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Uddin MN, Singh MV, Faiyaz A, Szczepankiewicz F, Nilsson M, Boodoo ZD, Sutton KR, Tivarus ME, Zhong J, Wang L, Qiu X, Weber MT, Schifitto G. Tensor-valued diffusion MRI detects brain microstructure changes in HIV infected individuals with cognitive impairment. RESEARCH SQUARE 2024:rs.3.rs-4482269. [PMID: 38946952 PMCID: PMC11213220 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-4482269/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Despite advancements, the prevalence of HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment remains at approximately 40%, attributed to factors like pre-cART (combination antiretroviral therapy) irreversible brain injury. People with HIV (PWH) treated with cART do not show significant neurocognitive changes over relatively short follow-up periods. However, quantitative neuroimaging may be able to detect ongoing subtle microstructural changes. This study aimed to investigate the sensitivity of tensor-valued diffusion encoding in detecting such changes in brain microstructural integrity in cART-treated PWH. Additionally, it explored relationships between these metrics, neurocognitive scores, and plasma levels of neurofilament light (NFL) chain and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Using MRI at 3T, 24 PWH and 31 healthy controls underwent cross-sectional examination. The results revealed significant variations in b-tensor encoding metrics across white matter regions, with associations observed between these metrics, cognitive performance, and blood markers of neuronal and glial injury (NFL and GFAP). Moreover, a significant interaction between HIV status and imaging metrics was observed, particularly impacting total cognitive scores in both gray and white matter. These findings suggest that b-tensor encoding metrics offer heightened sensitivity in detecting subtle changes associated with axonal injury in HIV infection, underscoring their potential clinical relevance in understanding neurocognitive impairment in PWH.
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Qi Y, Wang W, Rao B, Yang X, Yu W, Li JY, Sun ZC, Zhou F, Li YZ, Guo YF, Wang Y, Li HJ. Value of Radiomic Analysis Combined With Diffusion Tensor Imaging in Early Diagnosis of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders. J Magn Reson Imaging 2023; 58:1882-1891. [PMID: 37118972 DOI: 10.1002/jmri.28741] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The combination of radiomics and diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) may have potential clinical value in the early stage of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). PURPOSE To investigate the value of DTI-based radiomics in the early stage of HAND in people living with HIV (PLWH). STUDY TYPE Retrospective. POPULATION A total of 138 male PLWH were included, including 68 with intact cognition (IC) and 70 with asymptomatic neurocognitive impairment (ANI). Seventy healthy controls (HCs) were recruited for tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) analysis. All PLWHs were randomly divided into training and validation cohorts at a 7:3 ratio. FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE A 3 T, single-shot spin-echo echo planar imaging (EPI). ASSESSMENT The differences between the PLWH groups were compared using TBSS and region of interest (ROI) analysis. Radiomic features were extracted from the corpus callosum (CC) on DTI postprocessed images, including fractional anisotropy (FA), axial diffusivity (AD), mean diffusivity (MD), and radial diffusivity (RD). The performance of the radiomic signatures was evaluated by ROC curve analysis. The radiomic signature with the highest area under the curve (AUC) was combined with clinical characteristics to construct a nomogram. Decision curve analysis (DCA) was performed to evaluate the ability of different methods in discriminating ANI. STATISTICAL TESTS Chi-square test, independent-samples t test, Kruskal-Wallis test, Mann-Whitney U test, threshold-free cluster enhancement (TFCE), ROC curve analysis, DCA, multivariate logistic regression analysis, Hosmer-Lemeshow test. P < 0.05 with TFCE corrected and P < 0.0001 without TFCE corrected were considered statistically significant. RESULTS The ANI group showed lower FA and higher AD than the IC group. In the validation cohort, the AUCs of the FA-, AD-, MD- and RD-based radiomic signatures and the clinicoradiomic nomogram were 0.829, 0.779, 0.790, 0.864, and 0.874, respectively. DCA revealed that the nomogram was of greater clinical value than TBSS analysis, the clinical models, and the RD-based radiomic signature. DATA CONCLUSION The combination of DTI and radiomics is correlated with early stage of HAND in PLWH. EVIDENCE LEVEL 3. TECHNICAL EFFICACY Stage 2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Qi
- Department of Radiology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Institute of Medical Imaging and Artificial Intelligence, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Medical Imaging Center, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Rao
- Department of Radiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Wen Yu
- Center for Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Psychiatry, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital (Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, China
| | - Jia-Ying Li
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhi-Chao Sun
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feini Zhou
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yuan-Zhe Li
- Department of CT/MRI, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Yi-Fan Guo
- Department of Radiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University (Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Hangzhou, China
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Department of CT/MRI, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, China
| | - Hong-Jun Li
- Department of Radiology, Beijing Youan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Ahmed-Leitao F, Du Plessis S, Konkiewitz EC, Spies G, Seedat S. Altered white matter integrity in the corpus callosum in adults with HIV: a systematic review of diffusion tensor imaging studies. Psychiatry Res Neuroimaging 2022; 326:111543. [PMID: 36126346 DOI: 10.1016/j.pscychresns.2022.111543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We systematically reviewed studies comparing differences in the integrity of the corpus callosum in adults with HIV compared to healthy controls, using Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI), using search engines Science Direct, Web of Science and PubMed. The search terms used were "HIV", "corpus callosum", and a variation of either "DTI" or "Diffusion Tensor Imaging" with or without the term "adults". We specifically examined the corpus callosum as it is the largest white matter tract in the brain, plays a primary role in cognition, and has been shown to be morphologically altered in people living with HIV. Lower fractional anisotropy (FA) was consistently found in the corpus callosum in people with HIV compared to controls. As most studies used only FA as a measure of diffusion, it would be informative for future research if other DTI metrics, such as mean diffusivity (MD), were also investigated as these metrics may be more sensitive markers of HIV-related neuropathology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Ahmed-Leitao
- South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, South Africa.
