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Moschopoulos CD, Stanitsa E, Protopapas K, Kavatha D, Papageorgiou SG, Antoniadou A, Papadopoulos A. Multimodal Approach to Neurocognitive Function in People Living with HIV in the cART Era: A Comprehensive Review. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:508. [PMID: 38672778 PMCID: PMC11050956 DOI: 10.3390/life14040508] [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: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) has revolutionized the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and has markedly improved the disease burden and life expectancy of people living with HIV. HIV enters the central nervous system (CNS) early in the course of infection, establishes latency, and produces a pro-inflammatory milieu that may affect cognitive functions, even in the cART era. Whereas severe forms of neurocognitive impairment (NCI) such as HIV-associated dementia have declined over the last decades, milder forms have become more prevalent, are commonly multifactorial, and are associated with comorbidity burdens, mental health, cART neurotoxicity, and ageing. Since 2007, the Frascati criteria have been used to characterize and classify HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) into three stages, namely asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI), mild neurocognitive disorder (MND), and HIV-associated dementia (HAD). These criteria are based on a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment that presupposes the availability of validated, demographically adjusted, and normative population data. Novel neuroimaging modalities and biomarkers have been proposed in order to complement NCI assessments, elucidate neuropathogenic mechanisms, and support HIV-associated NCI diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis. By integrating neuropsychological assessments with biomarkers and neuroimaging into a holistic care approach, clinicians can enhance diagnostic accuracy, prognosis, and patient outcomes. This review interrogates the value of these modes of assessment and proposes a unified approach to NCI diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos D. Moschopoulos
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (K.P.); (D.K.); (A.A.); (A.P.)
| | - Evangelia Stanitsa
- 1st Department of Neurology, Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.S.); (S.G.P.)
| | - Konstantinos Protopapas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (K.P.); (D.K.); (A.A.); (A.P.)
| | - Dimitra Kavatha
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (K.P.); (D.K.); (A.A.); (A.P.)
| | - Sokratis G. Papageorgiou
- 1st Department of Neurology, Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.S.); (S.G.P.)
| | - Anastasia Antoniadou
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (K.P.); (D.K.); (A.A.); (A.P.)
| | - Antonios Papadopoulos
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (K.P.); (D.K.); (A.A.); (A.P.)
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Asia LK, Van Vuren EJ, Kruger IM, Williams ME. A Pilot Investigation of the Association Between Vpr Amino Acid Substitutions and Peripheral Immune Marker Levels in People With Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Implications for Neurocognitive Impairment. Open Forum Infect Dis 2024; 11:ofae111. [PMID: 38524224 PMCID: PMC10960601 DOI: 10.1093/ofid/ofae111] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Subtype-specific amino acid variations in viral proteins of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) influence disease progression. Furthermore, Vpr sequence variation correlates with chronic inflammation, a central mechanism in HIV-1 (neuro)pathogenesis. Nevertheless, no clinical study has investigated the link between Vpr sequence variation and peripheral inflammation in people with HIV (PWH). The aim of this pilot study was to ascertain whether specific Vpr amino acid variants were associated with immune markers in PWH. Methods We included a unique cohort of 48 treatment-naive South African PWH to determine the association between blood-derived Vpr sequence variation and peripheral immune marker levels using Sanger sequencing and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay analysis, respectively. Results Our findings indicate that among the many neuropathogenic Vpr amino acid variants and immune markers examined, after applying Bonferroni corrections (P = .05/3) and adjusting for sex and locality, soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) was nearing significance for higher levels in participants with the G41 amino acid variant compared to those with the S41 variant (P = .035). Furthermore, amino acid variations at position 41 (between G41 and S41) exhibited a significant association with suPAR (adjusted R2 = 0.089, β = .386 [95% confidence interval, .125-3.251]; P = .035). Conclusions These findings suggest that Vpr amino acid sequence variations might contribute to dysregulated inflammation, which could explain the observed association between specific Vpr variants and HIV-1 (neuro)pathogenesis found in prior research. These Vpr variants merit further investigation to fully understand their roles in HIV-1 pathogenesis and neuropathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Levanco K Asia
- Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Esmé Jansen Van Vuren
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Iolanthé M Kruger
- Africa Unit for Transdisciplinary Health Research, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Monray E Williams
- Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Asia LK, Van Vuren EJ, Lindeque Z, Williams ME. A pilot investigation of the association between HIV-1 Vpr amino acid sequence diversity and the tryptophan-kynurenine pathway as a potential mechanism for neurocognitive impairment. Virol J 2024; 21:47. [PMID: 38395987 PMCID: PMC10893664 DOI: 10.1186/s12985-024-02313-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
HIV infection compromises both the peripheral and central immune systems due to its pathogenic and neuropathogenic features. The mechanisms driving HIV-1 pathogenesis and neuropathogenesis involve a series of events, including metabolic dysregulation. Furthermore, HIV-subtype-specific variations, particularly alterations in the amino acid sequences of key viral proteins, are known to influence the severity of clinical outcomes in people living with HIV. However, the impact of amino acid sequence variations in specific viral proteins, such as Viral protein R (Vpr), on metabolites within the Tryptophan (Trp)-kynurenine (Kyn) pathway in people living with HIV remains unclear. Our research aimed to explore the relationship between variations in the Vpr amino acid sequence (specifically at positions 22, 41, 45, and 55, as these have been previously linked to neurocognitive function) and peripheral Trp-Kyn metabolites. Additionally, we sought to clarify the systems biology of Vpr sequence variation by examining the link between Trp-Kyn metabolism and peripheral inflammation, as a neuropathogenic mechanism. In this preliminary study, we analyzed a unique cohort of thirty-two (n = 32) South African cART naïve people living with HIV. We employed Sanger sequencing to ascertain blood-derived Vpr amino acid sequence variations and a targeted LC-MS/MS metabolomics platform to assess Trp-Kyn metabolites, such as Trp, Kyn, kynurenic acid (KA), and quinolinic acid (QUIN). Particle-enhanced turbidimetric assay and Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to measure immune markers, hsCRP, IL-6, suPAR, NGAL and sCD163. After applying Bonferroni corrections (p =.05/3) and adjusting for covariates (age and sex), only the Vpr G41 and A55 groups was nearing significance for higher levels of QUIN compared to the Vpr S41 and T55 groups, respectively (all p =.023). Multiple regression results revealed that Vpr amino acid variations at position 41 (adj R2 = 0.049, β = 0.505; p =.023), and 55 (adj R2 = 0.126, β = 0.444; p =.023) displayed significant associations with QUIN after adjusting for age and sex. Lastly, the higher QUIN levels observed in the Vpr G41 group were found to be correlated with suPAR (r =.588, p =.005). These results collectively underscore the importance of specific Vpr amino acid substitutions in influencing QUIN and inflammation (specifically suPAR levels), potentially contributing to our understanding of their roles in the pathogenesis and neuropathogenesis of HIV-1.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Esmé Jansen Van Vuren
- Hypertension in Africa Research Team (HART), North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- South African Medical Research Council, Unit for Hypertension and Cardiovascular Disease, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
| | - Zander Lindeque
- Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
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Ellis RJ, Marquine MJ, Kaul M, Fields JA, Schlachetzki JCM. Mechanisms underlying HIV-associated cognitive impairment and emerging therapies for its management. Nat Rev Neurol 2023; 19:668-687. [PMID: 37816937 PMCID: PMC11052664 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-023-00879-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023]
Abstract
People living with HIV are affected by the chronic consequences of neurocognitive impairment (NCI) despite antiretroviral therapies that suppress viral replication, improve health and extend life. Furthermore, viral suppression does not eliminate the virus, and remaining infected cells may continue to produce viral proteins that trigger neurodegeneration. Comorbidities such as diabetes mellitus are likely to contribute substantially to CNS injury in people living with HIV, and some components of antiretroviral therapy exert undesirable side effects on the nervous system. No treatment for HIV-associated NCI has been approved by the European Medicines Agency or the US Food and Drug Administration. Historically, roadblocks to developing effective treatments have included a limited understanding of the pathophysiology of HIV-associated NCI and heterogeneity in its clinical manifestations. This heterogeneity might reflect multiple underlying causes that differ among individuals, rather than a single unifying neuropathogenesis. Despite these complexities, accelerating discoveries in HIV neuropathogenesis are yielding potentially druggable targets, including excessive immune activation, metabolic alterations culminating in mitochondrial dysfunction, dysregulation of metal ion homeostasis and lysosomal function, and microbiome alterations. In addition to drug treatments, we also highlight the importance of non-pharmacological interventions. By revisiting mechanisms implicated in NCI and potential interventions addressing these mechanisms, we hope to supply reasons for optimism in people living with HIV affected by NCI and their care providers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald J Ellis
- Department of Neurosciences, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.
