Journal of Drug Metabolism & Toxicology
Open Access

Abstract

Role of Cytochrome P450 Systems in Substance of Abuse Mediated HIV-1 Pathogenesis and NeuroAIDS

Santosh Kumar

The impact of HIV-1 pathogenesis, substance of abuse, and AIDS development and progression in neurons (neuroAIDS) on neurodegeneration has been discussed in the recent edition of “The neurology of AIDS” [1]. This book also covers the perspectives of HIV-infected patients who suffer from neurodegeneration. Their perspectives are intriguing and an eye-opener for the researchers in the field of substance of abuse and neuroAIDS. Further, the book highlights several unresolved issues that need to be addressed in order to rescue/decrease AIDS and neuroAIDS development, especially in the populations who regularly consume substances of abuse. Thus, there is a critical need to investigate alternate pathway that is responsible for neuroAIDS associated neurodegeneration among HIV-infected substance of abusers. This would help discover novel interventions as well as drug dose adjustments for these individuals. This editorial article highlights: 1) Problems associated with HIV-1 and substance of abuse; 2) Possible role of alternate cytochrome P450 pathway in substance of abuse associated HIV-1 pathogenesis: Brief review of the literatures; 3) Proposed alternate cytochrome P450 pathway in substance of abuse associated HIV-1 pathogenesis: Author’s perspectives; 4) Conclusion.