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Ayoub SM, Holloway BM, Miranda AH, Roberts BZ, Young JW, Minassian A, Ellis RJ. The Impact of Cannabis Use on Cognition in People with HIV: Evidence of Function-Dependent Effects and Mechanisms from Clinical and Preclinical Studies. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2024; 21:87-115. [PMID: 38602558 PMCID: PMC11129923 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-024-00698-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Cannabis may have beneficial anti-inflammatory effects in people with HIV (PWH); however, given this population's high burden of persisting neurocognitive impairment (NCI), clinicians are concerned they may be particularly vulnerable to the deleterious effects of cannabis on cognition. Here, we present a systematic scoping review of clinical and preclinical studies evaluating the effects of cannabinoid exposure on cognition in HIV. RECENT FINDINGS Results revealed little evidence to support a harmful impact of cannabis use on cognition in HIV, with few eligible preclinical data existing. Furthermore, the beneficial/harmful effects of cannabis use observed on cognition were function-dependent and confounded by several factors (e.g., age, frequency of use). Results are discussed alongside potential mechanisms of cannabis effects on cognition in HIV (e.g., anti-inflammatory), and considerations are outlined for screening PWH that may benefit from cannabis interventions. We further highlight the value of accelerating research discoveries in this area by utilizing translatable cross-species tasks to facilitate comparisons across human and animal work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samantha M Ayoub
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA.
| | - Breanna M Holloway
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA
| | - Alannah H Miranda
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA
| | - Benjamin Z Roberts
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA
| | - Jared W Young
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA
- Research Service, VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Arpi Minassian
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California San Diego, 9500 Gilman Drive MC 0804, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0804, USA
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health, Veterans Administration San Diego HealthCare System, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Ronald J Ellis
- Department of Neuroscience, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
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Yadav-Samudrala BJ, Gorman BL, Dodson H, Ramineni S, Wallace ED, Peace MR, Poklis JL, Jiang W, Fitting S. Effects of acute Δ 9-tetrahydrocannabinol on behavior and the endocannabinoid system in HIV-1 Tat transgenic female and male mice. Brain Res 2024; 1822:148638. [PMID: 37858856 PMCID: PMC10873064 DOI: 10.1016/j.brainres.2023.148638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Cannabis use is highly prevalent especially among people living with HIV (PLWH). Activation of the anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective endocannabinoid system by phytocannabinoids, i.e. Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), has been proposed to reduce HIV symptoms. However, THC's effects on HIV-related memory deficits are unclear. Using HIV-1 Tat transgenic mice, the current study investigates acute THC effects on various behavioral outcomes and the endocannabinoid system. For the rodent tetrad model, THC doses (1, 3, 10 mg/kg) induced known antinociceptive effects, with Tat induction increasing antinociceptive THC effects at 3 and 10 mg/kg doses. Only minor or no effects were noted for acute THC on body temperature, locomotor activity, and coordination. Increased anxiety-like behavior was found for females compared to males, but acute THC had no effect on anxiety. Object recognition memory was diminished by acute THC in Tat(-) females but not Tat(+) females, without affecting males. The endocannabinoid system and related lipids were not affected by acute THC, except for THC-induced decreases in CB1R protein expression levels in the spinal cord of Tat(-) mice. Female sex and Tat induction was associated with elevated 2-AG, AEA, AA, CB1R, CB2R, FAAH and/or MAGL expression in various brain regions. Further, AEA levels in the prefrontal cortex of Tat(+) females were negatively associated with object recognition memory. Overall, findings indicate that acute THC exerts differential effects on antinociception and memory, dependent on sex and HIV Tat expression, potentially in relation to an altered endocannabinoid system, which may be of relevance in view of potential cannabis-based treatment options for PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barkha J Yadav-Samudrala
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Benjamin L Gorman
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Hailey Dodson
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Shreya Ramineni
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - E Diane Wallace
- Department of Chemistry, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA
| | - Michelle R Peace
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA
| | - Justin L Poklis
- Department of Forensic Science, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23284, USA
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - Sylvia Fitting
- Department of Psychology & Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA.
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Woodcock EA, Greenwald MK, Chen I, Feng D, Cohn JA, Lundahl LH. HIV chronicity as a predictor of hippocampal memory deficits in daily cannabis users living with HIV. DRUG AND ALCOHOL DEPENDENCE REPORTS 2023; 9:100189. [PMID: 37736522 PMCID: PMC10509297 DOI: 10.1016/j.dadr.2023.100189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Background Antiretroviral medications have increased the lifespan of persons living with HIV (PLWH) thereby unmasking memory decline that may be attributed to chronological age, HIV symptomatology, HIV disease chronicity, and/or substance use (especially cannabis use which is common among PLWH). To date, few studies have attempted to disentangle these effects. In a sample of daily cannabis-using PLWH, we investigated whether hippocampal memory function, assessed via an object-location associative learning task, was associated with age, HIV chronicity and symptom severity, or substance use. Methods 48 PLWH (12.9 ± 9.6 years since HIV diagnosis), who were 44 years old on average (range: 24-64 years; 58 % male) and reported daily cannabis use (recent use confirmed by urinalysis) completed the study. We assessed each participant's demographics, substance use, medical history, current HIV symptoms, and hippocampal memory function via a well-validated object-location associative learning task. Results Multiple regression analyses found that living more years since HIV+ diagnosis predicted significantly worse associative learning total score (r=-0.40) and learning rate (r=-0.34) whereas chronological age, cannabis-use characteristics, and recent HIV symptom severity were not significantly related to hippocampal memory function. Conclusions In daily cannabis-using PLWH, HIV chronicity was related to worse hippocampal memory function independent from cannabis use, age, and HIV symptomatology. Object-location associative learning performance could serve as an 'early-warning' metric of cognitive decline among PLWH. Future research should examine longitudinal changes in associative learning proficiency and evaluate interventions to prevent hippocampal memory decline among PLWH. ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01536899.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric A. Woodcock
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI USA
- Department of Pharmacology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Mark K. Greenwald
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Irene Chen
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Danni Feng
- Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Jonathan A. Cohn
- Department of Internal Medicine, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI USA
| | - Leslie H. Lundahl
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI USA
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Yan H, Lau WKW, Eickhoff SB, Long J, Song X, Wang C, Zhao J, Feng X, Huang R, Wang M, Zhang X, Zhang R. Charting the neural circuits disruption in inhibitory control and its subcomponents across psychiatric disorders: A neuroimaging meta-analysis. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2022; 119:110618. [PMID: 36002101 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2022.110618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Inhibitory control, comprising cognitive inhibition and response inhibition, showed consistent deficits among several major psychiatric disorders. We aim to identify the trans-diagnostic convergence of neuroimaging abnormalities underlying inhibitory control across psychiatric disorders. METHODS Inhibitory control tasks neuroimaging, including functional magnetic resonance imaging, single-photon emission computed tomography, and positron emission tomography articles published in PubMed and Web of Science before April 2020 comparing healthy controls with patients with several psychiatric disorders were searched. RESULTS 146 experiments on 2653 patients with different disorders and 2764 control participants were included. Coordinates of case-control differences coded by diagnosis and inhibitory control components were analyzed using activation likelihood estimation. A robust trans-diagnostic pattern of aberrant brain activation in the bilateral cingulate gyri extending to medial frontal gyri, right insula, bilateral lentiform nuclei, right inferior frontal gyrus, right precuneus extending to inferior parietal lobule, and right supplementary motor area were detected. Frontostriatal pathways are the commonly disrupted neural circuits in the inhibitory control across psychiatric disorders. Furthermore, Patients showed aberrant activation in the dorsal frontal inhibitory system in cognitive inhibition, while in the frontostriatal system in response inhibition across disorders. CONCLUSION Consistent with the Research Domain Criteria initiative, current findings show that psychiatric disorders may be productively formulated as a phenotype of trans-diagnostic neurocircuit disruption. Our results provide new insights for future research into mental disorders with inhibition-related dysfunctions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haifeng Yan
- Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China; Department of Science and Education, The People's Hospital of Gaozhou, Gaozhou, PR China
| | - Way K W Lau
- Department of Special Education and Counselling, The Education University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, PR China
| | - Simon B Eickhoff
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine, Brain and Behavior (INM-7), Research Center Jüelich, Germany; Institute of Systems Neuroscience, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jixin Long
- Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiaoqi Song
- Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Chanyu Wang
- Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Jiubo Zhao
- Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China; Department of Psychiatry, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Xiangang Feng
- Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China; Department of Psychiatry, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Ruiwang Huang
- School of Psychology, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, PR China
| | - Maosheng Wang
- Department of Science and Education, The People's Hospital of Gaozhou, Gaozhou, PR China
| | - Xiaoyuan Zhang
- Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China; Department of Psychiatry, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China.
| | - Ruibin Zhang
- Cognitive Control and Brain Healthy Laboratory, Department of Psychology, School of Public Health, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China; Department of Psychiatry, Zhujiang Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, PR China.
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Flannery JS, Riedel MC, Hill-Bowen LD, Poudel R, Bottenhorn KL, Salo T, Laird AR, Gonzalez R, Sutherland MT. Altered large-scale brain network interactions associated with HIV infection and error processing. Netw Neurosci 2022; 6:791-815. [PMID: 36605414 PMCID: PMC9810366 DOI: 10.1162/netn_a_00241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Altered activity within and between large-scale brain networks has been implicated across various neuropsychiatric conditions. However, patterns of network dysregulation associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and further impacted by cannabis (CB) use, remain to be delineated. We examined the impact of HIV and CB on resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) between brain networks and associations with error awareness and error-related network responsivity. Participants (N = 106), stratified into four groups (HIV+/CB+, HIV+/CB-, HIV-/CB+, HIV-/CB-), underwent fMRI scanning while completing a resting-state scan and a modified Go/NoGo paradigm assessing brain responsivity to errors and explicit error awareness. We examined separate and interactive effects of HIV and CB on resource allocation indexes (RAIs), a measure quantifying rsFC strength between the default mode network (DMN), central executive network (CEN), and salience network (SN). We observed reduced RAIs among HIV+ (vs. HIV-) participants, which was driven by increased SN-DMN rsFC. No group differences were detected for SN-CEN rsFC. Increased SN-DMN rsFC correlated with diminished error awareness, but not with error-related network responsivity. These outcomes highlight altered network interactions among participants with HIV and suggest such rsFC dysregulation may persist during task performance, reflecting an inability to disengage irrelevant mental operations, ultimately hindering error processing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica S. Flannery
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Michael C. Riedel
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Ranjita Poudel
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Katherine L. Bottenhorn
- Department of Population and Public Health Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Taylor Salo
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Angela R. Laird
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Raul Gonzalez
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Matthew T. Sutherland
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL, USA,* Corresponding Author:
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Interactive Effects of HIV Infection and Cannabis Use on Insula Subregion Functional Connectivity. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2022; 17:289-304. [PMID: 34427866 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-021-10005-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Chronic inflammation in the central nervous system is one mechanism through which human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) may lead to progressive cognitive decline. Given cannabis's (CB's) anti-inflammatory properties, use prevalence among people living with HIV (PLWH), and evidence implicating the insula in both, we examined independent and interactive effects of HIV and CB on insular circuitry, cognition, and immune function. We assessed resting-state functional connectivity (rsFC) of three insula subregions among 106 participants across four groups (co-occurring: HIV+/CB+; HIV-only: HIV+/CB-; CB-only: HIV-/CB+; controls: HIV-/CB-). Participants completed a neurocognitive battery assessing functioning across multiple domains and self-reported somatic complaints. Blood samples quantified immune function (T-cell counts) and inflammation (tumor necrosis factor alpha [TNF-α]). We observed interactive HIV × CB effects on rsFC strength between two anterior insula (aI) subregions and sensorimotor cortices such that, CB appeared to normalize altered rsFC among non-using PLWH. Specifically, compared to controls, HIV-only and CB-only groups displayed decreased dorsal anterior insula (DI) - postcentral gyrus rsFC and increased ventral anterior insula (VI) - supplementary motor area rsFC, whereas the co-occurring group displayed DI and VI rsFC more akin to that of controls. Altered DI - postcentral rsFC correlated with decreased processing speed and somatic complaints, but did not significantly correlate with inflammation (TNF-α). These outcomes implicate insula - sensorimotor neurocircuitries in HIV and CB and are consistent with prior work suggesting that CB use may normalize insula functioning among PLWH.
