1
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Rubin LH, Bekhbat M, Turkson S, Mehta CC, Maki PM, Anastos K, Gustafson D, Spence AB, Milam J, Chow FC, Weber K, Springer G, Gange SJ, Neigh GN. Glucocorticoid Receptor Function and Cognitive Performance in Women With HIV. Psychosom Med 2022; 84:893-903. [PMID: 36044614 PMCID: PMC9553273 DOI: 10.1097/psy.0000000000001126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Alterations in glucocorticoid receptor (GCR) function may be a risk factor for cognitive complications among older people with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We evaluated whether HIV serostatus and age modify the GCR function-cognition association among women. METHODS Eighty women with HIV ( n = 40, <40 years of age [younger]; n = 40, >50 years of age [older]) and 80 HIV-uninfected women ( n = 40 older, n = 40 younger) enrolled in the Women's Interagency HIV Study completed a comprehensive neuropsychological test battery. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells collected concurrent with neuropsychological testing were assessed for GCR function. Multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted to examine whether a) HIV serostatus and age were associated with GCR function, and b) GCR function-cognition associations are moderated by HIV serostatus and age adjusting for relevant covariates. RESULTS Among older women, higher baseline FKBP5 expression level was associated with lower attention/working memory performance among women with HIV ( B = 6.4, standard error = 1.7, p = .0003) but not in women without HIV infection ( B = -1.7, standard error = 1.9, p = .37). There were no significant HIV serostatus by age interactions on dexamethasone (DEX)-stimulated expression of the genes regulated by the GCR or lipopolysaccharide-stimulated tumor necrosis factor α levels (with or without DEX stimulation; p values > .13). HIV serostatus was associated with GC target genes PER1 ( p = .006) and DUSP1 ( p = .02), but not TSC22D3 ( p = .32), after DEX stimulation. CONCLUSIONS Collectively, these data suggest that HIV serostatus and age may modify the influence of the GCR, such that the receptor is likely engaged to a similar extent, but the downstream influence of the receptor is altered, potentially through epigenetic modification of target genes.
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2
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Swann SA, King EM, Côté HCF, Murray MCM. Stressing the need for validated measures of cortisol in HIV research: A scoping review. HIV Med 2022; 23:880-894. [PMID: 35343039 DOI: 10.1111/hiv.13272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES People living with HIV experience numerous endocrine abnormalities and psychosocial stressors. However, interactions between HIV, cortisol levels, and health outcomes have not been well described among people living with HIV on effective therapy. Furthermore, methods for measuring cortisol are disparate across studies. We describe the literature reporting cortisol levels in people living with HIV, describe methods to measure cortisol, and explore how this relates to health outcomes. METHODS We searched the PubMed database for articles published in the past 20 years regarding HIV and cortisol with ≥50% of participants on antiretroviral therapies. Articles included observational, case-control, cross-sectional, and randomized controlled trials analyzing cortisol by any method. Studies were excluded if abnormal cortisol was due to medications or other infections. Variables were extracted from selected studies and their quality was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. RESULTS In total, 19 articles were selected and included, covering the prevalence of abnormal cortisol (n = 4), exercise (n = 4), metabolic syndrome and/or cardiovascular disease (n = 2), mental health and cognition (n = 9), and sex/gender (n = 6). Cortisol was measured in serum (n = 7), saliva (n = 8), urine (n = 2), and hair (n = 3) specimens. Comparisons between people with and without HIV were inconsistent, with some evidence that people with HIV have increased rates of hypocortisolism. Depression and cognitive decline may be associated with cortisol excess, whereas anxiety and metabolic disease may be related to low cortisol; more data are needed to confirm these relationships. CONCLUSIONS Data on cortisol levels in the era of antiretroviral therapy remain sparse. Future studies should include controls without HIV, appropriately timed sample collection, and consideration of sex/gender and psychosocial factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shayda A Swann
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Elizabeth M King
- Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Hélène C F Côté
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
| | - Melanie C M Murray
- Department of Experimental Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Women's Health Research Institute, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada.,Oak Tree Clinic, BC Women's Hospital and Health Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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3
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Zhang Q, Li X, Qiao S, Liu S, Zhou Y, Shen Z. The relationship of hair glucocorticoid levels to immunological and virological outcomes in a large cohort of combination antiretroviral therapy treated people living with HIV. BMC Infect Dis 2022; 22:268. [PMID: 35307019 PMCID: PMC8935838 DOI: 10.1186/s12879-022-07257-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Existing literature mostly investigated the relationship of acute or short-term glucocorticoid exposure to HIV disease progression using cortisol levels in serum, saliva, or urine. Data are limited on the relationship of long-term glucocorticoid exposure to HIV disease progression. This study examined whether hair glucocorticoid levels, novel retrospective indicators of long-term glucocorticoid exposure, are associated with two common indicators of HIV disease progression (CD4 count and HIV viral load) among a large cohort of combination antiretroviral therapy treated Chinese people living with HIV (PLHIV). Methods A total of 1198 treated PLHIV provided hair samples for glucocorticoid (cortisol and cortisone) assay and completed a survey assessing sociodemographic, lifestyle, and HIV-related characteristics. Meanwhile, CD4 count and HIV viral load were retrieved from their medical records. Spearman correlation was used to examine the associations of hair cortisol and cortisone levels to continuous CD4 count and HIV viral load. Multivariate logistic regression was used to predict CD4 count < 500 cells/mm3. Results Both hair cortisol and cortisone levels were negatively associated with CD4 count but not with HIV viral load. The odds ratio for CD4 count < 500 cells/mm3 was 1.41 [95% CI 0.99–2.00] and 2.15 [95% CI 1.51–3.05] for those with hair cortisol and cortisone levels in the highest quartile compared to the lowest when controlling for sociodemographic, lifestyle, HIV-related covariates, and HIV viral load. Conclusion Hair glucocorticoid levels were associated with CD4 count but not viral load in treated Chinese PLHIV. Our data furtherly supported the hypothesis that elevated glucocorticoid levels are associated with the lower CD4 count.
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4
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Titanji BK, Tejani M, Farber EW, Mehta CC, Pace TW, Meagley K, Gavegnano C, Harrison T, Kokubun CW, Negi SD, Schinazi RF, Marconi VC. Cognitively Based Compassion Training for HIV Immune Nonresponders-An Attention-Placebo Randomized Controlled Trial. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 89:340-348. [PMID: 34879006 PMCID: PMC8837678 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Chronic inflammation is associated with increased morbidity and mortality for people with HIV (PWH). Psychological stress is an important contributor to this chronic inflammation. We hypothesized that a cognitively based compassion training (CBCT) approach could reduce inflammation and psychological stress in immune nonresponder PWH. DESIGN An attention-placebo randomized controlled trial design to evaluate the acceptability of CBCT among PWH and its effects on key aspects of stress and immune function compared with an active-attention control group (NCT02395289). METHODS This study was conducted at an HIV clinic in Atlanta, Georgia. Eligible individuals determined by (1) adherence to antiretroviral therapy for at least a year, (2) virologic suppression; and (3) stable CD4+ T-cell counts <350 cells/μL were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to either CBCT or control in 2 study periods: April-May, 2016, and September-December, 2016. Psychological measures and inflammatory biomarkers associated with HIV disease progression (IL-1β, TNF-α, sCD14, IL-6, and IL-10) were obtained for all study participants at baseline and at the time of study completion. RESULTS We found a significant association between CBCT practice time engagement and fold reduction in IL-6 and TNF-α levels. There was no association between CBCT practice time and other biomarkers markers assessed (IL-1β, sCD14, and IL-10). These changes were coincident with significant increases in self-reported psychological well-being and HIV disease acceptance and in benefits for CBCT participants. We also observed fewer instances of virologic failure for those in the CBCT arm compared with controls. CONCLUSIONS CBCT is a novel and feasible nonmedication-based intervention that could reduce inflammation and psychological stress in PWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boghuma K. Titanji
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Mehul Tejani
- Division of Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Eugene W. Farber
- Emory University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Atlanta, GA
| | - C. Christina Mehta
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta GA
| | - Thaddeus W. Pace
- Community and Systems Health Science Division, University of Arizona, Tuscon, AZ
| | - Kathryn Meagley
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Christina Gavegnano
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Emory School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Timothy Harrison
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Caroline W. Kokubun
- Department of Behavioral, Social, and Health Education Sciences, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Satya Dev Negi
- Center for Contemplative Science and Compassion-Based Ethics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Raymond F. Schinazi
- Center for AIDS Research, Laboratory of Biochemical Pharmacology, Department of Pediatrics, Emory School of Medicine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta, Atlanta, GA
| | - Vincent C. Marconi
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Global Health, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University Atlanta
- Emory Vaccine Center, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
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5
