Childhood trauma and genetic variation in the DAT 40-bp VNTR contribute to HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders.

ABSTRACT: HIV/AIDS is a major public health burden in South Africa, currently affecting an estimated 13.5% of the population. Despite improved access to antiretroviral therapies, HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), characterised by a spectrum of neurocognitive impairment, emotional disturbances and motor abnormalities, continue to persist. Gene-environment interactions contribute to HAND pathophysiology and previous research has identified childhood trauma as an environmental risk factor. Dopaminergic signalling in the prefrontal cortex plays a key role in cognitive function. Thus, variants in genes encoding the dopamine transporter (DAT) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), which are responsible for dopamine transport and metabolism, could represent genetic risk factors for HAND. Th

SUBMITTER: Roomaney AA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9210473 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature