Brain derived neurotrophic factor and cognitive status: the delicate balance among people living with HIV, with and without alcohol abuse.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The advent of combination antiretroviral therapy(cART) has lead to a significant reduction in morbidity and mortality among people living with HIV(PLWH). However, HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) still remain a significant problem. One possible mechanism for the persistence of these disorders is through the effect of HIV on brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). BDNF is influenced by various factors including hazardous alcohol use (HAU), which is prevalent among PLWH. This study attempts to elucidate the relationships between HAU, BDNF and HAND.

Methods

Cross-sectional analyses were conducted on a sample of 199 hazardous alcohol users and 198 non-HAU living with HIV. Members of each group were matched according to sociodemographic characteristic

SUBMITTER: Miguez-Burbano MJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4508013 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature