Effects of Zidovudine, Stavudine and β-Aminoisobutyric Acid on Lipid Homeostasis in Mice: Possible Role in Human Fat Wasting

Abstract

d4T and AZT can enhance hepatic fat oxidation and cause fat wasting, without decreasing adipose tissue mtDNA and without causing insulin resistance in mice. BAIBA, a thymine catabolite, reproduces these effects. These catabolic effects could play a role in the lipoatrophy, which can occur in AZT- or d4T-treated patients.