| | - Stefan Du Plessis
- Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; SAMRC Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | | | - Georgina Spies
- South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; SAMRC Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
| | - Soraya Seedat
- South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, South Africa; SAMRC Genomics of Brain Disorders Unit, Department of Psychiatry, Stellenbosch University, Cape Town, South Africa.
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Ma J, Yang X, Xu F, Li H. Application of Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI) in the Diagnosis of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND): A Meta-Analysis and a System Review. Front Neurol 2022; 13:898191. [PMID: 35873786 PMCID: PMC9302369 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.898191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The patients with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) are often accompanied by white matter structure damage. Diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an important tool to detect white matter structural damage. However, the changes in DTI values reported in many studies are diverse in different white matter fiber tracts and brain regions. Purpose Our research is dedicated to evaluating the consistency and difference of the correlation between HAND and DTI measures in different studies. Additionally, the value of DTI in HAND evaluation is used to obtain consensus and independent conclusions between studies. Methods We searched PubMed and Web of Science to collect relevant studies using DTI for the diagnosis of HAND. After screening and evaluating the search results, meta-analysis is used for quantitative research on data. Articles that cannot collect data but meet the research relevance will be subjected to a system review. Results The meta-analysis shows that the HAND group has lower fractional anisotropy (standardized mean difference = −0.57 p < 0.0001) and higher mean diffusivity (standardized mean difference = 0.04 p < 0.0001) than the healthy control group in corpus callosum. In other white matter fibers, we found similar changes in fractional anisotropy (standardized mean difference = −1.18 p < 0.0001) and mean diffusivity (standardized mean difference = 0.69 p < 0.0001). However, the heterogeneity (represented by I2) between the studies is high (in corpus callosum 94, 88%, in other matter fibers 95, 81%). After subgroup analysis, the heterogeneity is obtained as 19.5, 40.7% (FA, MD in corpus callosum) and 0, 0% (FA, MD among other white matter fibers). Conclusion The changes in white matter fibers in patients with HAND are statistically significant at the observation level of DTI compared with healthy people. The differences between the studies are mainly derived from demographics, start and maintenance time of antiretroviral therapy, differences in nadir CD4+T cells, and the use of different neurocognitive function scales. As an effective method to detect the changes in white matter fibers, DTI is of great significance for the diagnosis of HAND, but there are still some shortcomings. In the absence of neurocognitive function scales, independent diagnosis remains difficult. Systematic Review Registration:https://inplasy.com/inplasy-2021-10-0079/.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juming Ma
- Department of Radiology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Xue Yang
- Department of Radiology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Xu
- Department of Radiology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Hongjun Li
- Department of Radiology, Beijing YouAn Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hongjun Li
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Yoshihara Y, Kato T, Watanabe D, Fukumoto M, Wada K, Oishi N, Nakakura T, Kuriyama K, Shirasaka T, Murai T. Altered white matter microstructure and neurocognitive function of HIV-infected patients with low nadir CD4. J Neurovirol 2022; 28:355-366. [PMID: 35776340 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-022-01053-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 01/11/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Altered white matter microstructure has been reported repeatedly using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. However, the associations between neurocognitive deficits and impaired white matter remains obscure due to frequent physical and psychiatric comorbidities in the patients. Severe immune suppression, reflected by low nadir CD4 T-cell counts, is reported to be associated with the neurocognitive deficits in the patients. In the present study, we examined white matter integrity using DTI and tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS), and neurocognitive functions using a battery of tests, in 15 HIV-infected patients with low nadir CD4, 16 HIV-infected patients with high nadir CD4, and 33 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. As DTI measures, we analyzed fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD). In addition, we investigated the correlation between white matter impairments and neurocognitive deficits. Among the three participant groups, the patients with low nadir CD4 showed significantly lower performance in processing speed and motor skills, and had significantly increased MD in widespread regions of white matter in both hemispheres. In the patients with low nadir CD4, there was a significant negative correlation between motor skills and MD in the right motor tracts, as well as in the corpus callosum. In summary, this study may provide white matter correlates of neurocognitive deficits in HIV-infected patients with past severe immune suppression as legacy effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujiro Yoshihara
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan.
