The role of Catecholamines in HIV Neuropathogenesis.

The role of Catecholamines in HIV Neuropathogenesis.
Brain Res. 2018 Apr 26;:
Authors: Nolan R, Gaskill PJ
Abstract
The success of anti-retroviral therapy has improved the quality of life and lifespan of HIV+ individuals, transforming HIV infection into a chronic condition. These improvements have come with a cost, as chronic HIV infection and long-term therapy have resulted in the emergence of a number of new pathologies. This includes a variety of the neuropathological and neurocognitive effects collectively known as HIVassociated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) or NeuroHIV. These effects persist even in the absence of viral replication, suggesting that they are mediated the long-term changes in the CNS induced by HIV infection rather than by active replication. Among these effects are significant changes in catecholaminergic neurotransmission, especially in dopaminergic brain regions. In HIV-infected individuals not treated with ARV show prominent neuropathology is common in dopamine-rich brain regions and altered autonomic nervous system activity. Even infected individuals on therapy, there is significant dopaminergic neuropathology, and elevated stress and norepinephrine levels correlate with a decreased effectiveness of antiretroviral drugs. As catecholamines function as immunomodulatory factors, the resultant dysregulation of catecholaminergic tone could substantially alter the development of HIVassociated neuroinflammation an...

Source: Brain Research - April 26, 2018 Category: Neurology Authors: Nolan R, Gaskill PJ Tags: Brain Res Source Type: research