1
|
Cui BC, Aksenova M, Sikirzhytskaya A, Odhiambo D, Korunova E, Sikirzhytski V, Ji H, Altomare D, Broude E, Frizzell N, Booze R, Wyatt MD, Shtutman M. Suppression of HIV-TAT and cocaine-induced neurotoxicity and inflammation by cell penetrable itaconate esters. J Neurovirol 2024:10.1007/s13365-024-01216-9. [PMID: 38884890 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-024-01216-9] [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: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
HIV-associated neurological disorder (HAND) is a serious complication of HIV infection marked by neurotoxicity induced by viral proteins like Tat. Substance abuse exacerbates neurocognitive impairment in people living with HIV. There is an urgent need for therapeutic strategies to combat HAND comorbid with Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD). Our analysis of HIV and cocaine-induced transcriptomes in primary cortical cultures revealed significant overexpression of the macrophage-specific gene aconitate decarboxylase 1 (Acod1). The ACOD1 protein converts the tricarboxylic acid intermediate cis-aconitate into itaconate during the activation of inflammation. Itaconate then facilitates cytokine production and activates anti-inflammatory transcription factors, shielding macrophages from infection-induced cell death. However, the immunometabolic function of itaconate was unexplored in HIV and cocaine-exposed microglia. We assessed the potential of 4-octyl-itaconate (4OI), a cell-penetrable ester form of itaconate known for its anti-inflammatory properties. When primary cortical cultures exposed to Tat and cocaine were treated with 4OI, microglial cell number increased and the morphological altercations induced by Tat and cocaine were reversed. Microglial cells also appeared more ramified, resembling the quiescent microglia. 4OI treatment inhibited secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MIP1-α induced by Tat and cocaine. Transcriptome profiling determined that Nrf2 target genes were significantly activated in Tat and 4OI treated cultures relative to Tat alone. Further, genes associated with cytoskeleton dynamics in inflammatory microglia were downregulated by 4OI treatment. Together, the results strongly suggest 4-octyl-itaconate holds promise as a potential candidate for therapeutic development to treat HAND coupled with CUD comorbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B Celia Cui
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Marina Aksenova
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Aliaksandra Sikirzhytskaya
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Diana Odhiambo
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Elizaveta Korunova
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Vitali Sikirzhytski
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Hao Ji
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Diego Altomare
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Eugenia Broude
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Norma Frizzell
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology and Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Rosemarie Booze
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Michael D Wyatt
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Michael Shtutman
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Cui BC, Aksenova M, Sikirzhytskaya A, Odhiambo D, Korunova E, Sikirzhytski V, Ji H, Altomare D, Broude E, Frizzell N, Booze R, Wyatt MD, Shtutman M. Suppression of HIV and cocaine-induced neurotoxicity and inflammation by cell penetrable itaconate esters. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.25.559154. [PMID: 37808776 PMCID: PMC10557618 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.25.559154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
HIV-associated neurological disorder (HAND) is a serious complication of HIV infection, marked by neurotoxicity induced by viral proteins like Tat. Substance abuse exacerbates neurocognitive impairment in people living with HIV. There is an urgent need for effective therapeutic strategies to combat HAND comorbid with Cocaine Use Disorder (CUD). Our analysis of the HIV and cocaine-induced transcriptomes in primary cortical cultures revealed a significant overexpression of the macrophage-specific gene, aconitate decarboxylase 1 (Acod1), caused by the combined insults of HIV and cocaine. ACOD1 protein converts the tricarboxylic acid intermediate cis-aconitate into itaconate during the activation of inflammation. The itaconate produced facilitates cytokine production and subsequently activates anti-inflammatory transcription factors, shielding macrophages from infection-induced cell death. While the role of itaconate' in limiting inflammation has been studied in peripheral macrophages, its immunometabolic function remains unexplored in HIV and cocaine-exposed microglia. We assessed in this model system the potential of 4-octyl-itaconate (4OI), a cell-penetrable esterified form of itaconate known for its potent anti-inflammatory properties and potential therapeutic applications. We administered 4OI to primary cortical cultures exposed to Tat and cocaine. 4OI treatment increased the number of microglial cells in both untreated and Tat±Cocaine-treated cultures and also reversed the morphological altercations induced by Tat and cocaine. In the presence of 4OI, microglial cells also appeared more ramified, resembling the quiescent microglia. Consistent with these results, 4OI treatment inhibited the secretion of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6, and MIP1-α induced by Tat and cocaine. Transcriptome profiling further determined that Nrf2 target genes such as NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (Nqo1), Glutathione S-transferase Pi (Gstp1), and glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic (Gclc), were most significantly activated in Tat-4OI treated cultures, relative to Tat alone. Further, genes associated with cytoskeleton dynamics in inflammatory microglia were downregulated by 4OI treatment. Together, the results strongly suggest 4-octyl-itaconate holds promise as a potential candidate for therapeutic development aimed at addressing HAND coupled with CUD comorbidities.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- B. Celia Cui
- Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Marina Aksenova
- Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Aliaksandra Sikirzhytskaya
- Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Diana Odhiambo
- Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Elizaveta Korunova
- Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Vitali Sikirzhytski
- Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Hao Ji
- Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Diego Altomare
- Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Eugenia Broude
- Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Norma Frizzell
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology & Neuroscience, School of Medicine, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Rosemarie Booze
- Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Michael D. Wyatt
- Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Michael Shtutman
- Department of Drug Discovery & Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Self-Reported Cognitive Function in Persons with Nonneurological Chronic Diseases: A Systematic Review. J Aging Res 2022; 2022:5803337. [PMID: 35402049 PMCID: PMC8989496 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5803337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background. Globally, one in three adults has a chronic condition. Many chronic diseases that are not neurological in nature (e.g., diabetes and heart failure) are increasingly associated with cognitive symptoms. However, the instruments used to assess cognitive symptoms in those with nonneurologic chronic illness are heterogeneous, and questions remain as to how cognitive symptoms may be related to demographic and clinical outcome variables, neurocognitive test performance, and other patient-reported outcomes. In this review, we describe associations among self-reported cognitive function, cognitive performance, and additional patient-reported outcomes as well as how cognitive symptoms are measured in nonneurologic chronic illness. Method. Multiple databases (PubMed, Medline, CINAHL, PsycInfo, EMBASE, SCOPUS, the Cochrane Library, and Academic Search Complete) were searched for studies from 1990 to 2020 that provided data on self-reported cognitive symptoms in those with nonneurological chronic conditions. Initial search yielded 304 articles, of which 32 met inclusion criteria. Quality assessment was conducted using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Results. Thirty-two total studies were included: twenty cross-sectional, 10 longitudinal, and 2 randomized controlled trials. The tools used to assess self-reported cognitive function in the studies were heterogeneous: 28 unique tools were used. Thirty studies examined associations among self-reported cognitive function and other patient-reported outcomes. In 19 there were significant associations. Six studies showed no significant associations between neuropsychological tests and self-reported cognitive function; another 6 studies found a significant association. Conclusion. Tools to assess cognitive symptoms were heterogeneous. In most studies, self-reported cognitive symptoms were not correlated with neuropsychological test results, but the majority of studies found a strong association between self-reported cognitive function and other patient-reported outcomes. Implications. Consensus on measuring cognitive symptoms would facilitate cross-study comparisons and facilitate scientific progress in those with nonneurological chronic conditions. Based on these results, there is a need to establish a standardized approach for self-reported cognitive function measurement in patients with nonneurologic chronic illness.
Collapse
|
4
|
Copenhaver MM, Sanborn V, Shrestha R, Mistler C, Gunstad J. Association between the brief inventory of neurocognitive impairment (BINI) and objective cognitive testing among persons with opioid use disorders in drug treatment. J Addict Dis 2020; 39:166-174. [PMID: 33047651 DOI: 10.1080/10550887.2020.1831129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The current study examined the association between subjective cognitive dysfunction and objective test performance in persons enrolled in drug treatment and stabilized on methadone maintenance therapy (MMT). A total of 177 participants completed the self-reported brief inventory of neurocognitive impairment (BINI) and NIH Toolbox test battery. In participants with neurocognitive dysfunction, scores on all BINI subscales were negatively associated with objective performance on the NIH Toolbox (BINI Global r = -0.26, p = 0.01; BINI Subscales ranging -0.22 to -0.32, all p's < 0.03). Using cutoff scores, results showed participants who scored above the cutoff on the BINI Learning subscale demonstrated significant evidence of objective neurocognitive dysfunction on the NIH Toolbox (65% vs. 35%; χ2 = 6.57, p = 0.02), suggesting possible clinical utility. Future studies are needed to determine the feasibility of using the BINI to inform the accommodation of patients with specific neurocognitive profiles to optimize treatment outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Copenhaver
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.,Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | | | - Roman Shrestha
- Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.,Department of Internal Medicine, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Colleen Mistler