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Flannery JS, Riedel MC, Salo T, Poudel R, Laird AR, Gonzalez R, Sutherland MT. HIV infection is linked with reduced error-related default mode network suppression and poorer medication management abilities. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 111:110398. [PMID: 34224796 PMCID: PMC8380727 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Brain activity linked with error processing has rarely been examined among persons living with HIV (PLWH) despite importance for monitoring and modifying behaviors that could lead to adverse health outcomes (e.g., medication non-adherence, drug use, risky sexual practices). Given that cannabis (CB) use is prevalent among PLWH and impacts error processing, we assessed the influence of HIV serostatus and chronic CB use on error-related brain activity while also considering associated implications for everyday functioning and clinically-relevant disease management behaviors. METHODS A sample of 109 participants, stratified into four groups by HIV and CB (HIV+/CB+, n = 32; HIV+/CB-, n = 27; HIV-/CB+, n = 28; HIV-/CB-, n = 22), underwent fMRI scanning while completing a modified Go/NoGo paradigm called the Error Awareness Task (EAT). Participants also completed a battery of well-validated instruments including a subjective report of everyday cognitive failures and an objective measure of medication management abilities. RESULTS Across all participants, we observed expected error-related anterior insula (aI) activation which correlated with better task performance (i.e., less errors) and, among HIV- participants, fewer self-reported cognitive failures. Regarding awareness, greater insula activation as well as greater posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) deactivation were notably linked with aware (vs. unaware) errors. Regarding group effects, unlike HIV- participants, PLWH displayed a lack of error-related deactivation in two default mode network (DMN) regions (i.e., PCC, medial prefrontal cortex [mPFC]). No CB main or interaction effects were detected. Across all participants, reduced error-related PCC deactivation correlated with reduced medication management abilities and PCC deactivation mediated the effect of HIV on such abilities. More lifetime CB use was linked with reduced error-related mPFC deactivation among HIV- participants and poorer medication management across CB users. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that insufficient error-related DMN suppression linked with HIV infection, as well as chronic CB use among HIV- participants, has real-world consequences for medication management behaviors. We speculate that insufficient DMN suppression may reflect an inability to disengage task irrelevant mental operations, ultimately hindering error monitoring and behavior modification.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Taylor Salo
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL
| | - Ranjita Poudel
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL
| | - Angela R. Laird
- Department of Physics, Florida International University, Miami, FL
| | - Raul Gonzalez
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL
| | - Matthew T. Sutherland
- Department of Psychology, Florida International University, Miami, FL,Correspondence: Matthew T. Sutherland, Ph.D., Florida International University, Department of Psychology, AHC-4, RM 312, 11299 S.W. 8th St, Miami, FL 33199, , 305-348-7962
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Christopher-Hayes NJ, Lew BJ, Wiesman AI, Schantell M, O'Neill J, May PE, Swindells S, Wilson TW. Cannabis use impacts pre-stimulus neural activity in the visual cortices of people with HIV. Hum Brain Mapp 2021; 42:5446-5457. [PMID: 34464488 PMCID: PMC8519863 DOI: 10.1002/hbm.25634] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
People with HIV (PWH) use cannabis at a higher rate than the general population, but the influence on neural activity is not well characterized. Cannabis use among PWH may have a beneficial effect, as neuroinflammation is known to be a critical problem in PWH and cannabis use has been associated with a reduction in proinflammatory markers. Thus, it is important to understand the net impact of cannabis use on brain and cognitive function in PWH. In this study, we collected magnetoencephalographic (MEG) brain imaging data on 81 participants split across four demographically matched groups (i.e., PWH using cannabis, controls using cannabis, non‐using PWH, and non‐using controls). Participants completed a visuospatial processing task during MEG. Time–frequency resolved voxel time series were extracted to identify the dynamics of oscillatory and pre‐stimulus baseline neural activity. Our results indicated strong theta (4–8 Hz), alpha (10–16 Hz), and gamma (62–72 Hz) visual oscillations in parietal–occipital brain regions across all participants. PWH exhibited significant behavioral deficits in visuospatial processing, as well as reduced theta oscillations and elevated pre‐stimulus gamma activity in visual cortices, all of which replicate prior work. Strikingly, chronic cannabis use was associated with a significant reduction in pre‐stimulus gamma activity in the visual cortices, such that PWH no longer statistically differed from controls. These results provide initial evidence that cannabis use may normalize some neural aberrations in PWH. This study fills an important gap in understanding the impact of cannabis use on brain and cognitive function in PWH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Brandon J Lew
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Alex I Wiesman
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA.,Montreal Neurological Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Mikki Schantell
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Jennifer O'Neill
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, UNMC, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Pamela E May
