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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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Namagga JK, Rukundo GZ, Batwala V, Niyonzima V, Nantongo H, Nambozi G. Healthcare Workers' Perspectives on the Utilization of the International HIV Dementia Scale for the Screening HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders: A Qualitative Study at TASO Centres in Central and Southwestern Uganda. HIV AIDS (Auckl) 2024; 16:229-243. [PMID: 38827783 PMCID: PMC11144000 DOI: 10.2147/hiv.s444668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are becoming a significant public health concern in the continuum of human immune virus (HIV) treatment. These disorders range from subtle cognitive impairments to severe dementia. Despite many early-stage HAND cases being asymptomatic, healthcare workers (HCWs) rarely perform routine neurocognitive assessments. This leads to a high number of unrecognized cases and increases the risk of HAND among people living with HIV (PLWH). Material and Methods We aimed to explore HCWs' perspectives on integrating the International HIV Dementia Scale (IHDS) into routine care for screening HAND at The AIDS Support Organization (TASO) centres in central and southwestern Uganda. Results We conducted five focus group discussions with 37 HCWs from five TASO centres. Thematic analysis revealed eight key theme: 1) Impaired brain function, 2) Changes in activities of daily living, 3) Promotion of quality care perspectives, 4) Tool applicable and user-friendly, 5) Client increased self-awareness and self-confidence, 6) Integration of IHDS into routine HIV care, 7) Uncertainty about IHDS use, and 8) Continuous training for HCWs. Conclusion As PLWH enjoy longer and healthier lives, their risk for HAND increases, potentially affecting their quality of life. The use of the IHDS has raised awareness among HCWs and improved decision-making through cognitive assessments, emphasizing it value in PLWH. We recommend a prospective study to assess the long-term outcomes and efficacy of increased HAND screening. Furthermore, integrating a HAND screening module into the consolidated HIV guidelines is recommended to enhance its relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jane Kasozi Namagga
- Department of Nursing, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Godfrey Zari Rukundo
- Department of Psychiatry, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Vincent Batwala
- Department of Community Health, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Vallence Niyonzima
- Department of Nursing, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Hanifah Nantongo
- Department of Nursing, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Grace Nambozi
- Department of Nursing, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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Moschopoulos CD, Stanitsa E, Protopapas K, Kavatha D, Papageorgiou SG, Antoniadou A, Papadopoulos A. Multimodal Approach to Neurocognitive Function in People Living with HIV in the cART Era: A Comprehensive Review. Life (Basel) 2024; 14:508. [PMID: 38672778 PMCID: PMC11050956 DOI: 10.3390/life14040508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Combination antiretroviral treatment (cART) has revolutionized the management of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and has markedly improved the disease burden and life expectancy of people living with HIV. HIV enters the central nervous system (CNS) early in the course of infection, establishes latency, and produces a pro-inflammatory milieu that may affect cognitive functions, even in the cART era. Whereas severe forms of neurocognitive impairment (NCI) such as HIV-associated dementia have declined over the last decades, milder forms have become more prevalent, are commonly multifactorial, and are associated with comorbidity burdens, mental health, cART neurotoxicity, and ageing. Since 2007, the Frascati criteria have been used to characterize and classify HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) into three stages, namely asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI), mild neurocognitive disorder (MND), and HIV-associated dementia (HAD). These criteria are based on a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment that presupposes the availability of validated, demographically adjusted, and normative population data. Novel neuroimaging modalities and biomarkers have been proposed in order to complement NCI assessments, elucidate neuropathogenic mechanisms, and support HIV-associated NCI diagnosis, monitoring, and prognosis. By integrating neuropsychological assessments with biomarkers and neuroimaging into a holistic care approach, clinicians can enhance diagnostic accuracy, prognosis, and patient outcomes. This review interrogates the value of these modes of assessment and proposes a unified approach to NCI diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalampos D. Moschopoulos
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (K.P.); (D.K.); (A.A.); (A.P.)
| | - Evangelia Stanitsa
- 1st Department of Neurology, Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.S.); (S.G.P.)
| | - Konstantinos Protopapas
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (K.P.); (D.K.); (A.A.); (A.P.)
| | - Dimitra Kavatha
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (K.P.); (D.K.); (A.A.); (A.P.)
| | - Sokratis G. Papageorgiou
- 1st Department of Neurology, Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Eginition Hospital, 11528 Athens, Greece; (E.S.); (S.G.P.)
| | - Anastasia Antoniadou
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (K.P.); (D.K.); (A.A.); (A.P.)
| | - Antonios Papadopoulos
- 4th Department of Internal Medicine, Medical School of Athens, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Attikon University Hospital, 12462 Athens, Greece; (K.P.); (D.K.); (A.A.); (A.P.)
