Estudo dos possíveis efeitos mutagênico do HIV e de esquemas antirretrovirais contendo Zidovudina

Abstract

The HIV virus is associated with genetic mutations and a higher than normal incidence of cancers such as Kaposi sarcoma. Paradoxically, its treatment, especially with nucleoside analogs (zidovudine and tenofovir), instead of decreasing this risk, seems to increase it. There are only a few studies in humans that have addressed genotoxic effects, and most were carried out in vitro and in experimental animals. This study investigated the possible genotoxic effect of antiretroviral regimens containing zidovudine and tenofovir in people with HIV/AIDS. Forty volunteers participated in the study, divided into four groups. Group I consisted of HIV positive patients attending an outpatient clinic without indication for use of an antiretroviral regimen; group II consisted of individuals undergoing treatment and outpatient monitoring (zidovudine, lamivudine and efavirenz); group III consisted of individuals receiving treatment and outpatient monitoring (tenofovir, lamivudine and efavirenz) and group IV consisted of subjects who were known to not be HIV positive. Results: The presence of the HIV virus in humans significantly increased the frequency of micronuclei. However, in individuals who used regimens containing zidovudine, the frequency was not significantly higher when compared to individuals with HIV who were not receiving antiretroviral therapy. Moreover, there was no impact on the number of micronuclei when comparing the zidovudine group with the tenofovir group. Although the use of tenofovir led to a production of micronuclei that was significantly higher when compared to subjects who did not have HIV, when compared to individuals who have HIV and do not use an antiretroviral regimen, the tenofovir regimen led to a significantly smaller production of micronuclei. Conclusion: The tenofovir regimen seems to be the most advantageous for the non-appearance of genetic alterations and is, therefore, safer.