Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2025

Rapid Screening of HIV Reverse Transcriptase and Integrase Inhibitors
Published on: April 9, 2014
Metabolic Consequences of Antiretroviral Therapy
Caroline E Diggins1, Samuel C Russo1, Janet Lo2
1Metabolism Unit, Division of Endocrinology, Massachusetts General Hospital, LON-207, 55 Fruit Street, Boston, MA, 02114, USA.
Purpose Of Review:
This review reports on published studies describing metabolic changes associated with antiretroviral therapy (ART) to treat HIV disease including a historical perspective of earlier ART agents, but with the main focus on newer ART agents currently in use.
Recent Findings:
Studies from different countries around the world have shown that integrase inhibitor (INSTI)-based regimens as well as tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) are associated with weight gain, with women and people of black race at especially high risk. Some studies preliminarily suggest worsened metabolic outcomes associated with this weight gain including adverse effects on glucose homeostasis. Antiretroviral therapy can affect weight, adipose tissue, glucose, and lipids. As obesity is prevalent and increasing among people with HIV, awareness of risk factors for weight gain, including the ART medications associated with greater weight gain, are needed in order to inform prevention efforts. Further research is needed to better understand the long-term health consequences of INSTI- and TAF-associated weight increases.
Related Concept Videos
Retrovirus Life Cycles
Retroviruses
Pulmonary Tuberculosis I
Causative Organism
The primary infectious agent causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing, acid-fast, aerobic rod that exhibits sensitivity to heat and ultraviolet light. Instances of Mycobacterium bovis and Mycobacterium avium contributing to the development of TB infection are rare.
Mode of...
Size and Structure of Viral Genomes
Mechanisms of Retrovirus-induced Cancers
Regulation of Metabolism

