Leukocyte Telomere Length in HIV-Infected Pregnant Women Treated With Antiretroviral Drugs During Pregnancy and Their Uninfected Infants

Abstract

These results suggest that maternal HIV infection or exposure to ART has minimal effect on infant leukocyte TL, a reassuring finding. In contrast, tissues that express higher telomerase activity such as umbilical cord blood and placenta appear comparatively more affected by ART. Smoking and the use of drugs of addiction have a negative impact on maternal and infant leukocyte TL, possibly through oxidative telomere damage.