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Borrajo A, Pérez-Rodríguez D, Fernández-Pereira C, Prieto-González JM, Agís-Balboa RC. Genomic Factors and Therapeutic Approaches in HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders: A Comprehensive Review. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14364. [PMID: 37762667 PMCID: PMC10531836 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241814364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Revised: 08/31/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HANDs) still persist despite improved life expectancy, reduced viral loads, and decreased infection severity. The number of patients affected by HANDs ranges from (30 to 50) % of HIV-infected individuals. The pathological mechanisms contributing to HANDs and the most serious manifestation of the disease, HIV-associated dementia (HAD), are not yet well understood. Evidence suggests that these mechanisms are likely multifactorial, producing neurocognitive complications involving disorders such as neurogenesis, autophagy, neuroinflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Over the years, multiple pharmacological approaches with specific mechanisms of action acting upon distinct targets have been approved. Although these therapies are effective in reducing viral loading to undetectable levels, they also present some disadvantages such as common side effects, the need for administration with a very high frequency, and the possibility of drug resistance. Genetic studies on HANDs provide insights into the biological pathways and mechanisms that contribute to cognitive impairment in people living with HIV-1. Furthermore, they also help identify genetic variants that increase susceptibility to HANDs and can be used to tailor treatment approaches for HIV-1 patients. Identification of the genetic markers associated with disease progression can help clinicians predict which individuals require more aggressive management and by understanding the genetic basis of the disorder, it will be possible to develop targeted therapies to mitigate cognitive impairment. The main goal of this review is to provide details on the epidemiological data currently available and to summarise the genetic (specifically, the genetic makeup of the immune system), transcriptomic, and epigenetic studies available on HANDs to date. In addition, we address the potential pharmacological therapeutic strategies currently being investigated. This will provide valuable information that can guide clinical care, drug development, and our overall understanding of these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Borrajo
- Department of Microbiology and Parasitology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Complutense University of Madrid, 28040 Madrid, Spain
- Department of Experimental Medicine and Surgery, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Roma, Italy
| | - Daniel Pérez-Rodríguez
- NeuroEpigenetics Lab, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago University Hospital Complex, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (D.P.-R.); (C.F.-P.); (J.M.P.-G.)
- Facultade de Bioloxía, Universidade de Vigo (UVigo), Campus Universitario Lagoas-Marcosende, s/n, 36310 Vigo, Spain
| | - Carlos Fernández-Pereira
- NeuroEpigenetics Lab, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago University Hospital Complex, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (D.P.-R.); (C.F.-P.); (J.M.P.-G.)
- Translational Neuroscience Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), Area Sanitaria de Vigo-Hospital Álvaro Cunqueiro, SERGAS-UVIGO, CIBERSAM-ISCIII, 36213 Vigo, Spain
- Rare Disease and Pediatric Medicine Group, Galicia Sur Health Research Institute (IIS Galicia Sur), SERGAS-UVIGO, 36312 Vigo, Spain
| | - José María Prieto-González
- NeuroEpigenetics Lab, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago University Hospital Complex, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (D.P.-R.); (C.F.-P.); (J.M.P.-G.)
- Translational Research in Neurological Diseases (ITEN), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago University Hospital Complex, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Roberto Carlos Agís-Balboa
- NeuroEpigenetics Lab, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago University Hospital Complex, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (D.P.-R.); (C.F.-P.); (J.M.P.-G.)
- Translational Research in Neurological Diseases (ITEN), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Santiago University Hospital Complex, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Servicio de Neurología, Hospital Clínico Universitario de Santiago, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
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Byansi W, Ssewamala FM, Neilands TB, Bahar OS, Nabunya P, Namuwonge F, McKay MM. The Short-Term Impact of a Combination Intervention on Depressive Symptoms Among School-Going Adolescent Girls in Southwestern Uganda: The Suubi4Her Cluster Randomized Trial. J Adolesc Health 2022; 71:301-307. [PMID: 35660128 PMCID: PMC9771640 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadohealth.2022.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Revised: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE This study aims to examine the short-term impact of a combined intervention consisting of evidence-based family economic empowerment (FEE) and multiple family group (MFG) interventions on depressive symptoms among school-going adolescent girls in southwestern Uganda. METHODS We analyzed longitudinal data from a cluster randomized trial. The sample consisted of 1,260 adolescent girls (aged 14-17 years at enrollment) recruited from senior one and senior two classes across 47 secondary schools in the southwestern region of Uganda. Participants were randomized at the school level to either the control condition receiving bolstered standard of care or one of the two treatment conditions-the treatment one condition receiving the FEE intervention or the treatment two conditions receiving both the FEE plus MFG interventions. Descriptive statistics and a three-level mixed-effects model were conducted to examine the effect of a combination intervention on depressive symptoms. RESULTS At baseline, there were no significant differences between the control condition and both treatment conditions. While all three groups experienced a substantial reduction in depressive symptoms from baseline to 12 months, the reductions were stronger for the two intervention groups. However, FEE + MFG was not significantly different from FEE at 12 months. DISCUSSION Results imply that the FEE intervention may be a promising tool in addressing depressive symptoms among adolescent girls. Therefore, to reduce the long-term implications of adverse psychosocial health during adolescence, policymakers and program implementers should explore scaling up economic empowerment interventions in similar settings to bridge the mental health treatment gap for adolescent girls.
