Abstract of the Article

Major Research Findings

AZT is a drug used to treat HIV infection, but various side effects have been reported. reported that there was no increased risk of AZT side effects in black and Hispanic people. In addition, 5 found that few side effects were observed when AZT was administered to cats. However, 12 showed that AZT affects mitochondrial DNA polymerase and causes mitochondrial toxicity. These findings suggest that AZT can cause various side effects, and its long-term use should be carefully considered.

Reason for Side Effects

AZT inhibits the enzyme (reverse transcriptase) that the virus uses to copy its own genes to suppress HIV growth. However, this enzyme is also present in human cells, so AZT can also affect human cells. In particular, AZT may impair mitochondrial function by inhibiting mitochondrial DNA polymerase. Mitochondria are essential organelles for cellular energy production, so impairment of their function can lead to disruption of various cellular functions.

Common Side Effects

Digestive System

Abdominal pain was reported in about 20% of patients who took AZT in 6 .

Nervous System

Headache was reported in about 20% of patients who took AZT in 6 .

Blood System

Anemia was observed in mice that took AZT in 7 .

Heart

Cardiac fibrosis was observed in mice that took AZT in 7 .

Muscle

Muscle fiber degeneration and regeneration were observed in mice that took AZT in 7 .

Countermeasures for Side Effects

Digestive System

Digestive side effects such as abdominal pain may be reduced by eating small meals and chewing thoroughly.

Nervous System

Nervous system side effects such as headaches may be reduced by getting enough rest.

Blood System

For blood system side effects such as anemia, iron supplements and other treatments should be performed as directed by a physician.

Heart

For heart side effects such as cardiac fibrosis, cardiac treatment should be performed as directed by a physician.

Muscle

For muscle side effects such as muscle fiber degeneration and regeneration, muscle treatment should be performed as directed by a physician.

Comparison of Studies

Common Points of Studies

Many studies have shown that AZT can cause various side effects. Several studies have also shown that AZT can cause mitochondrial toxicity.

Differences in Studies

The frequency and severity of AZT side effects vary from study to study. In addition, the population in which AZT side effects are more likely to occur varies from study to study. For example, reported no increased risk of AZT side effects in black and Hispanic people, but other studies have reported that certain races and ethnicities are more prone to AZT side effects. Therefore, the frequency and severity of AZT side effects are considered to vary greatly from individual to individual.

Precautions Regarding Application to Daily Life

AZT is an effective drug for the treatment of HIV infection, but it can cause various side effects. Therefore, it is important to carefully follow the instructions of your doctor and have regular checkups when taking AZT. In addition, if you experience any side effects from taking AZT, please consult a doctor immediately.

Limitations of Current Research

Research on the side effects of AZT is still not sufficient. In particular, the long-term side effects of AZT are not yet well understood. Therefore, further research on the side effects of AZT is needed.

Future Research Directions

To further advance research on the side effects of AZT, the following research is considered necessary:

  • Conduct large-scale studies on the long-term side effects of AZT.
  • Identify populations that are more likely to experience AZT side effects and clarify the causes.
  • Develop methods to reduce the side effects of AZT.

Conclusion

AZT is an effective drug for the treatment of HIV infection, but it can cause various side effects. It is important to carefully follow the instructions of your doctor and have regular checkups when taking AZT. In addition, if you experience any side effects from taking AZT, please consult a doctor immediately.

Literature analysis of 21 papers
Positive Content
16
Neutral Content
1
Negative Content
4
Article Type
3
2
2
4
21
1.

Relevance of experimental models for investigation of genotoxicity induced by antiretroviral therapy during human pregnancy.

Author: OliveroOfelia A

HIV-1/AIDS reduction
Carcinogenesis
Genotoxicity

AZT, a medication used to prevent HIV transmission from mother to child, can cause genetic changes in both animal models and humans. These changes may increase the risk of cancer in children exposed to AZT during pregnancy.

