Increased mtDNA Levels Without Change in Mitochondrial Enzymes in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Infants Born to HIV-Infected Mothers on Antiretroviral Therapy

Abstract

We found elevated mtDNA copy numbers in PBMC of infants born to HIV-infected women, the majority of whom received NRTI-based therapy, when compared to those born to healthy HIV-negative controls, but there was no difference in mtDNA-encoded respiratory chain protein. The clinical consequence of these findings is unknown and requires further investigations.