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA.,Institute for Collaboration on Health, Intervention, and Policy, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - John Gunstad
- Department of Psychology, Kent State University, Kent, OH, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Aksenova M, Sybrandt J, Cui B, Sikirzhytski V, Ji H, Odhiambo D, Lucius MD, Turner JR, Broude E, Peña E, Lizarraga S, Zhu J, Safro I, Wyatt MD, Shtutman M. Inhibition of the Dead Box RNA Helicase 3 Prevents HIV-1 Tat and Cocaine-Induced Neurotoxicity by Targeting Microglia Activation. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2020; 15:209-223. [PMID: 31802418 PMCID: PMC8048136 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-019-09885-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
HIV-1 Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND) is a common and clinically detrimental complication of HIV infection. Viral proteins, including Tat, released from infected cells, cause neuronal toxicity. Substance abuse in HIV-infected patients greatly influences the severity of neuronal damage. To repurpose small molecule inhibitors for anti-HAND therapy, we employed MOLIERE, an AI-based literature mining system that we developed. All human genes were analyzed and prioritized by MOLIERE to find previously unknown targets connected to HAND. From the identified high priority genes, we narrowed the list to those with known small molecule ligands developed for other applications and lacking systemic toxicity in animal models. To validate the AI-based process, the selective small molecule inhibitor of DDX3 helicase activity, RK-33, was chosen and tested for neuroprotective activity. The compound, previously developed for cancer treatment, was tested for the prevention of combined neurotoxicity of HIV Tat and cocaine. Rodent cortical cultures were treated with 6 or 60 ng/ml of HIV Tat and 10 or 25 μM of cocaine, which caused substantial toxicity. RK-33 at doses as low as 1 μM greatly reduced the neurotoxicity of Tat and cocaine. Transcriptome analysis showed that most Tat-activated transcripts are microglia-specific genes and that RK-33 blocks their activation. Treatment with RK-33 inhibits the Tat and cocaine-dependent increase in the number and size of microglia and the proinflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α, MCP-1/CCL2, MIP-2, IL-1α and IL-1β. These findings reveal that inhibition of DDX3 may have the potential to treat not only HAND but other neurodegenerative diseases. Graphical Abstract RK-33, selective inhibitor of Dead Box RNA helicase 3 (DDX3) protects neurons from combined Tat and cocaine neurotoxicity by inhibition of microglia activation and production of proinflammatory cytokines.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina Aksenova
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter st, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Justin Sybrandt
- School of Computing, Clemson University, 228 McAdams Hall, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Biyun Cui
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter st, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Vitali Sikirzhytski
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter st, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Hao Ji
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter st, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Diana Odhiambo
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter st, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Matthew D Lucius
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter st, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Jill R Turner
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter st, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
- School of Computing, Clemson University, 228 McAdams Hall, Clemson, SC, USA
| | - Eugenia Broude
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter st, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Edsel Peña
- Department of Statistics, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Sofia Lizarraga
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Arts and Sciences, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC, USA
| | - Jun Zhu
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter st, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Ilya Safro
- School of Computing, Clemson University, 228 McAdams Hall, Clemson, SC, USA.
| | - Michael D Wyatt
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter st, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA
| | - Michael Shtutman
- Department of Drug Discovery and Biomedical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of South Carolina, 715 Sumter st, Columbia, SC, 29208, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Aharonovich E, Shmulewitz D, Wall MM, Grant BF, Hasin DS. Self-reported cognitive scales in a US National Survey: reliability, validity, and preliminary evidence for associations with alcohol and drug use. Addiction 2017; 112:2132-2143. [PMID: 28623859 PMCID: PMC5673586 DOI: 10.1111/add.13911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2016] [Revised: 12/30/2016] [Accepted: 06/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To evaluate relationships between measures of cognitive functioning and alcohol or drug use among adults (≥ 18 years) in the US general population. DESIGN Two cognitive scales were created based on dimensionality and reliability of self-reported Executive Function Index items. Relationships between the two scales and validators were evaluated. Associations between the cognitive scales and past-year frequency of alcohol or drug use were estimated with adjusted odds ratios (aOR). SETTING United States, using the 2012-13 National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions-III, a nationally representative adult sample selected by multi-stage probability sampling. PARTICIPANTS 36 085 respondents. MEASUREMENTS Past-year substance use outcome variables categorized binge drinking, marijuana, cocaine, opioid, sedative/tranquilizer and stimulant use as frequent (at least weekly to daily), infrequent (any to two to three times/month) or no use, assessed by the Alcohol Use Disorder and Associated Disabilities Interview Schedule-5. Key predictors were the two cognitive scales. Construct validators included education and functional impairment. Covariates included age, gender, income and race/ethnicity. FINDINGS Nine cognitive items fitted a two-factor model (comparative fit index = 0.973): attention (five items) and executive functioning (four items). Both scales were associated positively with higher education (Ps < 0.001) and negatively with functional impairment (Ps < 0.001), demonstrating construct validity. Poorer attention was associated with frequent and infrequent binge drinking and use of drugs [aOR range = 1.07 (binge drinking) to 1.72 (stimulants), Ps ≤ 0.01]. Poorer executive functioning was associated with frequent binge drinking and use of drugs [aOR range = 1.22 (binge drinking) to 2.03 (cocaine), Ps < 0.001] and infrequent use of all drugs [aOR range = 1.19 (marijuana) to 1.63 (cocaine), Ps < 0.001]. CONCLUSIONS Impairments in attention and executive functioning are positively associated with substance use in the US general population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Efrat Aharonovich
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Dvora Shmulewitz
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
| | - Melanie M. Wall
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Biostatistics, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Bridget F. Grant
- Laboratory of Epidemiology and Biometry, Division of Intramural Clinical and Biological Research, National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism, National Institutes of Health, Rockville, Maryland, USA
| | - Deborah S. Hasin
- Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, New York, USA
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, New York, New York, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, Mailman School of Public Health, Columbia University, New York, New York, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Atluri VSR. Editorial: HIV and Illicit Drugs of Abuse. Front Microbiol 2016; 7:221. [PMID: 27014190 PMCID: PMC4785150 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2016.00221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 02/10/2016] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Venkata S R Atluri
- Department of Immunology, Institute of NeuroImmune Pharmacology, Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Florida International University Miami, FL, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Shrestha R, Huedo-Medina TB, Copenhaver MM. Sex-Related Differences in Self-Reported Neurocognitive Impairment among High-Risk Cocaine Users in Methadone Maintenance Treatment Program. SUBSTANCE ABUSE-RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2015; 9:17-24. [PMID: 25861219 PMCID: PMC4363005 DOI: 10.4137/sart.s23332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2015] [Revised: 02/12/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous research has suggested possible sex-related differences in executive functioning among cocaine users; however, no studies specifically explain sex-related differences in neurocognitive impairment (NCI) among cocaine users receiving clinical care. Knowledge about this association can aid in the development of targeted prevention strategies to reduce adverse health outcomes. This study was designed to examine the sex-related differences in NCI among high-risk cocaine users receiving substance-abuse treatment. METHODS The Neuropsychological Impairment Scale (NIS) was administered to 199 cocaine users (98 men; 101 women), receiving methadone maintainance treatment, to assess self-reported NCI by identifying the patients’ awareness of neuropsychological symptoms. We used T-test comparison to find differences in NCI between men and women and multiple regression analysis to explore the relative contribution of sex to NCI. RESULTS Consistent with prior work, high NCI was evident within this sample, as indicated by high scores on most of the NIS subscales. Women reported greater impairment than men, as evidenced by significantly higher scores on several NIS subscales, after controlling for demographic and other confounding variables. Interestingly, cocaine craving significantly predicted NCI among men but not among women, as suggested by the significant association between cocaine craving and all except one of the NIS subscales. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that cocaine users enter into treatment with a range of NCI – with women having significantly more neurocognitive deficits than men – that may contribute to differential treatment outcomes. This highlights the need to include additional services such as neuropsychological screening and sex-specific treatment programs to optimally reduce adverse health outcomes in these high-risk, cognitively impaired patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roman Shrestha
- Department of Community Medicine and Health Care, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Tania B Huedo-Medina
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Michael M Copenhaver
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Hill TK, Colistra AL. Addiction-Related Cognitive Impairment in Substance Use Disorder Treatment: Behavioral Suggestions for Addictions Treatment Practitioners. ALCOHOLISM TREATMENT QUARTERLY 2014. [DOI: 10.1080/07347324.2013.831688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
10
|
Ames SL, Grenard JL, Stacy AW. Dual process interaction model of HIV-risk behaviors among drug offenders. AIDS Behav 2013; 17:914-25. [PMID: 22331391 DOI: 10.1007/s10461-012-0140-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