| | - Tadatsugu Kato
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
| | - Dai Watanabe
- AIDS Medical Center, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masaji Fukumoto
- Department of Radiology, National Hospital Organization Higashi-Ohmi General Medical Center, Shiga, Japan
| | - Keiko Wada
- Department of Radiology, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Naoya Oishi
- Medical Innovation Center, Kyoto University Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Takahiro Nakakura
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Kyoto Tachibana University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Keiko Kuriyama
- Department of Radiology, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takuma Shirasaka
- AIDS Medical Center, National Hospital Organization Osaka National Hospital, Osaka, Japan
| | - Toshiya Murai
- Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, Kyoto University, 54 Kawaharacho, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto, 606-8507, Japan
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Chen G, Cai DC, Song F, Zhan Y, Wei L, Shi C, Wang H, Shi Y. Morphological Changes of Frontal Areas in Male Individuals With HIV: A Deformation-Based Morphometry Analysis. Front Neurol 2022; 13:909437. [PMID: 35832184 PMCID: PMC9271794 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2022.909437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Previous studies on HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals have revealed brain structural alterations underlying HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Most studies have adopted the widely used voxel-based morphological analysis of T1-weighted images or tracked-based analysis of diffusion tensor images. In this study, we investigated the HIV-related morphological changes using the deformation-based morphometry (DBM) analysis of T1-weighted images, which is another useful tool with high regional sensitivity. Materials and Methods A total of 157 HIV+ (34.7 ± 8.5 years old) and 110 age-matched HIV-uninfected (HIV-) (33.7 ± 10.1 years old) men were recruited. All participants underwent neurocognitive assessments and brain scans, including high-resolution structural imaging and resting-state functional imaging. Structural alterations in HIV+ individuals were analyzed using DBM. Functional brain networks connected to the deformed regions were further investigated in a seed-based connectivity analysis. The correlations between imaging and cognitive or clinical measures were examined. Results The DBM analysis revealed decreased values (i.e., tissue atrophy) in the bilateral frontal regions in the HIV+ group, including bilateral superior frontal gyrus, left middle frontal gyrus, and their neighboring white matter tract, superior corona radiata. The functional connectivity between the right superior frontal gyrus and the right inferior temporal region was enhanced in the HIV+ group, the connectivity strength of which was significantly correlated with the global deficit scores (r = 0.214, P = 0.034), and deficits in learning (r = 0.246, P = 0.014) and recall (r = 0.218, P = 0.031). Increased DBM indexes (i.e., tissue enlargement) of the right cerebellum were also observed in the HIV+ group. Conclusion The current study revealed both gray and white matter volume changes in frontal regions and cerebellum in HIV+ individuals using DBM, complementing previous voxel-based morphological studies. Structural alterations were not limited to the local regions but were accompanied by disrupted functional connectivity between them and other relevant regions. Disruptions in neural networks were associated with cognitive performance, which may be related to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guochao Chen
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Dan-Chao Cai
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fengxiang Song
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yi Zhan
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wei
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunzi Shi
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - He Wang
- Institute of Science and Technology for Brain-Inspired Intelligence, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuxin Shi
- Shanghai Institute of Medical Imaging, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Yuxin Shi
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Kilgore CB, Strain JF, Nelson B, Cooley SA, Rosenow A, Glans M, Cade WT, Reeds DN, Paul RH, Ances BM. Cardiorespiratory Fitness Is Associated With Better White Matter Integrity in Persons Living With HIV. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2022; 89:558-565. [PMID: 34966145 PMCID: PMC9058177 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Accepted: 11/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite improved survival rates, neurocognitive impairment persists in persons living with HIV (PLWH). An active lifestyle is linked to improved cognition among PLWH, yet the neural substrates remain unclear. Diffusion tensor imaging and diffusion basis spectrum imaging measure HIV-related changes in brain white matter integrity. We used these measures of structural brain integrity to assess white matter changes, physical fitness, and cognition in a cross-sectional study of PLWH. METHODS Forty-four virologically well-controlled PLWH were recruited (average age of 56 years, a median recent CD4+ count of 682 cells/mm3). Diffusion tensor imaging -derived fractional anisotropy (FA) and diffusion basis spectrum imaging-derived axonal density were calculated. Cardiorespiratory fitness [maximal volume of oxygen consumption (VO2 max)] was measured by performing indirect calorimetry during exercise to volitional exhaustion. Cardiovascular risk was assessed by the Framingham risk score. Neuropsychological performance (NP) testing evaluated learning, memory, psychomotor/processing speed, and executive function. Partial correlations assessed the relationships among cardiorespiratory fitness, neuroimaging, NP, and HIV clinical metrics (CD4+ count and time since diagnosis). RESULTS Higher VO2 max was associated with higher FA and higher axonal density in multiple white matter tracts, including the corticospinal tract and superior longitudinal fasciculus. Better NP in the motor/psychomotor domain was positively associated with FA and axonal density in diverse tracts including those associated with motor and visuospatial processing. However, higher VO2 max was not associated with NP or HIV clinical metrics. CONCLUSIONS An active lifestyle promoting cardiorespiratory fitness may lead to better white matter integrity and decreased susceptibility to cognitive decline in virologically well-controlled PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Collin B Kilgore