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Womersley JS, Spies G, Tromp G, Seedat S, Hemmings SMJ. Longitudinal telomere length profile does not reflect HIV and childhood trauma impacts on cognitive function in South African women. J Neurovirol 2021; 27:735-749. [PMID: 34448146 PMCID: PMC8602727 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-021-01009-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) present a challenge in South Africa where the burden of HIV infection is the highest. Identification of biological correlates of HAND is required to improve diagnosis and inform interventions. Telomeres maintain genomic integrity and their shortening is a marker of biological aging sensitive to environmental influences. This study examined relative telomere length (rTL) as a predictor of cognitive function in the context of HIV and childhood trauma (CT), a risk factor for HAND. Two hundred and eighty-six women completed a neurocognitive assessment battery and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ). Quantitative polymerase chain reaction for amplification of telomeric repeats and the reference gene human beta-globin was used to calculate rTL. Neurocognitive and rTL assessments were repeated at 1 year in 110 participants. Cross-sectional and longitudinal data were assessed using linear and mixed models, respectively. Participants with HIV (n = 135 in cross-sectional and n = 62 in longitudinal study groups) reported more severe CT and had shorter baseline rTL compared to seronegative controls. Participants without HIV had a greater 1-year decline in rTL. Global cognitive and attention/working memory scores declined in participants with HIV. Our data indicate that baseline rTL in the context of CT and HIV did not predict decline in cognitive scores. HIV-associated pathophysiological processes driving cognitive decline may also engage mechanisms that protect against telomere shortening. The results highlight the importance of examining biological correlates in longitudinal studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline Samantha Womersley
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
- South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Georgina Spies
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Gerard Tromp
- Division of Molecular Biology and Human Genetics, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Bioinformatics Unit, South African Tuberculosis Bioinformatics Initiative, DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Biomedical Tuberculosis Research, South African Medical Research Council Centre for Tuberculosis Research, Centre for Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Sian Megan Joanna Hemmings
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council/Stellenbosch University Genomics of Brain Disorders Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine & Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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6
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Gay L, Melenotte C, Lakbar I, Mezouar S, Devaux C, Raoult D, Bendiane MK, Leone M, Mège JL. Sexual Dimorphism and Gender in Infectious Diseases. Front Immunol 2021; 12:698121. [PMID: 34367158 PMCID: PMC8339590 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.698121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Epidemiological studies and clinical observations show evidence of sexual dimorphism in infectious diseases. Women are at less risk than men when it comes to developing most infectious diseases. However, understanding these observations requires a gender approach that takes into account an analysis of both biological and social factors. The host’s response to infection differs in males and females because sex differences have an impact on hormonal and chromosomal control of immunity. Estradiol appears to confer protective immunity, while progesterone and testosterone suppress anti-infectious responses. In addition, genetic factors, including those associated with sex chromosomes, also affect susceptibility to infections. Finally, differences in occupational activities, lifestyle, and comorbidities play major roles in exposure to pathogens and management of diseases. Hence, considering sexual dimorphism as a critical variable for infectious diseases should be one of the steps taken toward developing personalized therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laetitia Gay
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Cléa Melenotte
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Aix-Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Economy and Social Science, Health Care Systems and Societies, Marseille, France
| | - Ines Lakbar
- Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Hôpital Nord, Aix-Marseille Univ, APHM, Marseille, France
| | - Soraya Mezouar
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Christian Devaux
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Didier Raoult
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
| | - Marc-Karim Bendiane
- Aix-Marseille Univ, INSERM, IRD, SESSTIM, Economy and Social Science, Health Care Systems and Societies, Marseille, France
| | - Marc Leone
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France.,Department of Anaesthesia and Intensive Care, Hôpital Nord, Aix-Marseille Univ, APHM, Marseille, France
| | - Jean-Louis Mège
- Aix-Marseille Univ, IRD, APHM, MEPHI, IHU-Méditerranée Infection, Marseille, France
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7
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Stadtler H, Shaw G, Neigh GN. Mini-review: Elucidating the psychological, physical, and sex-based interactions between HIV infection and stress. Neurosci Lett 2021; 747:135698. [PMID: 33540057 PMCID: PMC9258904 DOI: 10.1016/j.neulet.2021.135698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Stress is generally classified as any mental or emotional strain resulting from difficult circumstances, and can manifest in the form of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other neurocognitive disorders. Neurocognitive disorders such as depression, anxiety, and PTSD are large contributors to disability worldwide, and continue to affect individuals and communities. Although these disorders affect men and women, women are disproportionately represented among those diagnosed with affective disorders, a result of both societal