This study evaluated dual process interaction models of HIV-risk behavior among drug offenders. A dual process approach suggests that decisions to engage in appetitive behaviors result from a dynamic interplay between a relatively automatic associative system and an executive control system. One synergistic type of interplay suggests that executive functions may dampen or block effects of spontaneously activated associations. Consistent with this model, latent variable interaction analyses revealed that drug offenders scoring higher in affective decision making were relatively protected from predictive effects of spontaneous sex associations promoting risky sex. Among drug offenders with lower levels of affective decision making ability, spontaneous sexually-related associations more strongly predicted risky sex (lack of condom use and greater number of sex partners). These findings help elucidate associative and control process effects on appetitive behaviors and are important for explaining why some individuals engage in risky sex, while others are relatively protected.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Susan L Ames
- School of Community and Global Health, Claremont Graduate University, 675 Foothill Blvd., Suite 310, Claremont, CA 91711, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Ezeabogu I, Copenhaver MM, Potrepka J. The influence of neurocognitive impairment on HIV treatment outcomes among drug-involved people living with HIV/AIDS. AIDS Care 2012; 24:386-93. [PMID: 22250847 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2011.608794] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
Findings to date indicate that it is feasible to deliver a brief behavioral risk reduction/medication adherence group intervention to HIV-infected injection drug users in a community-based setting. HIV infection and substance abuse can result in neurocognitive impairment and this is directly relevant to intervention development, because a significant number of people living with HIV/AIDS have a positive history of substance abuse and being able to successfully participate in behavioral interventions often requires a relatively high level of cognitive performance. The aim of the current study was to evaluate if changes in information, motivation, and behavior skills with respect to medication adherence, sex- and drug-risk behavior outcomes from baseline to post-intervention are predicted by cognitive impairment following the brief four-session Holistic Health for HIV intervention for HIV-infected Drug Users (3H+). Significant associations were found between change in motivation and certain neurocognitive performance domains. Findings suggest that it may be helpful to specifically tailor such behavioral interventions to accommodate cognitive impairment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ifeoma Ezeabogu
- Department of Allied Health Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Applebaum AJ, Otto MW, Richardson MA, Safren SA. Contributors to neuropsychological impairment in HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected opiate-dependent patients. J Clin Exp Neuropsychol 2010; 32:579-89. [PMID: 19890760 DOI: 10.1080/13803390903313572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Neuropsychological (NP) impairment is multiply determined among HIV-infected and HIV-uninfected individuals who are also dually diagnosed with depression and who use illicit substances. The purpose of the present study was to assess the impact of HIV status, depression, and problematic substance use on NP performance. A total of 160 opiate-dependent outpatients undergoing methadone maintenance (80 HIV-infected, 80 HIV-uninfected) completed diagnostic and NP evaluations. Raw scores from individual NP tests were converted to Z scores relative to standard norms and were averaged to form a composite score. HIV-infected participants had significantly lower overall NP performance--as well as lower performance on tests of attention, motor speed, and verbal memory--than HIV-uninfected participants. In multiple regression analyses considering the role of depression and substance use, only HIV status emerged as a significant predictor of NP impairment. These findings confirm NP impairment in HIV-infected substance abusing patients independent of comorbid depression and severity of substance use.
Collapse
|
13
|
Copenhaver MM, Lee IC. Examining the decay of HIV risk reduction outcomes following a community-friendly intervention targeting injection drug users in treatment. J Psychoactive Drugs 2008; 39:223-9. [PMID: 18159775 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2007.10400608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
It has become crucial for risk reduction interventions targeting injection drug users (IDUs) in treatment to be "community-friendly" and potent over time so that limited resources may be optimally utilized. This study examined (1) the extent to which observed post-intervention effects--including enhanced HIV-related knowledge, motivation, behavioral skills, and drug- and sex-risk reduction behavior--decayed over time and (2) whether repeating the intervention atfollow-up provided additional benefit. Approximately 10 months after completing an adapted, substantially shortened, version of an evidence-based intervention, participants completed a follow-up assessment and then repeated the intervention. No evidence of decay was found. Even so, after repeating the intervention, a trend toward additional sex-risk reduction was observed for participants at higher risk for HIV. Findings point to the potential for an adapted evidence-based intervention for IDUs to be both community-friendly and potent over time within community-based treatment settings.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael M Copenhaver
- University of Connecticut, Center for Health/ HIV Intervention & Prevention (CHIP), Storrs, CT 06269, USA.
