POLYNEUROPATHY INDUCED BY HIV AND ANTIRETROVIRAL THERAPY: AN OVERVIEW

Abstract

The objective of the article is to explain the most common HIV induced neuropathy; distal symmetrical polyneuropathy (DSP), and neuropathy induced by antiretroviral treatments. The emphases are given specially on mechanism of both the neuropathies. In antiretroviral induced therapy the main focus is on mitochondrial function impaired by nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs). Here the role of HIV viral envelope protein gp120 is discussed for better understanding the axonal damage and neuronal toxicities. Beside these, management of neuropathies by medication and nutrition are also discussed.