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Jeremy F Strain
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Brittany Nelson
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Sarah A Cooley
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Alexander Rosenow
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Michelle Glans
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | | | - Dominic N Reeds
- Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Robert H Paul
- Department of Psychology, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
| | - Beau M Ances
- Department of Neurology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
- Department of Radiology, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO; and
- Hope Center for Neurological Disorders, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO
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8
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Herold CJ, Kong L, Ceballos ME, Schröder J, Toro P. Neurological soft signs and brain morphology in people living with HIV. J Neurovirol 2022; 28:236-247. [PMID: 35352314 PMCID: PMC9187556 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-022-01071-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Neurological soft signs (NSS) are a common feature of severe psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia but are also prevalent in organic brain diseases like HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) or Alzheimer’s disease. While distinct associations between NSS, neurocognition, and cerebral regions were demonstrated in schizophrenia, these associations still have to be elucidated in HIV. Therefore, we investigated 36 persons with HIV of whom 16 were neurocognitively healthy and 20 were diagnosed with HAND. NSS were assessed using the Heidelberg scale. NSS scores were correlated with gray matter (GM) using whole brain voxel-based morphometry. Results showed significantly elevated NSS in the HAND group when compared to the neurocognitively healthy with respect to NSS total score and the subscores “orientation” and “complex motor tasks”. While the two groups showed only minor, non-significant GM differences, higher NSS scores (subscales “motor coordination”, “orientation”) were significantly correlated with GM reduction in the right insula and cerebellum (FWE-corrected). Our results corroborate elevated NSS in HIV+ patients with HAND in contrast to cognitively unimpaired patients. In addition, cerebral correlates of NSS with GM reductions in insula and cerebellum were revealed. Taken together, NSS in this patient group could be considered a marker of cerebral damage and neurocognitive deficits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina J Herold
- Section of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of General Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.
| | - Li Kong
- Department of Psychology, Shanghai Normal University, Shanghai, China.
| | - María Elena Ceballos
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Medicine School, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Johannes Schröder
- Section of Geriatric Psychiatry, Department of General Psychiatry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pablo Toro
- Department of Psychiatry, Medicine School, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
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9
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Finkelstein A, Faiyaz A, Weber MT, Qiu X, Uddin MN, Zhong J, Schifitto G. Fixel-Based Analysis and Free Water Corrected DTI Evaluation of HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders. Front Neurol 2021; 12:725059. [PMID: 34803875 PMCID: PMC8600320 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.725059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: White matter (WM) damage is a consistent finding in HIV-infected (HIV+) individuals. Previous studies have evaluated WM fiber tract-specific brain regions in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) using diffusion tensor imaging (DTI). However, DTI might lack an accurate biological interpretation, and the technique suffers from several limitations. Fixel-based analysis (FBA) and free water corrected DTI (fwcDTI) have recently emerged as useful techniques to quantify abnormalities in WM. Here, we sought to evaluate FBA and fwcDTI metrics between HIV+ and healthy controls (HIV−) individuals. Using machine learning classifiers, we compared the specificity of both FBA and fwcDTI metrics in their ability to distinguish between individuals with and without cognitive impairment in HIV+ individuals. Methods: Forty-two HIV+ and 52 HIV– participants underwent MRI exam, clinical, and neuropsychological assessments. FBA metrics included fiber density (FD), fiber bundle cross section (FC), and fiber density and cross section (FDC). We also obtained fwcDTI metrics such as fractional anisotropy (FAT) and mean diffusivity (MDT). Tract-based spatial statistics (TBSS) was performed on FAT and MDT. We evaluated the correlations between MRI metrics with cognitive performance and blood markers, such as neurofilament light chain (NfL), and Tau protein. Four different binary classifiers were used to show the specificity of the MRI metrics for classifying cognitive impairment in HIV+ individuals. Results: Whole-brain FBA showed significant reductions (up to 15%) in various fiber bundles, specifically the cerebral peduncle, posterior limb of internal capsule, middle cerebellar peduncle, and superior corona radiata. TBSS of fwcDTI metrics revealed decreased FAT in HIV+ individuals compared to HIV– individuals in areas consistent with those observed in FBA, but these were not significant. Machine learning classifiers were consistently better able to distinguish between cognitively normal patients and those with cognitive impairment when using fixel-based metrics as input features as compared to fwcDTI metrics. Conclusion: Our findings lend support that FBA may serve as a potential in vivo biomarker for evaluating and monitoring axonal degeneration in HIV+ patients at risk for neurocognitive impairment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan Finkelstein