- Department of Neurological Sciences, UNMC, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Susan Swindells
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Infectious Diseases, UNMC, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Tony W Wilson
- Institute for Human Neuroscience, Boys Town National Research Hospital, Boys Town, Nebraska, USA.,College of Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Meade CS, Li X, Towe SL, Bell RP, Calhoun VD, Sui J. Brain multimodal co-alterations related to delay discounting: a multimodal MRI fusion analysis in persons with and without cocaine use disorder. BMC Neurosci 2021; 22:51. [PMID: 34416865 PMCID: PMC8377830 DOI: 10.1186/s12868-021-00654-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Delay discounting has been proposed as a behavioral marker of substance use disorders. Innovative analytic approaches that integrate information from multiple neuroimaging modalities can provide new insights into the complex effects of drug use on the brain. This study implemented a supervised multimodal fusion approach to reveal neural networks associated with delay discounting that distinguish persons with and without cocaine use disorder (CUD). METHODS Adults with (n = 35) and without (n = 37) CUD completed a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to acquire high-resolution anatomical, resting-state functional, and diffusion-weighted images. Pre-computed features from each data modality included whole-brain voxel-wise maps for gray matter volume, fractional anisotropy, and regional homogeneity, respectively. With delay discounting as the reference, multimodal canonical component analysis plus joint independent component analysis was used to identify co-alterations in brain structure and function. RESULTS The sample was 58% male and 78% African-American. As expected, participants with CUD had higher delay discounting compared to those without CUD. One joint component was identified that correlated with delay discounting across all modalities, involving regions in the thalamus, dorsal striatum, frontopolar cortex, occipital lobe, and corpus callosum. The components were negatively correlated with delay discounting, such that weaker loadings were associated with higher discounting. The component loadings were lower in persons with CUD, meaning the component was expressed less strongly. CONCLUSIONS Our findings reveal structural and functional co-alterations linked to delay discounting, particularly in brain regions involved in reward salience, executive control, and visual attention and connecting white matter tracts. Importantly, these multimodal networks were weaker in persons with CUD, indicating less cognitive control that may contribute to impulsive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina S Meade
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Box 102848, Durham, NC, 27708, USA.
- Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Xiang Li
- Brainnetome Center and National Laboratory of Pattern Recognition, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- School of Artificial Intelligence, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Sheri L Towe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Box 102848, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Ryan P Bell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Box 102848, Durham, NC, 27708, USA
| | - Vince D Calhoun
- Tri-Institutional Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science (TReNDS), Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jing Sui
- Tri-Institutional Center for Translational Research in Neuroimaging and Data Science (TReNDS), Georgia State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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10
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Boerwinkle AH, Meeker KL, Luckett P, Ances BM. Neuroimaging the Neuropathogenesis of HIV. Curr HIV/AIDS Rep 2021; 18:221-228. [PMID: 33630240 DOI: 10.1007/s11904-021-00548-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW This review highlights neuroimaging studies of HIV conducted over the last 2 years and discusses how relevant findings further our knowledge of the neuropathology of HIV. Three major avenues of neuroimaging research are covered with a particular emphasis on inflammation, aging, and substance use in persons living with HIV (PLWH). RECENT FINDINGS Neuroimaging has been a critical tool for understanding the neuropathological underpinnings observed in HIV. Recent studies comparing levels of neuroinflammation in PLWH and HIV-negative controls show inconsistent results but report an association between elevated neuroinflammation and poorer cognition in PLWH. Other recent neuroimaging studies suggest that older PLWH are at increased risk for brain and cognitive compromise compared to their younger counterparts. Finally, recent findings also suggest that the effects of HIV may be exacerbated by alcohol and drug abuse. These neuroimaging studies provide insight into the structural, functional, and molecular changes occurring in the brain due to HIV. HIV triggers a strong neuroimmune response and may lead to a cascade of events including increased chronic inflammation and cognitive decline. These outcomes are further exacerbated by age and age-related comorbidities, as well as lifestyle factors such as drug use/abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna H Boerwinkle
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, Campus Box 8111, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Karin L Meeker
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, Campus Box 8111, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Patrick Luckett
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, Campus Box 8111, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA
| | - Beau M Ances
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, School of Medicine, Campus Box 8111, 660 South Euclid Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63110, USA.
