Journal of Antivirals & Antiretrovirals
Open Access
ISSN: 1948-5964
+44 1300 500008
ISSN: 1948-5964
+44 1300 500008
Maria Jose Miguez
Scientific Tracks Abstracts: JAA
Despite advances in antiretroviral therapy (ARVT), HIV associated neurological disorders aff ect up to 60% people living with HIV (PLWH). Th ese disturbing prevalences have been attributed to a persistent infl ammatory response; however, the underlying mechanisms need to be further elucidated for eff ective intervention. TNF-a is a highly pleiotropic cytokine that may contribute to HIV associated neurotoxicity given its role on viral replication and neuronal apoptosis. Given the high prevalence of hazardous alcohol use (HAU) among PLWH, HAU role in sustaining a pro-infl ammatory response was investigated. Using a case control study 200 PLWH receiving medical care were enrolled and stratifi ed according to alcohol intake. Baseline analyses were used to this purpose. According to the data, hazardous drinkers, particularly those consuming liquor and beer, exhibited higher TNF-a levels. Elevation of TNF- _ was independent of the presence of liver disease indicating that mechanisms other than liver damage were mediating the disturbances.Th e implications of these fi ndings are far-reaching given that TNFa levels were signifi cantly associated with lower CD4 cell counts, and cognitive impairment. Cognitive analysis demonstrated that higher TNF-a levels were associated with longer completion times for the Trail Making Test 1 and 2 (p = 0.02), and diffi culties naming words starting with letters t and s. Participants in the highest TNF tertiles also learned fewer words, remember less words aft er a short delayed and have less visual search activity.In summary, despite ARVT HAU of liquor or beer has signifi cant eff ects on serum TNF-_ levels and this proinfl ammatory response is associated with cognitive impairments.
Dr. Míguez is a Medical Doctor with extensive neuroimmunology training. Dr. Míguez is Professor at the School of Integrated Health and Science at the Florida International University. She is also the PI of several HIV grants focused onalcohol and tobacco. She has published more than 80 papers in reputed journals and serves as an editorial board member of the Journal of AIDS and Clinical Research