gender roles and physical differences. Furthermore, the incidence of these neurocognitive disorders is augmented among People Living with HIV (PLWH); the physical ramifications of stress increase the likelihood of HIV acquisition, pathogenesis, and treatment, as both stress and HIV infection are characterized by chronic inflammation, which creates a more opportunistic environment for HIV. Although the stress response is facilitated by the autonomic nervous system (ANS) and the hypothalamic pituitary adrenal (HPA) axis, when the response involves a psychological component, additional brain regions are engaged. The impact of chronic stress exposure and the origin of individual variation in stress responses and resilience are at least in part attributable to regions outside the primary stress circuity, including the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus. This review aims to elucidate the relationship between stress and HIV, how these interact with sex, and to understand the physical ramifications of these interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Stadtler
- Department of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Gladys Shaw
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Gretchen N Neigh
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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8
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Kamkwalala AR, Wang K, O’Halloran J, Williams DW, Dastgheyb R, Fitzgerald KC, Spence AB, Maki PM, Gustafson DR, Milam J, Sharma A, Weber KM, Adimora AA, Ofotokun I, Sheth AN, Lahiri CD, Fischl MA, Konkle-Parker D, Xu Y, Rubin LH. Starting or Switching to an Integrase Inhibitor-Based Regimen Affects PTSD Symptoms in Women with HIV. AIDS Behav 2021; 25:225-236. [PMID: 32638219 PMCID: PMC7948485 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-020-02967-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
As the use of Integrase inhibitor (INSTI)-class antiretroviral medications becomes more common to maintain long-term viral suppression, early reports suggest the potential for CNS side-effects when starting or switching to an INSTI-based regimen. In a population already at higher risk for developing mood and anxiety disorders, these drugs may have significant effects on PTSD scale symptom scores, particularly in women with HIV (WWH). A total of 551 participants were included after completing ≥ 1 WIHS study visits before and after starting/switching to an INSTI-based ART regimen. Of these, 14% were ART naïve, the remainder switched from primarily a protease inhibitor (PI) or non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitor (NNRTI)-based regimen. Using multivariable linear mixed effects models, we compared PTSD Civilian Checklist subscale scores before and after a "start/switch" to dolutegravir (DTG), raltegravir (RAL), or elvitegravir (EVG). Start/switch to EVG improved re-experiencing subscale symptoms (P's < 0.05). Switching to EVG improved symptoms of avoidance (P = 0.01). Starting RAL improved arousal subscale symptoms (P = 0.03); however, switching to RAL worsened re-experiencing subscale symptoms (P < 0.005). Starting DTG worsened avoidance subscale symptoms (P = 0.03), whereas switching to DTG did not change subscale or overall PTSD symptoms (P's > 0.08). In WWH, an EVG-based ART regimen is associated with improved PTSD symptoms, in both treatment naïve patients and those switching from other ART. While a RAL-based regimen was associated with better PTSD symptoms than in treatment naïve patients, switching onto a RAL-based regimen was associated with worse PTSD symptoms. DTG-based regimens either did not affect, or worsened symptoms, in both naïve and switch patients. Further studies are needed to determine mechanisms underlying differential effects of EVG, RAL and DTG on stress symptoms in WWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asante R. Kamkwalala
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Kunbo Wang
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jane O’Halloran
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Dionna W. Williams
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD,Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Raha Dastgheyb
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | | | - Amanda B. Spence
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease and Travel Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Pauline M. Maki
- Departments of Psychiatry, Psychology and OB/GYN, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
| | - Deborah R. Gustafson
- Department of Neurology, State University of New York Downstate Health Sciences University, Brooklyn, NY
| | - Joel Milam
- Institute for Health Promotion & Disease Prevention Research, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | | | - Kathleen M. Weber
- CORE Center, Cook County Health and Hektoen Institute of Medicine, Chicago, IL
| | - Adaora A. Adimora
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Igho Ofotokun
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Anandi N. Sheth
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Cecile D. Lahiri
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | | | - Deborah Konkle-Parker
- Division of Infectious Diseases, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, Mississippi
| | - Yanxun Xu
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO,Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics at The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Leah H. Rubin
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD,Department of Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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9
