Cumulative insults to mitochondrial function may promote the emergence of 'syndrome X' and diabetes mellitus in HIV/HCV co-infected patients

The 'metabolic syndrome' or 'syndrome X' affects approximately a quarter of the general population of the United States. A significant number of patients, therefore, may have predisposing risk factors for developing 'syndrome X' and/or diabetes mellitus (DM) prior to HIV infection, hepatitis C (HCV) infection, and/or institution of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Metabolic perturbations identical to 'syndrome X' develop in many HIV-infected patients who are undergoing HAART. A series of cumulative and possibly synergistic insults to mitochondrial function which occur in HIV/HCV co-infected patients who are receiving HAART may promote the emergence of 'syndrome X' and DM. HIV-infected patients, especially those who are co-infected with HCV and who are undergoing HAART, may, therefore, be at increased risk of developing the cardiovascular complications that are associated with 'syndrome X' and DM. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. and Mitochondria Research Society. All rights reserved.