| | - María J Marquine
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Marcus Kaul
- School of Medicine, Division of Biomedical Sciences, University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, USA
| | - Jerel Adam Fields
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Johannes C M Schlachetzki
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Staitieh BS, Malik S, Auld SC, Wigger GW, Fan X, Roth AT, Chatterjee T, Arora I, Raju SV, Heath S, Aggrawal S. HIV Increases the Risk of Cigarette Smoke-Induced Emphysema Through MMP-9. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2023; 92:263-270. [PMID: 36331810 PMCID: PMC9911107 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000003125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND HIV is associated with an increased risk for emphysema. Matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) is a lung tissue remodeling enzyme associated with emphysema. We previously found MMP-9 activity increases with increases in oxidative stress and that HIV increases alveolar oxidative stress. We hypothesized that HIV proteins would increase the risk of cigarette smoke-induced emphysema due to MMP-9. METHODS HIV-1 transgenic rats and wild-type littermates were exposed to cigarette smoke or sham for 8 weeks. Lung compliance and histology were assessed. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL), primary alveolar macrophages (AM), and serum samples were obtained. A rat alveolar macrophage cell line was exposed to the HIV protein Tat, and MMP-9 levels were assessed by Western immunoblotting. MMP-9 protein expression and activity were assessed in AM from the HIV rat model by ELISA and cytoimmunofluoresence, respectively. Serum from human subjects with and without HIV and tobacco dependence was assessed for MMP-9 levels. RESULTS MMP-9 expression was significantly increased in rat alveolar macrophages after Tat exposure. HIV-1 transgenic rats developed emphysema while wild-type littermates did not. MMP-9 expression was also increased in the serum, BAL, and AM of HIV-1 transgenic rats after exposure to cigarette smoke compared with wild-type rats. In parallel, serum samples from HIV+ smokers had higher levels of MMP-9 than subjects without HIV and those who did not smoke. CONCLUSION The combination of HIV and cigarette smoke increases MMP-9 expression in experimental rat HIV models and human subjects. HIV and cigarette smoke both induce alveolar oxidative stress and thereby increase MMP-9 activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bashar S. Staitieh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Simran Malik
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Sara C. Auld
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA
| | - Gregory W. Wigger
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Xian Fan
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, Critical Care & Sleep Medicine, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA
| | - Andrew T. Roth
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Tanima Chatterjee
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Itika Arora
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - S. Vamsee Raju
- Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL; and
| | - Sonya Heath
- Department of Medicine, Division of Infectious Disease, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
| | - Saurabh Aggrawal
- Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL
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Charumbira MY, Berner K, Louw QA. Functioning Problems Associated with Health Conditions with Greatest Disease Burden in South Africa: A Scoping Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph192315636. [PMID: 36497710 PMCID: PMC9735592 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192315636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
A notable rise in health-related disability for which evidence-based rehabilitation is beneficial is evident in low-to-middle income countries. This scoping review aimed to systematically identify and map the most common functioning problems associated with health conditions that contribute most to disability in South Africa using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) framework. Peer-reviewed evidence published from January 2006 to December 2021 was systematically searched from five databases. Some 268 studies reporting on functioning problems (impairments, activity limitations, and participation restrictions) in South African adults (>18 years) related to 10 health conditions were included. A total of 130 different functioning problems were mapped to the ICF. The most prevalent problems (top 20) were related to mobility, pain, and mental health but spanned across several ICF domains and were mostly in patients at primary care. The high prevalence and wide range of functioning problems may be particularly burdensome on an already strained primary health care (PHC) system. This points towards targeted planning of innovative strategies towards strengthening rehabilitation service delivery at primary care to address these complexities where there is an inadequate rehabilitation workforce.