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Affiliation(s)
- William Byansi
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri.
| | - Fred M. Ssewamala
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Torsten B. Neilands
- School of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Ozge Sensoy Bahar
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Proscovia Nabunya
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Flavia Namuwonge
- International Center for Child Health and Development Field Office, Masaka, Uganda
| | - Mary M. McKay
- Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri
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Ellis RJ, Heaton RK, Tang B, Collier A, Marra CM, Gelman BB, Morgello S, Clifford DB, Sacktor N, Cookson D, Letendre S. Peripheral inflammation and depressed mood independently predict neurocognitive worsening over 12 years. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 21:100437. [PMID: 35308084 PMCID: PMC8928134 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Neurocognitive (NC) impairment in people with HIV (PWH) is associated with important adverse outcomes, but no markers exist to predict long-term NC decline. We evaluated depressed mood and markers of persistent inflammation, oxidative stress and altered amyloid processing (all common in PWH) as predictors of NC worsening over 12 years. Methods PWH were enrolled and followed longitudinally in the CNS HIV Antiretroviral Effects Research (CHARTER) study at six US sites. At entry we quantified biomarkers in blood of inflammation: (interleukin-6 [IL-6], C-reactive protein [CRP], monocyte chemoattractant protein type 1 [MCP-1], D-dimer, soluble sCD14 (sCD14), soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor - type II [sTNFR-II], neopterin, and soluble CD40 ligand [sCD40L], oxidative stress (protein carbonyls, 8-oxo-2'-deoxyguanosine [8-oxo-dG]) and altered amyloid processing [amyloid beta (Aβ)-42, soluble amyloid precursor protein-α (sAPPα)] using commercial immunoassays. The Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) assessed depressed mood at entry. NC decline over 12 years was evaluated using the published and validated summary (global) regression-based change score (sRBCS). A factor analysis reduced dimensionality of the biomarkers. Univariable and multiple regression models tested the relationship between baseline predictors and the outcome of neurocognitive decline. Results Participants were 191 PWH, 37 (19.4%) women, 46.6% African American, 43.5% non-Hispanic white, 8.83% Hispanic, 15.7% white, 1.6% other; at study entry mean (SD) age 43.6 (8.06) years, estimated duration of HIV infection (median, IQR) 9.82 [4.44, 14.5] years, nadir CD4 104/μL (19,205), current CD4 568/μL (356, 817), and 80.1% had plasma HIV RNA <50 c/mL. Participants were enrolled between 2003 and 2007; median (IQR) duration of follow-up 12.4 [9.69, 16.2] years. Three biomarker factors were identified: Factor (F)1 (IL-6, CRP), F2 (sTNFR-II, neopterin) and F3 (sCD40L, sAPPα). Participants with higher F1, reflecting worse systemic inflammation at baseline, and higher F3, had greater decline in global neurocognition (r = -0.168, p = 0.0205 and r = -0.156, p = 0.0309, respectively). Of the F1 components, higher CRP levels were associated with worse decline (r = -0.154, p = 0.0332), while IL-6 did not (r = -0.109, p = 0.135). NC change was not significantly related to F2, nor to demographics, nadir and current CD4, viral suppression or baseline NC comorbidity ratings. Individuals with worse depressed mood at entry also experienced more NC decline (r = -0.1734, p = 0.0006). Together BDI-II (p = 0.0290), F1 (p = 0.0484) and F3 (p = 0.0309) contributed independently to NC decline (p = 0.0028); their interactions were not significant. Neither CRP nor IL-6 correlated significantly with depression. Conclusions PWH with greater systemic inflammation and more depression at entry had greater NC decline over 12 years. Understanding the basis of this inflammatory state might be particularly important. These findings raise the possibility that targeted anti-inflammatory or antidepressant therapies may help prevent NC worsening in PWH with depression and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronald J. Ellis
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Robert K. Heaton
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Bin Tang
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - A.C. Collier
- University of Washington, Seattle, WA, United States
| | | | | | - S. Morgello
- Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, United States
| | | | - N. Sacktor
- Johns-Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - D. Cookson
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
| | - Scott Letendre
- University of California San Diego, San Diego, CA, United States
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Figarola-Centurión I, Escoto-Delgadillo M, González-Enríquez GV, Gutiérrez-Sevilla JE, Vázquez-Valls E, Torres-Mendoza BM. Sirtuins Modulation: A Promising Strategy for HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Impairments. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:643. [PMID: 35054829 PMCID: PMC8775450 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 12/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
HIV-Associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is one of the major concerns since it persists in 40% of this population. Nowadays, HAND neuropathogenesis is considered to be caused by the infected cells that cross the brain-blood barrier and produce viral proteins that can be secreted and internalized into neurons leading to disruption of cellular processes. The evidence points to viral proteins such as Tat as the causal agent for neuronal alteration and thus HAND. The hallmarks in Tat-induced neurodegeneration are endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Sirtuins (SIRTs) are NAD+-dependent deacetylases involved in mitochondria biogenesis, unfolded protein response, and intrinsic apoptosis pathway. Tat interaction with these deacetylases causes inhibition of SIRT1 and SIRT3. Studies revealed that SIRTs activation promotes neuroprotection in neurodegenerative diseases such Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Therefore, this review focuses on Tat-induced neurotoxicity mechanisms that involve SIRTs as key regulators and their modulation as a therapeutic strategy for tackling HAND and thereby improving the quality of life of people living with HIV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Izchel Figarola-Centurión
- Doctorado en Genética Humana, Departamento de Biología Molecular y Genómica, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico;
- Laboratorio de Inmunodeficiencias y Retrovirus Humanos, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (M.E.-D.); (J.E.G.-S.)