Evaluation StudyResearch that systematically evaluates the effectiveness of a particular program or policy. It measures its outcomes and provides important information for future decision-making.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, N.I.H., IntramuralFunding provided by the NIH for research projects within the NIH.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

3.

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) for treating HIV infection in ART-eligible pregnant women.

Author: SturtAmy S, DokuboEmily Kainne, SintTin Tin

HIV treatment
Reduce MTCT

This systematic review focuses on antiretroviral therapy (ART) for treating HIV infection in ART-eligible pregnant women.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

4.

Arsenic trioxide (As<sub>2</sub>O<sub>3</sub>) as a maintenance therapy for adult T cell leukemia/lymphoma.

Author: MarçaisAmbroise, CookLucy, WitkoverAviva, AsnafiVahid, Avettand-FenoelVéronique, DelarueRichard, CheminantMorgane, SibonDavid, FrenzelLaurent, de ThéHugues, BanghamCharles R M, BazarbachiAli, HermineOlivier, SuarezFelipe

ATL treatment

Adult T-cell leukemia-lymphoma (ATL) is an aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis. Arsenic trioxide (As2O3) has shown promise as a targeted therapy for ATL in a mouse model, potentially offering a new treatment option for this disease.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

5.

A trial with 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxythymidine and human interferon-α in cats naturally infected with feline leukaemia virus.

Author: StuetzerBianca, BrunnerKonstanze, LutzHans, HartmannKatrin

FeLV treatment
Anemia

A study testing human interferon-α2a (huIFN-α2a), 3'-azido-2',3'-dideoxythymidine (AZT), and a combination of both on cats naturally infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV) showed no significant improvement in clinical variables or laboratory parameters after 6 weeks of treatment. Although no notable side effects were observed, this regimen did not demonstrate efficacy in treating FeLV infection.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

6.

[Evaluation of tolerance of zidovudine-lamivudine-nevirapine combination in HIV 1 patients in Fann Teaching Hospital in Dakar].

Author: Fortes DéguénonvoL, DiopS A, LeyeM M M, SeydiM, DiengA B, BentalebH, DioufA, LakheN A, KaD, CisseV M P, Dia BadianeN M, MangaM N, NdourC T, SoumaréM, DiopB M, SowP S

Digestive disorders
Neuropsychiatric disorders

This study evaluated the tolerance of the zidovudine (AZT), lamivudine (3TC), and nevirapine (NVP) combination regimen in HIV-1 patients. The study found that two-thirds of patients experienced at least one side effect, with digestive disorders and neuropsychiatric symptoms being the most common. Most of the side effects were minor, but the clinical and biological tolerance of the treatment should be monitored throughout the follow-up period.

English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : French

7.

Cardiac pathologic effects of azidothymidine (AZT) in Mg-deficient mice.

Author: MakI Tong, GoldfarbMaya G, WeglickiWilliam B, HaudenschildChristian C

Cardiac lesions
Hepatic damage
Muscle degeneration

AZT (zidovudine) is a drug used to treat HIV, but it can have side effects. This study in mice found that AZT, combined with a magnesium deficiency, can lead to severe damage to the liver, heart, and muscles.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

8.

Abacavir-based triple nucleoside regimens for maintenance therapy in patients with HIV.

Author: CrucianiMario, MengoliCarlo, SerpelloniGiovanni, ParisiSaverio G, MalenaMarina, BoscoOliviero

Enhanced tolerability
Reduced pill burden
Regimen simplification

This review discusses regimen simplification strategies for patients on suppressive antiretroviral therapy. The review highlights the efficacy of triple nucleoside combinations in achieving virologic suppression.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Meta-AnalysisA statistical technique that integrates the results of multiple studies to draw more general conclusions about a particular issue.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.
Systematic ReviewA review that systematically collects, evaluates, and integrates relevant research to answer a specific research question.

Language : English

9.