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Williams ME, Cloete R. Molecular Modeling of Subtype-Specific Tat Protein Signatures to Predict Tat-TAR Interactions That May Be Involved in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:866611. [PMID: 35464972 PMCID: PMC9021916 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.866611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-1 is responsible for a spectrum of neurocognitive deficits defined as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). The HIV transactivator of transcription (Tat) protein plays a key role in the neuropathophysiology of HAND. The Tat protein functions by transactivation of viral genes through its interaction with the transactivation response (TAR) RNA element. Subtype-specific Tat protein signatures including C31S, R57S and Q63E present in Tat subtype C has previously been linked to a lowered neuropathophysiology compared to Tat subtype B. In this study, we attempted to understand the molecular mechanism by which Tat subtype-specific variation, particularly, C31S, R57S, and Q63E influence the Tat-TAR interaction. We performed molecular modeling to generate accurate three-dimensional protein structures of the HIV-1 Tat subtypes C and B using the Swiss model webserver. Thereafter, we performed a molecular docking of the TAR RNA element to each of the Tat subtypes B and C protein structures using the HDOCK webserver. Our findings indicate that Tat subtype B had a higher affinity for the TAR RNA element compared to Tat subtype C based on a higher docking score of −187.37, a higher binding free energy value of −9834.63 ± 216.17 kJ/mol, and a higher number of protein–nucleotide interactions of 26. Furthermore, Tat subtype B displayed more flexible regions when bound to the TAR element and this flexibility could account for the stronger affinity of Tat subtype B to TAR. From the Tat signatures linked to neuropathogenesis, only R57/R57S are involved in Tat-TAR interaction. Due to the lack of electrostatic interactions observed between Tat subtype C and TAR, weaker affinity is observed, and this may contribute to a lower level of neuropathophysiology observed in subtype C infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monray E. Williams
- Human Metabolomics, North-West University, Potchefstroom, South Africa
- *Correspondence: Monray E. Williams,
| | - Ruben Cloete
- South African Medical Research Council Bioinformatics Unit, South African National Bioinformatics Institute, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
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An investigation of the HIV Tat C31S and R57S mutation on peripheral immune marker levels in South African participants: A pilot study. J Med Virol 2022; 94:2936-2938. [DOI: 10.1002/jmv.27720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
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Ojeda-Juárez D, Kaul M. Transcriptomic and Genetic Profiling of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:721954. [PMID: 34778371 PMCID: PMC8586712 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.721954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Early in the HIV pandemic, it became evident that people living with HIV (PLWH) develop a wide range of neurological and neurocognitive complications. Even after the introduction of combination antiretroviral therapy (cART), which dramatically improved survival of PLWH, the overall number of people living with some form of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) seemed to remain unchanged, although the incidence of dementia declined and questions about the incidence and diagnosis of the mildest form of HAND arose. To better understand this complex disease, several transcriptomic analyses have been conducted in autopsy samples, as well as in non-human primates and small animal rodent models. However, genetic studies in the HIV field have mostly focused on the genetic makeup of the immune system. Much less is known about the genetic underpinnings of HAND. Here, we provide a summary of reported transcriptomic and epigenetic changes in HAND, as well as some of the potential genetic underpinnings that have been linked to HAND, and discuss future directions with hurdles to overcome and angles that remain to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ojeda-Juárez
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Marcus Kaul
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, Riverside, CA, United States
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Ruhanya V, Jacobs GB, Naidoo S, Paul RH, Joska JA, Seedat S, Nyandoro G, Engelbrecht S, Glashoff RH. Impact of Plasma IP-10/CXCL10 and RANTES/CCL5 Levels on Neurocognitive Function in HIV Treatment-Naive Patients. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2021; 37:657-665. [PMID: 33472520 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2020.0203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune activation, which is accompanied by the production of proinflammatory cytokines, is a strong predictor of disease progression in HIV infection. Inflammation is critical in neuronal damage linked to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. We examined the relationship between plasma cytokine levels and deficits in neurocognitive function. Multiplex profiling by Luminex® technology was used to quantify 27 cytokines/chemokines from 139 plasma samples of people living with HIV (PLWH). The relationship of plasma cytokine markers, clinical parameters, and cognitive impairment, was assessed using Spearman correlations. Partial least squares regression and variable importance in projection scores were used for further evaluation of the association. Forty-nine (35.3%) participants exhibited neurocognitive impairment based on a global deficit score (GDS) of at least 0.5 and 90 (64.7%) were classified as nonimpaired. Twenty-three (16.5%) initiated on combination antiretroviral therapy for 4 weeks before cognitive assessment and 116 (83.5%) were not on treatment. We identified five proinflammatory cytokines that were significant predictors of GDS namely, IP-10 (β = 0.058; p = .007), RANTES (β = 0.049; p = .005), IL-2 (β = 0.047, p = .006), Eotaxin (β = 0.042, p = .003), and IL-7 (β = 0.039, p = .003). IP-10 and RANTES were the strongest predictors of GDS. Both cytokines correlated with plasma viral load and lymphocyte proviral load and were inversely correlated with CD4+ T cell counts. IP-10 and RANTES formed a separate cluster with highest proximity. Study findings describe novel associations among IP-10, RANTES, cognitive status, plasma viral load, and cell-associated viral load.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vurayai Ruhanya
- Division of Medical Virology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Graeme B. Jacobs
- Division of Medical Virology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Shalena Naidoo
- Division of Medical Virology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Robert H. Paul
- Department of Psychology and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Missouri-St Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - John A. Joska
- MRC Unit of Anxiety and Stress Disorders, Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- MRC Unit of Anxiety and Stress Disorders, Department of Psychiatry, University of Stellenbosch, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - George Nyandoro
- Department of Medical Microbiology, University of Zimbabwe, Harare, Zimbabwe
| | - Susan Engelbrecht
- Division of Medical Virology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
- National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Tygerberg Business Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Richard H. Glashoff
- National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), Tygerberg Business Unit, Cape Town, South Africa
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa
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Dekens DW, Eisel ULM, Gouweleeuw L, Schoemaker RG, De Deyn PP, Naudé PJW. Lipocalin 2 as a link between ageing, risk factor conditions and age-related brain diseases. Ageing Res Rev 2021; 70:101414. [PMID: 34325073 DOI: 10.1016/j.arr.2021.101414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Chronic (neuro)inflammation plays an important role in many age-related central nervous system (CNS) diseases, including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease and vascular dementia. Inflammation also characterizes many conditions that form a risk factor for these CNS disorders, such as physical inactivity, obesity and cardiovascular disease. Lipocalin 2 (Lcn2) is an inflammatory protein shown to be involved in different age-related CNS diseases, as well as risk factor conditions thereof. Lcn2 expression is increased in the periphery and the brain in different age-related CNS diseases and also their risk factor conditions. Experimental studies indicate that Lcn2 contributes to various neuropathophysiological processes of age-related CNS diseases, including exacerbated neuroinflammation, cell death and iron dysregulation, which may negatively impact cognitive function. We hypothesize that increased Lcn2 levels as a result of age-related risk factor conditions may sensitize the brain and increase the risk to develop age-related CNS diseases. In this review we first provide a comprehensive overview of the known functions of Lcn2, and its effects in the CNS. Subsequently, this review explores Lcn2 as a potential (neuro)inflammatory link between different risk factor conditions and the development of age-related CNS disorders. Altogether, evidence convincingly indicates Lcn2 as a key constituent in ageing and age-related brain diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Doortje W Dekens
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Ulrich L M Eisel
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Leonie Gouweleeuw
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Regien G Schoemaker
- Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Peter P De Deyn
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Laboratory of Neurochemistry and Behaviour, Biobank, Institute Born-Bunge, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - Petrus J W Naudé
- Department of Neurology and Alzheimer Center Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Molecular Neurobiology, Groningen Institute for Evolutionary Life Sciences (GELIFES), University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands; Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health and Neuroscience Institute, Brain Behaviour Unit, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Williams ME, Fielding BC. Insult to Injury-Potential Contribution of Coronavirus Disease-19 to Neuroinflammation and the Development of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 2021; 37:601-609. [PMID: 32993321 DOI: 10.1089/aid.2020.0136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS)-coronavirus (CoV)-2 is responsible for a new coronavirus disease known as coronavirus disease-19 (COVID-19). SARS-CoV-2 reports neurotropic properties and may have neurological implications, and this creates another health burden for people living with HIV. As yet, the impact of COVID-19 on (neuro)inflammation and the development of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) is not fully known. Here, we reviewed preliminary evidence that provides clues that COVID-19 may exacerbate inflammatory mechanisms related to the development of HAND.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Burtram Clinton Fielding