| | - Martha Escoto-Delgadillo
- Laboratorio de Inmunodeficiencias y Retrovirus Humanos, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (M.E.-D.); (J.E.G.-S.)
- Centro Universitario de Ciencias Biológicas y Agropecuarias, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44600, Mexico
| | - Gracia Viviana González-Enríquez
- Departamento de Disciplinas Filosófico, Metodológicas e Instrumentales, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico;
| | - Juan Ernesto Gutiérrez-Sevilla
- Laboratorio de Inmunodeficiencias y Retrovirus Humanos, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (M.E.-D.); (J.E.G.-S.)
- Microbiología Médica, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico
| | - Eduardo Vázquez-Valls
- Generación de Recursos Profesionales, Investigación y Desarrollo, Secretaria de Salud, Jalisco, Guadalajara 44100, Mexico;
| | - Blanca Miriam Torres-Mendoza
- Laboratorio de Inmunodeficiencias y Retrovirus Humanos, Centro de Investigación Biomédica de Occidente, Instituto Mexicano del Seguro Social, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico; (M.E.-D.); (J.E.G.-S.)
- Departamento de Disciplinas Filosófico, Metodológicas e Instrumentales, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Mexico;
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Wakida EK, Atuhaire CD, Karungi CK, Maling S, Obua C. Mbarara University Research Training Initiative: Experiences and Accomplishments of the MEPI Junior D43 TW010128 Award in Uganda. ADVANCES IN MEDICAL EDUCATION AND PRACTICE 2021; 12:1397-1410. [PMID: 34887692 PMCID: PMC8650769 DOI: 10.2147/amep.s339752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In 2015, Mbarara University of Science and Technology was awarded the Mbarara University Research Training Initiative (MURTI) under grant number D43 TW010128 to build capacity of junior faculty to become the next generation of researchers in Africa. In this paper, we document the experiences and achievements of the research capacity building efforts at MUST. METHODS We conducted a descriptive evaluation study which involved document review and in-depth interviews. We used "Reach" and 'Effectiveness' from the RE-AIM framework to guide the document review, and the organizational theory of implementation effectiveness to guide the in-depth interviews. RESULTS In the MURTI program, we conducted 17 short courses between August 2015 and July 2021, a total of 6597 attendances were recorded. The most attended courses were responsible conduct of research (n = 826), qualitative research methods (n = 744), and data management (n = 613). Thirty-three fellows were recruited and funded to conduct mentored research leading to 48 publications and 14 extramural grant applications were yielded. From the in-depth interviews, the participants appreciated the research training program, the enhanced research skills attained, and the institutional capacity built. They attributed the success of the program to the training approach of using short courses, readiness of the junior faculty to change, and the supportive environment by the mentors and trainers in the program. CONCLUSION The D43 TW010128 research training grant-built capacity for the junior faculty at MUST, enhanced their research skills, promoted research capacity institutionally and provided career development for the junior faculty. This was possible due to the positive attitude of the junior faculty (organizational readiness) to change and the supportive environment (mentors and trainers) during implementation of the grant. These two factors provided a favorable institutional climate that guaranteed success of the funding goals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edith K Wakida
- Office of Research Administration, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Clara D Atuhaire
- Office of Research Administration, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Christine K Karungi
- Office of Research Administration, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Samuel Maling
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
| | - Celestino Obua
- Office of the Vice Chancellor, Mbarara University of Science and Technology, Mbarara, Uganda
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