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Dhillon NK, Williams R, Peng F, Tsai YJ, Dhillon S, Nicolay B, Gadgil M, Kumar A, Buch SJ. Cocaine-mediated enhancement of virus replication in macrophages: implications for human immunodeficiency virus-associated dementia. J Neurovirol 2008; 13:483-95. [PMID: 18097880 DOI: 10.1080/13550280701528684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Injection drug use has been recognized as a major risk factor for acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) from the outset of the epidemic. Cocaine, one of the most widely abused drugs in the United States, can both impair the functions of macrophages and CD4(+) lymphocytes and also activate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 expression in these cells. Because the brain is the target organ for both cocaine and HIV, the objective of the present study was to explore the effects of cocaine on virus replication in macrophages, the target cells for the virus in the central nervous system (CNS). Cocaine markedly enhanced virus production in simian human immunodeficiency virus (SHIV)-infected monocyte-derived macrophages (MDMs) and in U1 cells, a chronically infected promonocytic cell line as monitored by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and immunocytochemistry. Cocaine treatment also resulted in the activation of nuclear factor (NF)-kappa B and transcriptional activation of the HIV-LTR (long terminal repeat) gag-GFP (green fluorescent protein). Analyses of chemokines in cocaine-treated macrophages by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Luminex assays suggested increased expression of interleukin (IL)-10, a cytokine that is known to promote HIV replication in MDMs. In addition to enhancing IL-10 expression, cocaine also caused an up-regulation of the macrophage activation marker, human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR, in MDMs. The synergistic effect of cocaine on virus replication and its enhancement of host activation markers suggest that cocaine functions at multiple pathways to accelerate HIV-associated dementia (HAD).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Navneet K Dhillon
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology, University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, Kansas 66160, USA
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
15
|
Verdejo-García A, Pérez-García M. Substance abusers' self-awareness of the neurobehavioral consequences of addiction. Psychiatry Res 2008; 158:172-80. [PMID: 18237786 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2006.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2005] [Revised: 07/31/2006] [Accepted: 08/01/2006] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Substance abusers (SA) usually deny or are not aware that they have a problem. Recent neuro-scientific evidence suggests that denial of problems related to drug use can be associated with alterations in frontostriatal systems, which play a critical role in executive functions and self-awareness. In this study, we examined self-awareness of cognitive deficits, which may be indicative of frontostriatal involvement, in a sample of abstinent SA. We administered the self and informant rating forms of the Frontal Systems Behavior Scale (FrSBe) to 38 SA and to 38 designated informants. We conducted three separate mixed design ANOVAs to contrast the discrepancy between SA and informant scores on the three FrSBe subscales both during drug abuse (assessed retrospectively) and during abstinence. We conducted regression analyses to examine the relationship between severity of drug abuse and self-awareness. Results showed that informants' scores were significantly higher than SA's scores on apathy and executive dysfunction during drug abuse, indicating poor awareness of deficits. We found no significant discrepancies between SA's and informants' scores during abstinence. Severity of alcohol and cocaine abuse significantly predicted poorer self-awareness during drug abuse, but not during abstinence. These results may have important implications for prevention and treatment strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Verdejo-García
- Depto. Personalidad, Evaluación y Tratamiento Psicológico, Universidad de Granada, Granada, Spain.
| | | |
Collapse
|
16
|
Griffin WC, Middaugh LD, Tyor WR. Chronic cocaine exposure in the SCID mouse model of HIV encephalitis. Brain Res 2006; 1134:214-9. [PMID: 17189621 PMCID: PMC1839831 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2006.11.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2006] [Revised: 11/17/2006] [Accepted: 11/21/2006] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and preclinical evidence suggests that cocaine exposure hastens progression of the HIV disease process. An established active, euphoric dose of cocaine (20 mg/kg) was administered to SCID mice according to a regimen consistent with exposure to the drug by cocaine-abusing HIV-infected patients to determine the effects of cocaine on four previously established pathological characteristics of HIV encephalitis: cognitive deficits, fatigue, astrogliosis, and microgliosis. Mice were intracranially inoculated with either HIV-infected, or uninfected macrophages and then injected with either cocaine or saline in a 2 (Infection)x2 (Cocaine) factorial design. Cognition was assessed by acquisition and retention of a spatially cued learning task. Fatigue was assessed by monitoring motor activity following a 2 min forced swim. Mice were then sacrificed to determine the extent of astrogliosis and microgliosis in the four groups. Results indicated that in comparison to uninfected controls, HIV positive mice had increased astrogliosis and microgliosis, cognitive deficits, and recovered more slowly from fatigue. However, despite evidence that the cocaine exposure regimen activated the central nervous system and had long-term CNS effects, the drug did not alter the behavioral or the neuropathological deficits noted in HIV-infected SCID mice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W C Griffin
- Center for Drug and Alcohol Programs, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
17
|
