TLD-Based Antiretroviral Therapy Compromises Ovarian Function and Reserve: Evidence from Experimental and Clinical Studies

Abstract Combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) has improved human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) management, but long-term use is associated with reproductive dysfunction. This study investigated TLD (Tenofovir, Lamivudine and Dolutegravir)-based cART effects on ovarian function using animal models and exploratory clinical investigations in women living with HIV. In the animal study, female Wistar rats were randomized into control, TLD-based cART (22 mg/kg), and dolutegravir alone (2.5 mg/kg) groups, administered orally for 28 days. Estrous cycle, histology, oxidative stress, reproductive hormones, and ova count were assessed. Both TLD-based cART and dolutegravir significantly prolonged diestrus ( p = 0.0083 and p = 0.0007, respectively) and reduced metestrus ( p = 0.0057 and p = 0.0083, respectively). Treated groups showed significantly reduced ova counts ( p = 0.0002 and 0.0003, respectively). Histology revealed structural alterations of the ovary, including atretic follicles, distorted stroma, and sparse theca cells. Additionally, treated groups showed increased malondialdehyde ( p = 0.0421) and decreased glutathione ( p = 0.0046) and catalase activities ( p = 0.0411), indicating oxidative stress. Serum follicle-stimulating and luteinizing hormones were significantly reduced in both treated groups (FSH: p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0002; LH: p < 0.0001 and p = 0.0108, respectively). In the clinical investigation, serum anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels were evaluated in HIV-positive women ( n = 20) receiving TLD-based cART. Ten participants (50%) had AMH in low/very low categories ( < 1.0 ng/mL), while 11 (55%) had AMH below the normal reference range ( < 1.5 ng/mL). Menstrual interval and dysmenorrhea showed no significant changes. These preliminary findings suggest Dolutegravir and TLD-based cART may negatively affect female reproductive function by altering ovarian structure, hormonal balance, and ovarian reserve, potentially predisposing women living with HIV to fertility complications.