Cost and cost-effectiveness of switching from d4T or AZT to a TDF-based first-line regimen in a resource-limited setting in rural Lesotho.

Author: JouquetGuillaume, BygraveHelen, KranzerKatharina, FordNathan, GadotLaurent, LeeJanice, HilderbrandKatherine, GoemaereEric, VlahakisNatalie, TrivinoLaura, MakakoleLipontso, ClearySusan

Improved quality of life
Increased costs

This study investigated the cost-effectiveness of alternative first-line regimens for HIV treatment in a resource-poor setting. TDF-based ART was found to be more costly than d4T-based ART, but it was also more effective. The authors recommend political pressure to encourage price reductions and generic manufacturing for TDF and partner drugs.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

11.

Adverse events during treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis: a comparison between patients with or without human immunodeficiency virus co-infection.

Author: SagwaEvans, RuswaNunurai, MusasaJean Paul, Mantel-TeeuwisseAukje K

Adverse events
Drug interactions

The management of drug-resistant tuberculosis (TB) and HIV co-infection is challenging due to drug interactions and adverse events.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

12.

Structural determinants in human DNA polymerase gamma account for mitochondrial toxicity from nucleoside analogs.

Author: LimSusan E, PonamarevMikhail V, LongleyMatthew J, CopelandWilliam C

HIV infection delay
Mitochondrial toxicity

Antiviral nucleoside analog therapy successfully delays progression of HIV infection to AIDS, but these drugs cause unwelcome side-effects by inducing mitochondrial toxicity. We explored the role of three highly conserved amino acid residues in the active site of human pol gamma that modulate selection of nucleotide analogs as substrates for incorporation.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

13.

[Post-exposure prophylaxis of HIV infection in out-patient clinic of hospital for infectious diseases in Warsaw in 2001-2002].

Author: KowalskaJustyna Dominika, Firlag-BurkackaEwa, NiezabitowskaMałgorzata, BakowskaElzbieta, IgnatowskaAnna, PulikPiotr, HorbanAndrzej

HIV prevention
Antiretroviral side effects

This study evaluated adverse events of antiretroviral therapy in post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) for HIV and patient adherence to consultations and tests. Side effects were observed in both healthcare workers and non-healthcare workers, but adherence to the PEP regimen was better in non-healthcare workers.

English AbstractA summary of a research paper/publication written in English for a wider audience.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : Polish

14.

Synergic effect of 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine and arsenic trioxide in suppressing hepatoma cells.

Author: ChenChe, ZhangYingmei, WangYong, HuangDejun, XiYaming, QiYongmei

Improved therapeutic efficacy
Reduced toxic side effects

This study investigated the synergic antitumor effects of arsenic trioxide (As2O3) and 3'-azido-3'-deoxythymidine (AZT) on hepatoma cells. The combination of As2O3 and AZT was superior to either drug alone in the treatment of tumor-bearing mice.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

15.

Treatment adherence and outcomes of antiretroviral agents in HIV positive patients.

Author: TahirNafisa Batool, UddinQazi Tahir

HIV/AIDS treatment
Anemia
Nausea/vomiting
Rash

Antiretroviral therapy showed satisfactory outcomes in HIV/AIDS patients when initiated at the proper stage of the disease. The treatment outcomes in the study are comparable to those reported previously in developed countries.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Observational StudyResearch that observes and collects data on participants' behavior and outcomes in their natural state, without intervention.

Language : English

16.

Rapid analysis of mitochondrial DNA depletion by fluorescence in situ hybridization and immunocytochemistry: potential strategies for HIV therapeutic monitoring.

Author: JanesMichael S, HansonBonnie J, HillDani M, BullerGayle M, AgnewJakyoung Y, SherwoodSteven W, CoxW Gregory, YamagataKunihiro, CapaldiRoderick A

Mitochondrial toxicity

This study investigates the use of specific techniques to monitor mitochondrial toxicity caused by anti-HIV drugs called NRTIs. The techniques allow scientists to see how these drugs affect individual cells, potentially helping to develop less toxic medications and identify when to stop treatment to prevent harm.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.