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Abrar Faiyaz
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Miriam T Weber
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Xing Qiu
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Md Nasir Uddin
- Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Jianhui Zhong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States.,Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States.,Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Giovanni Schifitto
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States.,Department of Neurology, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States.,Department of Imaging Sciences, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, United States
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10
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Zhang J, Boska M, Zheng Y, Liu J, Fox HS, Xiong H. Minocycline attenuation of rat corpus callosum abnormality mediated by low-dose lipopolysaccharide-induced microglia activation. J Neuroinflammation 2021; 18:100. [PMID: 33902641 PMCID: PMC8077939 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-021-02142-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Microglia are resident innate immune cells in the brain, and activation of these myeloid cells results in secretion of a variety of pro-inflammatory molecules, leading to the development of neurodegenerative disorders. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a widely used experimental stimulant in microglia activation. We have previously shown that LPS produced microglia activation and evoked detectable functional abnormalities in rat corpus callosum (CC) in vitro. Here, we further validated the effects of low-dose LPS-induced microglia activation and resultant white matter abnormality in the CC in an animal model and examined its attenuation by an anti-inflammatory agent minocycline. Methods Twenty-four SD rats were divided randomly into three groups and intra-peritoneally injected daily with saline, LPS, and LPS + minocycline, respectively. All animals were subject to MRI tests 6 days post-injection. The animals were then sacrificed to harvest the CC tissues for electrophysiology, western blotting, and immunocytochemistry. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post-test of all pair of columns was employed statistical analyses. Results Systemic administration of LPS produced microglial activation in the CC as illustrated by Iba-1 immunofluorescent staining. We observed that a large number of Iba-1-positive microglial cells were hyper-ramified with hypertrophic somata or even amoeba like in the LPS-treated animals, and such changes were significantly reduced by co-administration of minocycline. Electrophysiological recordings of axonal compound action potential (CAP) in the brain slices contained the CC revealed an impairment on the CC functionality as detected by a reduction in CAP magnitude. Such an impairment was supported by a reduction of fast axonal transportation evidenced by β-amyloid precursor protein accumulation. These alterations were attenuated by minocycline, demonstrating minocycline reduction of microglia-mediated interruption of white matter integrity and function in the CC. Conclusions Systemic administration of LPS produced microglia activation in the CC and resultant functional abnormalities that were attenuated by an anti-inflammatory agent minocycline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingdong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA. .,Present Address: Department of Anesthesiology, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, 45267, USA.
| | - Michael Boska
- Department of Radiology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Ya Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.,Present address: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Jianuo Liu
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Howard S Fox
- Department of Neurological Sciences, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA
| | - Huangui Xiong
- Department of Pharmacology & Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, 68198, USA.
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11
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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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12
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Neuroimaging Advances in Diagnosis and Differentiation of HIV, Comorbidities, and Aging in the cART Era. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2021; 50:105-143. [PMID: 33782916 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2021_221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
In the "cART era" of more widely available and accessible treatment, aging and HIV-related comorbidities, including symptoms of brain dysfunction, remain common among HIV-infected individuals on suppressive treatment. A better understanding of the neurobiological consequences of HIV infection is essential for developing thorough treatment guidelines and for optimizing long-term neuropsychological outcomes and overall brain health. In this chapter, we first summarize magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) methods used in over two decades of neuroHIV research. These methods evaluate brain volumetric differences and circuitry disruptions in adults living with HIV, and help map clinical correlations with brain function and tissue microstructure. We then introduce and discuss aging and associated neurological complications in people living with HIV, and processes by which infection may contribute to the risk for late-onset dementias. We describe how new technologies and large-scale international collaborations are helping to disentangle the effect of genetic and environmental risk factors on brain aging and neurodegenerative diseases. We provide insights into how these advances, which are now at the forefront of Alzheimer's disease research, may advance the field of neuroHIV. We conclude with a summary of how we see the field of neuroHIV research advancing in the decades to come and highlight potential clinical implications.
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13
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Zhao T, Chen J, Fang H, Fu D, Su D, Zhang W. Diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging of white matter integrity in patients with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2020; 8:1314. [PMID: 33209894 PMCID: PMC7661883 DOI: 10.21037/atm-20-6342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Background This study investigated the efficacy and neurotoxicity of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) by evaluating white matter (WM) injury using diffusion tensor magnetic resonance imaging (DTI) in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). Methods Forty-six patients with HAND underwent DTI before and every six months during HAART treatment. DTI data, including fractional anisotropy (FA) and mean diffusivity (MD) values of structural WM before and after HAART, were compared. The relationship between DTI values and plasma viral loads was tested. MD was more sensitive than FA for evaluating WM injury in HAND-positive patients. Results Following 12 months of HAART, increased MD values (compared to 6 months of HAART) were observed in the right temporal lobe, right parietal lobe, right occipital lobe, right anterior limb of the internal capsule, right lenticular nucleus, the right cerebral peduncle, left caudate nucleus, left dorsal thalamus, and left posterior limb of the internal capsule. MD values in the left genu of the internal capsule (r=0.350, P=0.017) and left corona radiata (r=0.338, P=0.021) were positively correlated with plasma viral loads. Conclusions DTI may be useful for assessing the efficacy and neurotoxicity of HAART in HAND-positive patients. Starting HAART may halt WM injury; however, prolonged HAART could worsen WM injury, highlighting the importance of optimal HAART duration.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Hang Fang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Danhui Fu
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Danke Su
- Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
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14
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Martín-Signes M, Cano-Melle C, Chica AB. Fronto-parietal networks underlie the interaction between executive control and conscious perception: Evidence from TMS and DWI. Cortex 2020; 134:1-15. [PMID: 33248337 DOI: 10.1016/j.cortex.2020.09.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 06/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
The executive control network is involved in novel situations or those in which prepotent responses need to be overridden. Previous studies have demonstrated that when control is exerted, conscious perception is impaired, and this effect is related to the functional connectivity of fronto-parietal regions. In the present study, we explored the causal involvement of one of the nodes of this fronto-parietal network (the right Supplementary Motor Area, SMA) in the interaction between executive control and conscious perception. Participants performed a dual task in which they responded to a Stroop task while detecting the presence/absence of a near-threshold Gabor stimulus. Concurrently, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) was applied over the right SMA or a control site (vertex; Experiment 1). As a further control, the right Frontal Eye Field (FEF) was stimulated in Experiment 2. Diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) tractography was used to isolate the three branches of the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF I, II and III), and the frontal aslant tract (FAT), and to explore if TMS effects were related to their micro- and macrostructural characteristics. Results demonstrated reduced perceptual sensitivity on incongruent as compared to congruent Stroop trials. A causal role of the right SMA on the modulation of perceptual sensitivity by executive control was only demonstrated when the microstructure of the right SLF III or the left FAT were taken into account. The volume of the right SLF III was also related to the modulation of response criterion by executive control when the right FEF was stimulated. These results add evidence in favor of shared neural correlates for attention and conscious perception in fronto-parietal regions and highlight the role of white matter in TMS effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mar Martín-Signes
- Department of Experimental Psychology, and Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
| | - Cristina Cano-Melle
- Department of Experimental Psychology, and Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Ana B Chica
- Department of Experimental Psychology, and Mind, Brain, and Behavior Research Center (CIMCYC), University of Granada, Granada, Spain
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15
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Thurman M, Johnson S, Acharya A, Pallikkuth S, Mahesh M, Byrareddy SN. Biomarkers of Activation and Inflammation to Track Disparity in Chronological and Physiological Age of People Living With HIV on Combination Antiretroviral Therapy. Front Immunol 2020; 11:583934. [PMID: 33162998 PMCID: PMC7581935 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.583934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
With advancement, prompt use, and increasing accessibility of antiretroviral therapy, people with HIV are living longer and have comparable lifespans to those negative for HIV. However, people living with HIV experience tradeoffs with quality of life often developing age-associated co-morbid conditions such as cancers, cardiovascular diseases, or neurodegeneration due to chronic immune activation and inflammation. This creates a discrepancy in chronological and physiological age, with HIV-infected individuals appearing older than they are, and in some contexts ART-associated toxicity exacerbates this gap. The complexity of the accelerated aging process in the context of HIV-infection highlights the need for greater understanding of biomarkers involved. In this review, we discuss markers identified in different anatomical sites of the body including periphery, brain, and gut, as well as markers related to DNA that may serve as reliable predictors of accelerated aging in HIV infected individuals as it relates to inflammatory state and immune activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michellie Thurman
