Uridine supplementation enhances hepatic mitochondrial function in thymidine-analogue treated HIV-infected patients

Supplementation with uridine offers the possibility of a new and promising approach to nucleoside analogue reverse transcriptase inhibitor-associated mitochondrial toxicity. We investigated the metabolic effects of short-course treatment with the uridine-enriched food supplement NucleomaxX on hepatic mitochondrial function in thymidine-analogue treated HIV-infected patients. Mitochondrial function was assessed by a recently introduced non-invasive 13 C-methionine breath test. NucleomaxX supplementation enhanced mitochondrial decarboxylation function reversibly but reproducibly in all patients. Repeated administration in shorter treatment intervals may maintain this effect.