MitoQ, a dietary supplement known for its mitochondrial antioxidant properties, may alleviate mitochondrial damage caused by HIV and antiretroviral therapy (ART). A recent study on humanized mice revealed that MitoQ counteracts the detrimental effects on mitochondria in various organs, including the brain, heart, and liver, caused by HIV and ART. Researchers assessed mitochondrial dysfunction through the ratio of mitochondrial DNA to nuclear DNA, finding that HIV-infected mice on ART exhibited significant dysfunction compared to healthy mice. Mice treated with MitoQ for 90 days showed improved mitochondrial function compared to those on ART alone.
Mitochondria are essential for organ function, and their impairment is linked to chronic inflammation and damage seen in HIV patients. Though humanized mice provided insights, the study acknowledged limitations in precisely attributing mitochondrial dysfunction to either HIV or ART. These promising preclinical results could lead to clinical trials in humans, as noted by Dr. Theodoros Kelesidis, who emphasized safety but advised against self-treatment until trials confirm MitoQ’s effectiveness. The study was published in The Journal of Infectious Diseases and supported by several health organizations.