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Samuel Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Arpan Acharya
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Suresh Pallikkuth
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States
| | - Mohan Mahesh
- Southwest National Primate Research Institute, Texas Biomedical Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, United States
| | - Siddappa N Byrareddy
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Neuroscience, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE, United States
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16
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Chang K, Premeaux TA, Cobigo Y, Milanini B, Hellmuth J, Rubin LH, Javandel S, Allen I, Ndhlovu LC, Paul R, Valcour V. Plasma inflammatory biomarkers link to diffusion tensor imaging metrics in virally suppressed HIV-infected individuals. AIDS 2020; 34:203-213. [PMID: 31634200 PMCID: PMC6933087 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000002404] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Inflammation may contribute to brain white matter health in people living with HIV who report cognitive symptoms despite adherence to combination antiretroviral therapy and viral suppression. We explored relationships between diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) metrics of white matter, plasma biomarkers of immune activation, and cognitive function in the HIV-infected population. DESIGN Retrospective study of older adults living with HIV who are combination antiretroviral therapy adherent, virally suppressed, and self-report cognitive symptoms. METHODS MRI, blood draws, and standardized neuropsychological test scores were collected from HIV-infected individuals. DTI metrics (fractional anisotropy, mean diffusivity, radial diffusivity, axial diffusivity) and plasma biomarkers (soluble CD163, soluble CD14, neopterin, IFN γ-induced protein 10, monocyte chemoattractant protein 1) were quantified. Statistical analysis explored associations between biomarker levels or neuropsychological test scores and DTI metrics using region of interest analyses and a voxelwise approach. RESULTS A total of 43 participants with median (interquartile range) age of 64 (62-66 years), CD4 cell count of 600 (400-760 cell/μl) who were all virally suppressed (<100 copies/ml) were selected. Higher levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 associated with lower fractional anisotropy and higher mean diffusivity (P < 0.05) across white matter tracts including corpus callosum, corona radiata, and superior longitudinal fasciculus. Higher neopterin associated with higher mean diffusivity in the genu of corpus callosum, and higher soluble CD14 associated with lower fractional anisotropy in the bilateral superior corona radiata (P < 0.05). Worse global performance and speed domain scores associated with higher mean diffusivity and lower fractional anisotropy, and worse executive domain scores associated with lower fractional anisotropy (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION Elevated inflammatory plasma biomarkers link to white matter abnormalities among virally suppressed individuals. DTI abnormalities associate to cognitive performance. We conclude that inflammatory processes impact clinically relevant brain health indices despite viral suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Chang
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Thomas A Premeaux
- Department of Tropical Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Yann Cobigo
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Benedetta Milanini
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Joanna Hellmuth
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Leah H Rubin
- Department of Neurology and Psychiatry, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins University, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Shireen Javandel
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Isabel Allen
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
| | - Lishomwa C Ndhlovu
- Department of Tropical Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, Hawaii
| | - Robert Paul
- Missouri Institute of Mental Health, University of Missouri St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Victor Valcour
- Department of Neurology, Memory and Aging Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California
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17
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O’Meara T, Kong Y, Chiarella J, Price RW, Chaudhury R, Liu X, Spudich S, Robertson K, Emu B, Lu L. Exosomal MicroRNAs Associate With Neuropsychological Performance in Individuals With HIV Infection on Antiretroviral Therapy. J Acquir Immune Defic Syndr 2019; 82:514-522. [PMID: 31714431 PMCID: PMC6857839 DOI: 10.1097/qai.0000000000002187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neurocognitive dysfunction remains prevalent among people living with HIV (PLWH), even after viral suppression on combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). We investigated associations between neuropsychological performance (NP) and patterns of circulating exosomal microRNA (exo-miRNA) expression in PLWH on cART. SETTING A cross-sectional examination of plasma exo-miRNA among PLWH on cART with systemic viral suppression and volunteers without HIV infection. METHODS Thirty-one PLWH who started cART during early infection (n = 19) or chronic infection (n = 12) participated in phlebotomy and an 11-test neuropsychological battery after >1 year on treatment. NP higher- or lower-performing participants were categorized based on normalized neuropsychological scores. Total RNA was extracted from purified exosomes of 31 PLWH and 5 volunteers without HIV and subject to small RNA sequencing. Differential expression of exo-miRNAs was examined and biological functions were predicted. RESULTS Eleven exo-miRNAs were up-regulated in NP lower-performing (n = 18) relative to higher-performing PLWH (n = 13). A high proportion of the differentiating exo-miRNA target the axon guidance KEGG pathway and neurotrophin tyrosine receptor kinase signaling Gene Ontology pathway. Differential expression analysis of exo-miRNAs between NP lower- (n = 7) and higher-performing (n = 12) PLWH within the early infection group alone confirmed largely consistent findings. CONCLUSIONS Plasma exo-miRNA content differed between NP higher- and lower-performing PLWH. Several differentially expressed exo-miRNAs were predicted to be involved in inflammation and neurodegeneration pathways. Exo-miRNA in plasma may indicate cross-talk between the circulation and central nervous system and thus may be clinically relevant for neurocognitive dysfunction in PLWH.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yong Kong
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
| | | | - Richard W. Price
- University of California San Francisco School of Medicine,
San Francisco, CA
| | - Rabib Chaudhury
- Yale School of Engineering and Applied Sciences, New Haven,
CT
| | | | | | - Kevin Robertson
- University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel
Hill, NC
| | | | - Lingeng Lu
- Yale School of Public Health, New Haven, CT
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18
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Womersley JS, Spies G, Seedat S, Hemmings SMJ. Childhood trauma interacts with ApoE to influence neurocognitive function in women living with HIV. J Neurovirol 2019; 25:183-193. [PMID: 30478798 PMCID: PMC7010592 DOI: 10.1007/s13365-018-0700-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 11/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) describes a spectrum of behavioural, motor and cognitive disturbances that can occur secondary to HIV infection. Less severe forms of the disorder persist despite advances in antiretroviral medication efficacy and availability. Childhood trauma (CT) may predispose individuals to developing HAND. As genetic variation in human apolipoprotein E (ApoE) has been implicated in cognitive decline and may mediate the development of long-term health outcomes following CT, we investigated the influence of ApoE and CT on cognitive function in the context of HIV. One hundred twenty-eight HIV-positive Xhosa women completed the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF) as well as the HIV Neurobehavioural Research Center neurocognitive test battery. rs7412 and rs429358 were genotyped using KASP assays, and this data was used to determine the ApoE isoform. Baseline differences in demographic and clinical variables according to CT exposure were calculated. Analysis of covariance was used to assess the contributions of CT and ApoE variants, as well as their interaction, to cognitive function. Eighty-eight participants reported experiencing CT. The rs7412 C allele protected against the harmful effect of CT on motor scores using an additive model. The interaction of ApoE ε4 and CT was associated with worse attention/working memory scores. ApoE ε4, alone and in combination with CT, is associated with poorer cognitive function. Further research into this gene-environment interaction may assist in identifying at-risk individuals for targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacqueline S Womersley
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa
| | - Georgina Spies
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa
| | - Soraya Seedat
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa
| | - Sian M J Hemmings
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Francie van Zijl Drive, Tygerberg, 7505, South Africa.
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19
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Liang H, Chang L, Chen R, Oishi K, Ernst T. Independent and Combined Effects of Chronic HIV-Infection and Tobacco Smoking on Brain Microstructure. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol 2018; 13:509-522. [PMID: 30225549 PMCID: PMC6247419 DOI: 10.1007/s11481-018-9810-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2018] [Accepted: 09/04/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
HIV-infected individuals (HIV+) have 2-3 times higher prevalence of tobacco smoking than the general U.S. population. This study aims to evaluate the independent and combined effects of tobacco-smoking and HIV-infection on brain microstructure and cognition using a 2 × 2 design. 21 HIV + Smokers, 25 HIV + Nonsmokers, 25 Seronegative (SN)-Smokers and 23 SN-Nonsmokers were evaluated using diffusion tensor imaging. Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean (MD), radial (RD) and axial (AD) diffusivity were assessed in 8 major cerebral fiber tracts and 5 subcortical regions. Cognitive performance in 7 neurocognitive domains was also assessed. Compared to SN, HIV+ had higher AD in genu of corpus callosum (GCC, p = 0.002). Smokers also had higher diffusivities in GCC, splenium of corpus callosum (SCC), anterior corona radiata (ACR), sagittal stratum (SS) and superior fronto-occipital fasciculus (SFO), than Nonsmokers (p-values<0.001-0.003). Tobacco-Smoking and HIV-infection showed synergistic effects on AD_SS (p = 0.002) and RD_SFO (p = 0.02), but opposite effects in FA_putamen (p = 0.024). Additive effects from HIV+ and Tobacco-Smoking were observed in 9 other white matter tracts, with highest diffusivities and lowest FA in HIV + Smokers. Higher diffusivities in the GCC, SCC, ACR and SS predicted poorer cognitive performance across all participants (p ≤ 0.001). Higher AD_GCC also predicted slower Speed of information processing and poorer Fluency and Attention only in HIV + Smokers (p = 0.001-0.003). Chronic tobacco smoking and HIV-infection appear to have additive and synergistic adverse effects on brain diffusivities, suggesting greater neuroinflammation, which may contribute to poorer cognition. Therefore, chronic tobacco-smoking may be a risk factor for HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders. Graphical Abstract ᅟ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huajun Liang
- Department of Radiology, University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine, 419 W. Redwood Street, Suite 225, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Linda Chang
- Department of Radiology, University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine, 419 W. Redwood Street, Suite 225, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Rong Chen
- Department of Radiology, University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine, 419 W. Redwood Street, Suite 225, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Kenichi Oishi
- Department of Radiology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Thomas Ernst
- Department of Radiology, University of Maryland Baltimore School of Medicine, 419 W. Redwood Street, Suite 225, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
- Department of Neurology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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