The Impact Of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Antiretroviral Drug Exposure In-Utero On Later Fertility

<p>Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) reduces the risk of vertical human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission. Two nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) are usually included in cART. The efficacy of cART has been extensively studied, but a significant knowledge gap exists concerning the effects of in-utero exposure on developing fetuses. In this project, we assessed the effects of HIV antiretrovirals on the reproductive health of offspring. Using Schizosaccharomyces pombe, we have shown that mutagenicity, but not toxicity, increases over time after dual-NRTI exposure. Our mouse pregnancy model suggests that in-utero cART exposure does not affect female germ cell development but alters the testes structure, thus adversely impacting male germ cell development. However, our study is limited in sample size and we aim to improve this by quantifying more gonad sections. Ultimately, we hope to provide more insight on the potential long-term fertility issues faced by children exposed inutero to antiretrovirals. </p>