Question

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) associated lipodystrophy syndrome is most commonly associated with which of the following class of agents used to treat HIV infection

1: integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs).
2: non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs).
3: nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs).
4: protease inhibitors (PIs).

Answer 1

HIV associated lipodystrophy syndrome is most commonly associated with protease inhibitors (PIs), which are used in the management of HIV/AIDS and known to cause metabolic side effects.

Step-by-step explanation:

The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) associated lipodystrophy syndrome is most commonly associated with the class of agents known as protease inhibitors (PIs).

The management of HIV/AIDS typically involves Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART), which includes a combination of antiretroviral drugs. Though HAART has greatly improved life expectancy for patients, the regimen can lead to side effects such as lipodystrophy. Protease inhibitors in particular are known for causing metabolic changes that may contribute to the development of this condition. These changes include alterations in the distribution of body fat and metabolic abnormalities.

Protease inhibitors work by blocking the processing of viral proteins and preventing viral maturation. This class of antivirals is crucial for managing HIV infections but must be administered with consideration of potential side effects like lipodystrophy.