Zidovudine induces visceral mitochondrial toxicity and intra-abdominal fat gain in a rodent model of lipodystrophy.

Background: The use of zidovudine is associated with a loss of subcutaneous adipose tissue (SAT). We assessed if zidovudine treatment also affects visceral adipose tissue (VAT) and if uridine supplementation abrogates the adverse effects of zidovudine on VAT.

Methods: Rats were fed zidovudine for 21 weeks with or without simultaneous uridine supplementation.