- Molecular Biology and Virology Research Laboratory, Department of Medical Biosciences, University of the Western Cape, Cape Town, South Africa
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Association of maternal and infant inflammation with neurodevelopment in HIV-exposed uninfected children in a South African birth cohort. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 91:65-73. [PMID: 32860940 PMCID: PMC7772888 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.08.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
HIV-exposed uninfected (HEU) children may have altered immune regulation and poorer neurodevelopment outcomes compared to their HIV-unexposed (HU) counterparts. However, studies investigating the association of maternal and infant inflammation with neurodevelopment in HEU children are limited and longitudinal data are lacking. This study investigated serum inflammatory markers in women living with HIV vs. HIV-uninfected women during pregnancy and in their children, as well as associations with neurodevelopmental outcomes at two years of age in an African birth cohort study. A sub-group of mother-child dyads from the Drakenstein Child Health Study had serum inflammatory markers measured at ≈26 week's gestation (n = 77 HIV-infected mothers; n = 190 HIV-uninfected mothers), at 6-10 weeks (n = 63 HEU infants and n = 159 HU infants) and at 24-28 months (n = 77 HEU children and n = 190 HU children). Serum inflammatory markers [granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-7, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-13, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9)] were analyzed with a multiplex bead array and ELISA assays. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition, was used to assess neurodevelopment at 24-28 months. After correcting for multiple comparisons, HIV infection during pregnancy was associated with lower serum levels of inflammatory markers in mothers at 26 weeks gestation (GM-CSF and MMP-9, p < 0.05) and HEU children at 6-10 weeks (IFN-γ and IL-1β, p < 0.01), and at 24-28 months (IFN-γ, IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-4, p < 0.05) compared to HIV-uninfected mothers and HU children. In HEU infants at 6-10 weeks, inflammatory markers (GM-CSF, IFN-γ, IL-10, IL-12p70, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6 and NGAL, all p < 0.05) were associated with poorer motor function at two years of age. This is the first study to evaluate the associations of follow-up immune markers in HEU children with neurodevelopment. These findings suggest that maternal HIV infection is associated with immune dysregulation in mothers and their children through two years of age. An altered immune system in HEU infants is associated with poorer follow-up motor neurodevelopment. These data highlight the important role of the immune system in early neurodevelopment and provide a foundation for future research.
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Grabowska K, Harwood E, Ciborowski P. HIV and Proteomics: What We Have Learned from High Throughput Studies. Proteomics Clin Appl 2021; 15:e2000040. [PMID: 32978881 PMCID: PMC7900993 DOI: 10.1002/prca.202000040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The accelerated development of technology over the last three decades has driven biological sciences to high-throughput profiling experiments, now broadly referred to as systems biology. The unprecedented improvement of analytical instrumentation has opened new avenues for more complex experimental designs and expands the knowledge in genomics, proteomics, and other omics fields. Despite the collective efforts of hundreds of researchers, gleaning all the expected information from omics experiments is still quite far. This paper summarizes what has been learned from high-throughput proteomics studies thus far, and what is believed should be done to reveal even more valuable information from such studies. It is drawn from the background in using proteomics to study human immunodeficiency virus 1 infection of macrophages and/or T cells, but it is believed that some conclusions will be more broadly applicable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Grabowska
- Laboratory of Virus Molecular BiologyIntercollegiate Faculty of BiotechnologyUniversity of GdanskGdansk80‐307Poland
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental NeuroscienceCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNE68198‐5800USA
| | - Emma Harwood
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental NeuroscienceCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNE68198‐5800USA
| | - Pawel Ciborowski
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental NeuroscienceCollege of MedicineUniversity of Nebraska Medical CenterOmahaNE68198‐5800USA