Avants SK, Margolin A, Usubiaga MH, Doebrick C. Targeting HIV-related outcomes with intravenous drug users maintained on methadone: A randomized clinical trial of a harm reduction group therapy. J Subst Abuse Treat 2004; 26:67-78. [PMID: 15050083 DOI: 10.1016/s0740-5472(03)00159-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2003] [Revised: 09/14/2003] [Accepted: 10/01/2003] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Methadone maintenance programs (MMP) have the potential to play an important role in reducing HIV risk, given the appropriate type and level of ancillary treatments. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of a 12-session harm reduction group intervention for injection drug users, based upon the Information-Motivation-Behavioral skills model of behavior change, that focused on reducing both drug and sex risk. Two hundred and twenty patients entering an MMP were randomized to receive either standard care (SC)-2 hours of counseling per month and a single-session risk reduction intervention-or SC plus the harm reduction group (HRG). Results showed that during treatment, patients receiving HRG were more likely to be abstinent from cocaine and to report fewer unsafe sexual practices. Post-treatment, HRG patients scored higher on a sexual risk quiz and reported increased self-efficacy in high risk sexual situations. Enhancing methadone maintenance with a weekly harm reduction group treatment was somewhat more expensive but can bring about positive changes in behaviors and attitudes that are associated with the transmission of HIV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S Kelly Avants
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Welch Building, 495 Congress Avenue, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Kornreich C, Foisy ML, Philippot P, Dan B, Tecco J, Noël X, Hess U, Pelc I, Verbanck P. Impaired emotional facial expression recognition in alcoholics, opiate dependence subjects, methadone maintained subjects and mixed alcohol-opiate antecedents subjects compared with normal controls. Psychiatry Res 2003; 119:251-60. [PMID: 12914896 DOI: 10.1016/s0165-1781(03)00130-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study aims to explore whether an impairment in emotional facial expressions (EFE) decoding is specific to alcoholism compared with opiate dependence. An EFE decoding test consisting of 16 photographs of EFE portraying happiness, anger, sadness and disgust was administered to five different groups of 30 subjects each: recently detoxified alcoholics (RA); opiate addicts under methadone maintenance treatment (OM); detoxified opiate addicts (OA); detoxified subjects with both alcohol and opiate dependence antecedents (DAO); and normal controls (NC). Repeated measures analysis of variance using a multivariate approach was conducted on EFE decoding accuracy scores with group as the between-subjects factor. Accuracy scores were significantly lower in RA and DAO than in OM and OA, which had significantly lower scores than NC. Low accuracy scores in RA and DAO confirm previous results indicating that alcoholism is associated with impaired EFE recognition. Results in OM and OA indicate that opiate dependence is also associated with an impaired EFE decoding but less than in alcoholism. Alcohol and opiate chronic consumption could both exercise a deleterious effect on EFE-decoding brain function, alcohol having the most severe impact. Alternatively, EFE-decoding problems could be present before the development of alcohol and opiate dependence, with an additional effect of chronic alcohol consumption on EFE decoding. In this context, EFE-decoding impairment could reflect a more general emotional intelligence deficit in addicted populations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charles Kornreich
- Department of Psychiatry, Free University of Brussels, Brugmann Hospital, Place Van Gehuchten 4, 1020 Brussels, Belgium.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
19
|
Copenhaver M, Avants SK, Warburton LA, Margolin A. Intervening effectively with drug abusers infected with HIV: taking into account the potential for cognitive impairment. J Psychoactive Drugs 2003; 35:209-18. [PMID: 12924743 DOI: 10.1080/02791072.2003.10400002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
HIV-positive drug users play a significant role in the transmission of HIV infection. Substance abuse treatment programs can potentially reduce transmission by providing HIV preventive interventions to these individuals. However, there is growing evidence suggesting that, due to a variety of factors, a substantial proportion of HIV-positive drug users may enter addiction treatment with some degree of cognitive impairment in domains that could impede their ability to learn, retain, and execute HIV preventive behaviors. Hence, in order to optimize the effectiveness of these interventions, the client's level of cognitive functioning may need to be considered. In this article an Information-Motivation-Behavioral Skills model of HIV preventive behavior is used to illustrate ways in which impairment in cognitive functioning could impede HIV preventive efforts, and present several practical strategies that front-line substance abuse counseling staff and other treatment providers can incorporate into interventions delivered to HIV-positive clients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Copenhaver
- Yale University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, New Haven, Connecticut 06519, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
20
|
