Mitochondrial abnormalities in patients with HIV-HCV co-infection as compared to patients with HCV mono-infection.

AbstractIntroduction: Mitochondrial dysfunction is a classic complication of HIV infection and its treatment and has also been reported in hepatitis C virus (HCV)–infected patients. Little is known about interactions between both viruses on mitochondrial metabolism. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional study of HCV-infected patients who underwent liver biopsy as part of their routine care. Mitochondrial function was assessed by (a) liver morphological (histology) and functional (spectro-photometry) studies, and (b) serum lactate kinetics, oxygen uptake, and anaerobic threshold measurement during standardized incremental exercise. Three predefined groups of patients were compared. Results: Thirty-eight HCV-infected patients were included: 13 not HIV infected (group 1), 7 with HIV co-infection and low nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NRTI) exposure (none over the last 2 years; group 2), and 18 with HIV co-infection and high NRTI exposure (group 3). On liver biopsies, respiratory chain complex ...