Table of Contents
What makes HIV resistant to AZT?
AZT resistance involves mutations in the viral enzyme reverse transcriptase (RT); RT copies the viral genetic information from RNA into DNA. HIV-1 can develop AZT resistance in two ways; each resistance pathway is characterized by distinct RT mutations.
Does AZT help those who are HIV positive by slowing the development of AIDS?
The most widely used anti-viral drug is zidovudine or AZT (brand name, Retrovir), but it does not help HIV infected persons who are still healthy.
How effective is AZT?
AZT may be effective in lowering HIV levels and boosting the immune system but its side effects are not understood in these patients. Detailed Description: There is a clear risk for development of AIDS in hemophilic patients. AZT administration has been shown to inhibit HIV replication in vitro.
What feature of AZT makes it an effective inhibitor of HIV reverse transcriptase?
This is because the active compound of AZT, known as zidovudine 5-triphosphate, has a high affinity (attraction) for an enzyme called reverse transcriptase, which is used by retroviruses such as HIV to replicate viral single-stranded RNA (ribonucleic acid) into proviral double-stranded DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid).
Which ARV drug is abbreviated as AZT?
Drug Class: Nucleoside RT Inhibitors
| Abbreviation | Generic Names | Brand Names |
|---|---|---|
| DDI | Didanosine | Videx |
| FTC | Emtricitabine | Emtriva |
| TDF | Tenofovir | Viread |
| AZT | Zidovudine | Retrovir |
Is AZT still prescribed?
AZT is still one of the most prescribed drugs in the world for HIV treatment due to this heavy use in LMICs.
How does AZT affect reverse transcriptase?
When reverse transcriptase binds AZTTP, the polymerase activity is halted because AZTTP lacks a 3′-OH for the next nucleotide to bind to. Without completion of polymerase activity, the virus is unable to use its RNA as a template for DNA and incorporate its genetic information into the host genome.
How does AZT stop reverse transcriptase?
AZT is an azido analog of thymidine, one of the four building blocks that make up DNA. After being activated by phosphorylation in vivo, AZT inhibits HIV replication by blocking a critical HIV enzyme called reverse transcriptase.
What type of inhibitor is AZT?
AZT is an analog of the thymidine deoxynucleoside and is a member of the class called the nucleoside-analog reverse transcriptase inhibitors. AZT and other members of this class function by inhibiting the HIV reverse transcriptase. This halts the life cycle of the virus and slows the progression of AIDS.
Is there another name for raltegravir?
Raltegravir, sold under the brand name Isentress, is an antiretroviral medication used, together with other medication, to treat HIV/AIDS.