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Ojeda-Juárez D, Shah R, Fields JA, Harahap-Carrillo I, Koury J, Maung R, Gelman BB, Baaten BJ, Roberts AJ, Kaul M. Lipocalin-2 mediates HIV-1 induced neuronal injury and behavioral deficits by overriding CCR5-dependent protection. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 89:184-199. [PMID: 32534984 PMCID: PMC8153086 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.06.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 06/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
People living with HIV (PLWH) continue to develop HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders despite combination anti-retroviral therapy. Lipocalin-2 (LCN2) is an acute phase protein that has been implicated in neurodegeneration and is upregulated in a transgenic mouse model of HIV-associated brain injury. Here we show that LCN2 is significantly upregulated in neocortex of a subset of HIV-infected individuals with brain pathology and correlates with viral load in CSF and pro-viral DNA in neocortex. However, the question if LCN2 contributes to HIV-associated neurotoxicity or is part of a protective host response required further investigation. We found that the knockout of LCN2 in transgenic mice expressing HIVgp120 in the brain (HIVgp120tg) abrogates behavioral impairment, ameliorates neuronal damage, and reduces microglial activation in association with an increase of the neuroprotective CCR5 ligand CCL4. In vitro experiments show that LCN2 neurotoxicity also depends on microglia and p38 MAPK activity. Genetic ablation of CCR5 in LCN2-deficient HIVgp120tg mice restores neuropathology, suggesting that LCN2 overrides neuroprotection mediated by CCR5 and its chemokine ligands. RNA expression of 168 genes involved in neurotransmission reveals that neuronal injury and protection are each associated with genotype- and sex-specific patterns affecting common neural gene networks. In conclusion, our study identifies LCN2 as a novel factor in HIV-associated brain injury involving CCR5, p38 MAPK and microglia. Furthermore, the mechanistic interaction between LCN2 and CCR5 may serve as a diagnostic and therapeutic target in HIV patients at risk of developing brain pathology and neurocognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Ojeda-Juárez
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
| | - Rohan Shah
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Jerel Adam Fields
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
| | - Indira Harahap-Carrillo
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| | - Jeffrey Koury
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Ricky Maung
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92521, USA.
| | - Benjamin B. Gelman
- Department of Pathology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, 77555-0419 Galveston, TX USA,Department of Neuroscience and Cell Biology, University of Texas Medical Branch, 301 University Blvd, 77555-0419 Galveston, TX USA
| | - Bas J. Baaten
- Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA
| | - Amanda J. Roberts
- Animal Models Core, The Scripps Research Institute, 10550 N. Torrey Pines Rd, MB-P300, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Marcus Kaul
- Division of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California, Riverside, 900 University Ave, Riverside, CA 92521, USA; Infectious and Inflammatory Disease Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA.
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The association of peripheral immune markers with brain cortical thickness and surface area in South African people living with HIV. J Neurovirol 2020; 26:908-919. [PMID: 32661895 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-020-00873-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2020] [Revised: 06/01/2020] [Accepted: 06/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
A spectrum of cognitive impairments known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are consequences of the effects of HIV-1 within the central nervous system. Regardless of treatment status, an aberrant chronic neuro-immune regulation is a crucial contributor to the development of HAND. However, the extent to which inflammation affects brain structures critical for cognitive status remains unclear. The present study aimed to determine associations of peripheral immune markers with cortical thickness and surface area. Participants included 65 treatment-naïve HIV-positive individuals and 26 HIV-negative controls. Thickness and surface area of all cortical regions were derived using automated parcellation of T1-weighted images acquired at 3 T. Peripheral immune markers included C-C motif ligand 2 (CCL2), matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), thymidine phosphorylase (TYMP), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), which were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. Associations of these markers with thickness and surface area of cortical regions were evaluated. A mediation analysis examined whether associations of inflammatory markers with cognitive functioning were mediated by brain cortical thickness and surface area. After controlling for multiple comparisons, higher NGAL was associated with reduced thickness of the bilateral orbitofrontal cortex in HIV-positive participants. The association of NGAL with worse motor function was mediated by cortical thickness of the bilateral orbitofrontal region. Taken together, this study suggests that NGAL plays a potential role in the neuropathophysiology of neurocognitive impairments of HIV.
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