TEAM TOXINS

Researching how to decrease the toxicity of HIV antiretroviral therapy through antioxidant supplementation.

Who Are We?

We are Team Toxins, a group of undergraduates in the University of Maryland Gemstone Honors College. In this program, we propose our own research project, form a team, and work collaboratively with faculty to conduct research over three years. Team Toxins is mentored by Dr. Yanjin Zhang, an associate professor at UMD’s Department of Veterinary Medicine and expert in virus-cell interactions, viral pathogenesis, & vaccine development.

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The Problem

Human immunodeficiency virus, or HIV, affects nearly 38.4 million people globally (World Health Organization). While medical advancements have ensured that HIV is no longer a death sentence, the antiretroviral drugs currently used to manage the virus have toxic side effects, in part due to their interference with key cellular processes like autophagy.

In addition, HIV disproportionately affects minority and underserved communities in the U.S., such as Black/African American and Hispanic/Latino men who have sex with men (HIV.gov).

Our Proposal

We are investigating how supplementing Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (a common HIV antiretroviral treatment) with the antioxidant-rich herb Thymus vulgaris (otherwise known as garden thyme) may decrease the drug's toxic side effects.

Project Goals

Improving the health and well-being of those affected by HIV.
Making treatments safer and more accessible to those who need it most.
Reducing inequality caused by healthcare disparities and stigma in the U.S.

Project Scope

Identify a novel combination of antiretroviral drug and known antioxidant to develop new potential treatment options.
Analyze the effect of Thymus vulgaris extract on oxidative stress, cytotoxicity, and protein expression in cells treated with Tenofovir.
Determine the viability of antioxidants overall as a supplement to ART to decrease the negative side effects of ART and HIV-induced oxidative stress.