Beyond the Brain: The Role of Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor in Viroimmune Responses to Antiretroviral Therapy among People Living with HIV with and without Alcohol Use. (September 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Míguez-Burbano, María José; Espinoza, Luis; Bueno, Diego; Vargas, Mayra; Trainor, Allison B.; Quiros, Clery; Lewis, John E.; Asthana, Deshratn
• Is Part Of: Journal of the International Association of Providers of AIDS Care. Volume 13:Number 5(2014:Sep./Oct.)
• Page Start: 454
• Page End: 460
• Publication Date: 2014-09
• Subjects: HIV/AIDS -- alcohol -- BDNF -- CD4 -- viral load; AIDS (Disease) -- Periodicals; 616.9792
• DOI: 10.1177/2325957414535253
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2325-9574

Abstract

Objective: Given the emerging data suggesting the key role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in the immune system, we assessed longitudinally whether BDNF depletions induced by hazardous alcohol use (HAU) would impact a response to antiretroviral therapy (ART). Methods: In a prospective single-site cohort, virological and immunological responses to ART in 200 hazardous and 200 nonhazardous users were obtained, along with plasma BDNF levels. Results: Hazardous drinkers were more likely to have BDNF levels <4000 pg/mL (odds ratio [OR] = 1.6, P = .01). Participants with BDNF <4000 pg/mL were less likely to have CD4 counts of more than 500 cells/mm 3 ( P = .02) and to achieve viral suppression over the follow-up period (OR = 1.5, P = .03). Multivariate analysis confirmed the significant role of HAU and low BDNF in predicting viroimmune responses. Conclusion: Hazardous alcohol use was associated with BDNF alterations, which in turn were linked to a limited response to ART in terms of viral suppression and CD4 count improvements.