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Xu Y, Lin Y, Bell RP, Towe SL, Pearson JM, Nadeem T, Chan C, Meade CS. Machine learning prediction of neurocognitive impairment among people with HIV using clinical and multimodal magnetic resonance imaging data. J Neurovirol 2021; 27:1-11. [PMID: 33464541 PMCID: PMC8001877 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-020-00930-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Diagnosis of HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment (NCI) continues to be a clinical challenge. The purpose of this study was to develop a prediction model for NCI among people with HIV using clinical- and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-derived features. The sample included 101 adults with chronic HIV disease. NCI was determined using a standardized neuropsychological testing battery comprised of seven domains. MRI features included gray matter volume from high-resolution anatomical scans and white matter integrity from diffusion-weighted imaging. Clinical features included demographics, substance use, and routine laboratory tests. Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator Logistic regression was used to perform variable selection on MRI features. These features were subsequently used to train a support vector machine (SVM) to predict NCI. Three different classification tasks were performed: one used only clinical features; a second used only selected MRI features; a third used both clinical and selected MRI features. Model performance was evaluated by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity with a tenfold cross-validation. The SVM classifier that combined selected MRI with clinical features outperformed the model using clinical features or MRI features alone (AUC: 0.83 vs. 0.62 vs. 0.79; accuracy: 0.80 vs. 0.65 vs. 0.72; sensitivity: 0.86 vs. 0.85 vs. 0.86; specificity: 0.71 vs. 0.37 vs. 0.52). Our results provide preliminary evidence that combining clinical and MRI features can increase accuracy in predicting NCI and could be developed as a potential tool for NCI diagnosis in HIV clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunan Xu
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Yizi Lin
- Department of Statistical Science, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Ryan P Bell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Sheri L Towe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - John M Pearson
- Center for Cognitive Neuroscience and Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical School, Durham, NC, USA
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Tauseef Nadeem
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Cliburn Chan
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University Medical School, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Christina S Meade
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, USA
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Hall SA, Lalee Z, Bell RP, Towe SL, Meade CS. Synergistic effects of HIV and marijuana use on functional brain network organization. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 104:110040. [PMID: 32687963 PMCID: PMC7685308 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2020.110040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/12/2020] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
HIV is associated with disruptions in cognition and brain function. Marijuana use is highly prevalent in HIV but its effects on resting brain function in HIV are unknown. Brain function can be characterized by brain activity that is correlated between regions over time, called functional connectivity. Neuropsychiatric disorders are increasingly being characterized by disruptions in such connectivity. We examined the synergistic effects of HIV and marijuana use on functional whole-brain network organization during resting state. Our sample included 78 adults who differed on HIV and marijuana status (19 with co-occurring HIV and marijuana use, 20 HIV-only, 17 marijuana-only, and 22 controls). We examined differences in local and long-range brain network organization using eight graph theoretical metrics: transitivity, local efficiency, within-module degree, modularity, global efficiency, strength, betweenness, and participation coefficient. Local and long-range connectivity were similar between the co-occurring HIV and marijuana use and control groups. In contrast, the HIV-only and marijuana-only groups were both associated with disruptions in brain network organization. These results suggest that marijuana use in HIV may normalize disruptions in brain network organization observed in persons with HIV. However, future work is needed to determine whether this normalization is suggestive of a beneficial or detrimental effect of marijuana on cognitive functioning in HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shana A Hall
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Durham, NC 27708, USA.
