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
Article
Míguez-Burbano, MJ, Espinoza, L, Bueno, D et al. (2014). 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
. 13(5), 454-460. 10.1177/2325957414535253
Míguez-Burbano, MJ, Espinoza, L, Bueno, D et al. (2014). 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
. 13(5), 454-460. 10.1177/2325957414535253
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/mm3(P = .02) and to achieve viral suppression over the followup 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.