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Brief Report: Higher Peripheral Monocyte Activation Markers Are Associated With Smaller Frontal and Temporal Cortical Volumes in Women With HIV. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2020; 84:54-59. [PMID: 31914004 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002283] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Persistent inflammation is a life-long complication of HIV infection, even in virally suppressed individuals. Elevated plasma concentrations of soluble(s) CD14 and CD163 have been established as biomarkers of chronic inflammation, conferring higher risk for cognitive, neurovascular, and structural abnormalities. METHODS Structural magnetic resonance imaging (frontal and temporal regions) as well as plasma inflammatory biomarkers of monocyte activation (sCD14 and sCD163), general inflammation (plasma C-reactive protein, interleukin[IL]-6), and gut microbial translocation (plasma intestinal fatty acid-binding protein) were available on 38 women (25 with HIV) from the Chicago Women's Interagency HIV Study site. Partial least-squares models adjusting for relevant covariates (eg, age, education, and race) were conducted to evaluate the relationship between inflammatory biomarkers and brain volume in the overall sample and among women with HIV (WWH). RESULTS In the total sample, higher plasma sCD14 was associated with smaller volumes in multiple frontal and temporal lobe regions. In the WWH-only sample, sCD163 was associated with smaller volumes only in one region of the left frontal lobe. C-reactive protein, IL-6, and intestinal fatty acid-binding protein were not associated with brain volumes for either group of women. CONCLUSIONS Of the inflammatory monocyte markers evaluated, sCD14 was associated with smaller frontal and temporal cortical volume in the overall and WWH-only samples, while plasma sCD163 was only associated with smaller left caudal middle frontal gyrus in the WWH-only group. Validating these monocyte proteins as neurological biomarkers of structural brain deficits in a larger sample is critical for understanding HIV-associated neurobiological complications.
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10
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Duffy KA, Ziolek TA, Epperson CN. Filling the Regulatory Gap: Potential Role of Institutional Review Boards in Promoting Consideration of Sex as a Biological Variable. J Womens Health (Larchmt) 2020; 29:868-875. [PMID: 32267784 PMCID: PMC7718845 DOI: 10.1089/jwh.2019.8084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Consideration of sex differences in biomedical research is crucial to ensure the safety and effectiveness of drugs and devices for both sexes and to improve the rigor and reproducibility of scientific discoveries. Historically, women were underrepresented in clinical research and sex differences typically were not considered. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have played a role in improving the representation of women in clinical trials and in encouraging the consideration of sex differences. As it is not appropriate for all studies to be reviewed by the FDA nor do all studies have NIH funding, this results in a regulatory gap. We propose that local institutional review boards (IRBs) and institutional animal care and use committees (IACUCs) provide greater oversight by encouraging researchers to consider sex as a biological variable (SABV) during protocol review. In this perspective article, we review how FDA and NIH policies have fostered change and highlight how IRBs and IACUCs could encourage investigators to consider SABV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Korrina A. Duffy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
| | - Tracy A. Ziolek
- Office of Human Research Affairs, United HealthGroup, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - C. Neill Epperson
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado
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11
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Rubin LH, Neigh GN, Sundermann EE, Xu Y, Scully EP, Maki PM. Sex Differences in Neurocognitive Function in Adults with HIV: Patterns, Predictors, and Mechanisms. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2019; 21:94. [PMID: 31522330 PMCID: PMC7673651 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-019-1089-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Sex differences in cognitive function are well documented yet few studies had adequate numbers of women and men living with HIV (WLWH; MLWH) to identify sex differences in neurocognitive impairment (NCI) and the factors contributing to NCI. Here, we review evidence that WLWH may be at greater risk for NCI. RECENT FINDINGS We conducted a systematic review of recent studies of NCI in WLWH versus MLWH. A power analysis showed that few HIV studies have sufficient power to address male/female differences in NCI but studies with adequate power find evidence of greater NCI in WLWH, particularly in the domains of memory, speed of information processing, and motor function. Sex is an important determinant of NCI in HIV, and may relate to male/female differences in cognitive reserve, comorbidities (mental health and substance use disorders), and biological factors (e.g., inflammation, hormonal, genetic).
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Affiliation(s)
- Leah H. Rubin
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD
| | - Gretchen N. Neigh
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA
| | | | - Yanxun Xu
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD,Division of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics at The Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Eileen P. Scully
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Pauline M. Maki
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL,Department of Psychology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL
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