HIV protease inhibitors-induced atherosclerosis: Prevention by α-tocopherol

Abstract

Prolonged treatments with inhibitors of human immunodeficiency (HIV)-encoded protease (ARPI) have been reported to induce early atherosclerotic events. Our in vitro study indicates that α-tocopherol may prevent drug-induced premature atherosclerosis since it interferes with CD36 scavenger receptor over-expression induced by ritonavir in monocytes. The mechanism of CD36 upregulation by ritonavir involves inhibition of the ubiquitin-proteasome system and α-tocopherol is able to normalize proteasome activity. These findings suggest that ARPI combined with early α-tocopherol supplementation may decrease the drug-induced atherosclerotic risk. © 2004 IUBMB.