Journal of Alcoholism & Drug Dependence
Open Access

Abstract

Mentholated Cigarettes are Related With Abnormal Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Levels among Smokers Living with HIV

Maria Jose MB, Richardson E, Vargas M, Espinoza L, Lewis JE, Deshratan A and Stanton AC

Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) plays a prominent role in protecting the brain from insults such as HIV. In addition to HIV, animal studies suggest that cigarette smoking, may also affect BDNF levels. However, the influence of smoking on BDNF levels among People Living with HIV (PLWH) has not been studied, despite the high prevalence of smoking within this population. To determine the independent and interactive effects of smoking and HIV on plasma BDNF levels.