| | - Zahra Lalee
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Ryan P Bell
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Sheri L Towe
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Durham, NC 27708, USA
| | - Christina S Meade
- Duke University School of Medicine, Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Durham, NC 27708, USA; Brain Imaging and Analysis Center, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27708, USA
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13
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Towe SL, Meade CS, Cloak CC, Bell RP, Baptiste J, Chang L. Reciprocal Influences of HIV and Cannabinoids on the Brain and Cognitive Function. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2020; 15:765-779. [PMID: 32445005 PMCID: PMC7680275 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-020-09921-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
Globally, cannabis is the most commonly used illicit drug, with disproportionately high use among persons with HIV. Despite advances in HIV care, nearly half of persons living with HIV continue to experience neurocognitive deficits or impairments that may have negative impacts on their daily function. Chronic cannabis use may play a role in the development or exacerbation of these impairments. Here we present a review summarizing existing research detailing the effect of cannabis use associated with the neuropathogenesis of HIV. We examine evidence for possible additive or synergistic effects of HIV infection and cannabis use on neuroHIV in both the preclinical and adult human literatures, including in vitro studies, animal models, clinical neuroimaging research, and studies examining the cognitive effects of cannabis. We discuss the limitations of existing research, including methodological challenges involved with clinical research with human subjects. We identify gaps in the field and propose critical research questions to advance our understanding of how cannabis use affects neuroHIV. Graphical Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheri L Towe
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Christina S Meade
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Christine C Cloak
- Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 670 W. Baltimore Street, HSF III, Room 1161, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Ryan P Bell
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, 27705, USA
| | - Julian Baptiste
- Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 670 W. Baltimore Street, HSF III, Room 1161, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Linda Chang
- Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 670 W. Baltimore Street, HSF III, Room 1161, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21205, USA.
- John A Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA.
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Wang HA, Liang HJ, Ernst TM, Oishi K, Chang L. Microstructural brain abnormalities in HIV+ individuals with or without chronic marijuana use. J Neuroinflammation 2020; 17:230. [PMID: 32758262 PMCID: PMC7409464 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-020-01910-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Cognitive deficits and microstructural brain abnormalities are well documented in HIV-positive individuals (HIV+). This study evaluated whether chronic marijuana (MJ) use contributes to additional cognitive deficits or brain microstructural abnormalities that may reflect neuroinflammation or neuronal injury in HIV+. METHOD Using a 2 × 2 design, 44 HIV+ participants [23 minimal/no MJ users (HIV+), 21 chronic active MJ users (HIV + MJ)] were compared to 46 seronegative participants [24 minimal/no MJ users (SN) and 22 chronic MJ users (SN + MJ)] on neuropsychological performance (7 cognitive domains) and diffusion tensor imaging metrics, using an automated atlas to assess fractional anisotropy (FA), axial (AD), radial (RD), and mean (MD) diffusivities, in 18 cortical and 4 subcortical brain regions. RESULTS Compared to SN and regardless of MJ use, the HIV+ group had lower FA and higher diffusivities in multiple white matter and subcortical structures (p < 0.001-0.050), as well as poorer cognition in Fluency (p = 0.039), Attention/Working Memory (p = 0.009), Learning (p = 0.014), and Memory (p = 0.028). Regardless of HIV serostatus, MJ users had lower AD in uncinate fasciculus (p = 0.024) but similar cognition as nonusers. HIV serostatus and MJ use showed an interactive effect on mean diffusivity in the right globus pallidus but not on cognitive function. Furthermore, lower FA in left anterior internal capsule predicted poorer Fluency across all participants and worse Attention/Working Memory in all except SN subjects, while higher diffusivities in several white matter tracts also predicted lower cognitive domain Z-scores. Lastly, MJ users with or without HIV infection showed greater than normal age-dependent FA declines in superior longitudinal fasciculus, external capsule, and globus pallidus. CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest that, except in the globus pallidus, chronic MJ use had no additional negative influence on brain microstructure or neurocognitive deficits in HIV+ individuals. However, lower AD in the uncinate fasciculus of MJ users suggests axonal loss in this white matter tract that connects to cannabinoid receptor rich brain regions that are involved in verbal memory and emotion. Furthermore, the greater than normal age-dependent FA declines in the white matter tracts and globus pallidus in MJ users suggest that older chronic MJ users may eventually have lesser neuronal integrity in these brain regions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah A. Wang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 670 W. Baltimore Street, HSF III, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Hua-Jun Liang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 670 W. Baltimore Street, HSF III, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
| | - Thomas M. Ernst
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 670 W. Baltimore Street, HSF III, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI USA
| | - Kenichi Oishi
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Linda Chang
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University of Maryland School of Medicine, 670 W. Baltimore Street, HSF III, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Hawaii, John A. Burns School of Medicine, Honolulu, HI USA
- Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD USA
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