Language : English

17.

Structural determinants in human DNA polymerase gamma account for mitochondrial toxicity from nucleoside analogs.

Author: LimSusan E, PonamarevMikhail V, LongleyMatthew J, CopelandWilliam C

HIV infection delay
Mitochondrial toxicity

Antiviral nucleoside analog therapy successfully delays progression of HIV infection to AIDS, but these drugs cause unwelcome side-effects by inducing mitochondrial toxicity. We explored the role of three highly conserved amino acid residues in the active site of human pol gamma that modulate selection of nucleotide analogs as substrates for incorporation.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.
Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.Research funding provided by the Public Health Service (PHS).

Language : English

18.

AZT induces oxidative damage to cardiac mitochondria: protective effect of vitamins C and E.

Author: de la AsunciónJosé García, Del OlmoMaría L, Gómez-CambroneroLuis G, SastreJuan, PallardóFederico V, ViñaJosé

Antioxidant protection
Oxidative damage

AZT (zidovudine), an antiretroviral drug used to treat HIV infection, can damage heart mitochondria. This study found that supplementing with vitamins C and E protected against AZT-induced mitochondrial damage.

Comparative StudyResearch that compares multiple groups/interventions to determine differences/similarities in outcomes/characteristics.
Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tResearch funding provided by government agencies outside the United States.

Language : English

19.

Discovery and Development of Anti-HIV Therapeutic Agents: Progress Towards Improved HIV Medication.

Author: MaedaKenji, DasDebananda, KobayakawaTakuya, TamamuraHirokazu, TakeuchiHiroaki

HIV management
Drug resistance
Side effects

This review outlines the history of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for HIV/AIDS, highlighting the development of drugs targeting different viral enzymes and host cell factors. The review discusses the success of combination ART in transforming HIV/AIDS from a fatal disease to a manageable chronic infection. It also explores the limitations of current ART in eliminating latent HIV reservoirs and discusses potential novel treatment approaches.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
ReviewAn article that critically examines existing research on a particular topic and summarizes the current state of knowledge in the field.

Language : English

20.

Development, in vitro and in vivo evaluation of novel injectable smart gels of azithromycin for chronic periodontitis.

Author: VenkateshM P, KumarT M Pramod, AvinashB S, KumarG Sheela

Periodontitis treatment

This research formulated smart gels of azithromycin (AZT) and evaluated their in vitro and in vivo efficacy for the non-surgical treatment of chronic periodontitis. The study found that the AZT smart gels were safe, effective, and improved patient compliance.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

21.

Impact of switching virologically suppressed, HIV-1-infected patients from twice-daily fixed-dose zidovudine/lamivudine to once-daily fixed-dose tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine.

Author: DeJesusEdwin, RuanePeter, McDonaldCheryl, GarciaFernando, SharmaShetal, CoralesRoberto, RavishankarJayashree, KhanlouHomayoun, ShamblawDavid, EckerJanet, EbrahimiRamin, FlahertyJohn,

Improved adherence
Increased satisfaction
Virologic suppression
Creatinine clearance decrease
Fasting lipids decrease
Gastrointestinal complaints
Hemoglobin increase

Switching from twice-daily zidovudine/lamivudine (AZT/3TC) to once-daily tenofovir DF plus emtricitabine (TDF/FTC) with efavirenz (EFV) maintained virologic suppression and was well tolerated. Patients reported increased satisfaction with treatment and fewer were bothered by side effects.

Journal ArticleAn article published in an academic or professional journal that reports original research or scholarly analysis.
Multicenter StudyResearch conducted in collaboration with multiple research institutions. It aims to collect a wide range of data and obtain more generalizable results.
Randomized Controlled TrialA clinical trial that randomly assigns participants to treatment and control groups to evaluate the effects of an intervention.

Language : English

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