Herning RI, Tate K, Better W, Cadet JL. Cerebral blood flow pulsatility deficits in HIV+ poly substance abusers: differences associated with antiviral medications. Drug Alcohol Depend 2002; 65:129-35. [PMID: 11772474 DOI: 10.1016/s0376-8716(01)00158-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the influence of HIV-seropositivity and antiviral medications on cerebral blood flow in cocaine abusers. Forty-five HIV negative (HIV-) cocaine abusers, 36 HIV positive (HIV+) cocaine abusers (CD4; mean 378, +/-229) and 27 control HIV- subjects were studied. Blood flow velocity and pulsatility were determined for the anterior and middle cerebral arteries using transcranial Doppler sonography (TCD). Psychological assessments, which included the psychiatric symptom checklist (SCL-90R), hopelessness (Beck) and well-being (Ellison) questionnaires revealed greater psychiatric distress in HIV+ cocaine abusers than the other groups. HIV- cocaine abusers and HIV+ cocaine abusers not receiving antiviral medications (n=25 of 36) had elevated pulsatility values, indicating increased resistance in the cerebral blood vessels in comparison to control subjects. HIV+ cocaine abusers using antiviral medications (n=11 of 36) had pulsatility values similar to HIV- control subjects. Interestingly, there was no significant relationship between intensity of psychiatric distress reported by HIV+ cocaine abusers and perfusion deficits. Our findings suggest that unmedicated HIV+ cocaine abusers have cerebrovascular deficits, which are similar to HIV- cocaine abusers. In addition, the use of antiviral medications appears to be associated with a reduction of these deficits in HIV+ cocaine abusers. Nevertheless, more studies will be needed before any conclusion can be reached regarding possible beneficial effects of these agents on the cerebral vasculature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ronald I Herning
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Section, Division of Intramural Research, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, PO Box 5180, Baltimore, MD 21224, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Herning RI, Better WE, Tate K, Cadet JL. Antiviral medications improve cerebrovascular perfusion in HIV+ non-drug users and HIV+ cocaine abusers. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2001; 939:405-12. [PMID: 11462795 DOI: 10.1111/j.1749-6632.2001.tb03651.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Antiviral medications have been useful in delaying the time course of HIV infection. Antiviral medications have also been reported to delay or reduce symptoms associated with AIDS related dementia and to improve cortical perfusion. The mechanism for this improvement is unclear. Thus, this report studies the effects of antiviral medications on cerebral blood flow velocity in HIV+ cocaine abusers, HIV+ control individuals and appropriate control individuals. Thirty-two unmedicated HIV+ individuals (28 cocaine abusers and 4 control individuals), 22 HIV+ individuals using antiviral medications (16 cocaine abusers and 6 HIV+ control individuals), 47 HIV- cocaine abusers, and 27 control HIV- subjects were studied. Blood flow velocities were determined for the anterior and middle cerebral arteries using transcranial Doppler sonography. HIV+ individuals on antiviral medications had lower pulsatility values, suggesting decreased resistance in the cerebral blood vessels, in comparison to HIV+ individuals not taking antiviral medications. HIV+ cocaine abusers and HIV+ control individuals using antiviral medications had pulsatility values similar to HIV- control subjects. Antiviral medications appear to reduce these cerebrovascular perfusion deficits in HIV+ individuals. The antiviral medications appear to have a direct neuroprotective effect in addition to their antiviral effects. The neuroprotective role of antiviral medications requires further investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- R I Herning
- Molecular Neuropsychiatry Section, National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Avants SK, Warburton LA, Margolin A. The influence of coping and depression on abstinence from illicit drug use in methadone-maintained patients. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE 2000; 26:399-416. [PMID: 10976665 DOI: 10.1081/ada-100100252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Use of illicit drugs by opioid-dependent patients maintained on methadone undermines the benefits of methadone maintenance treatment. Because supplemental pharmacologic approaches have met with limited success, it is important to identify psychological mechanisms associated with drug use that potentially could contribute to the development of more effective treatments. To investigate this issue, the current study assessed coping and depression in 307 methadone-maintained patients and found a reliance on avoidant coping strategies, most notably by depressed patients. Patients who achieved abstinence following a 12-week coping skills training intervention decreased the use of avoidant coping strategies. Drug use at the 6-month follow-up was related to gains made during treatment, specifically reduced cognitive avoidance, reduced depression, and number of drug-free weeks during treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S K Avants
- Yale University School of Medicine, Substance Abuse Center, New Haven, Connecticut 06519, USA.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Avants SK, Margolin A, DePhilippis D, Kosten TR. A comprehensive pharmacologic-psychosocial treatment program for HIV-seropositive cocaine- and opioid-dependent patients. Preliminary findings. J Subst Abuse Treat 1998; 15:261-5. [PMID: 9633038 DOI: 10.1016/s0740-5472(97)00226-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
HIV-seropositive opioid-dependent patients maintained on an opiate-agonist who continue to use cocaine and to engage in other high-risk behaviors may benefit from enhanced treatment services; however, there is currently little data to guide the formulation of such services. We report on a preliminary study in which six HIV-seropositive opioid-and cocaine-dependent patients were provided a 12-week comprehensive pharmacologic/psychosocial treatment program developed specifically to meet the treatment needs of HIV-seropositive drug users. This program was comprised of buprenorphine (12 mg/day), bupropion (150 mg/day), and twice weekly manual-guided group therapy. Results showed significant decreases in intravenous cocaine use, cocaine craving, and symptoms of depression. A post-hoc comparison to outcomes of eight HIV-seropositive patients receiving standard methadone-maintenance found no improvements for patients receiving standard care. Controlled investigation of enhanced drug treatment programs for HIV-seropositive patients may be warranted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S K Avants
- Yale University School of Medicine, Substance Abuse Center, New Haven, CT 06519, USA
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|