Cannabis Use and Inflammation in People with HIV
Cannabis use frequency and its impact on monocyte-mediated inflammation in HIV patients
This research explores how often people with HIV use cannabis and how that might affect inflammation in their immune cells, which could impact brain health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Michigan State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Lansing, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11137823 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many people living with HIV experience brain-related issues, known as HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND), even with effective treatments. We believe that ongoing, low-level inflammation in the brain, partly driven by certain immune cells called monocytes, plays a key role in HAND. This project looks at how cannabis use might influence these inflammatory processes in monocytes. Understanding this connection could help us find new ways to protect brain health in people with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is relevant for individuals living with HIV, particularly those who use cannabis and may be experiencing or are at risk for neurocognitive challenges.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or do not use cannabis would likely not directly benefit from the findings of this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a better understanding of how cannabis affects inflammation in HIV, potentially guiding future strategies to manage or prevent brain complications.
How similar studies have performed: While the role of inflammation in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder is established, the specific link between cannabis use frequency and monocyte-mediated inflammation in this context is a novel area of focus.
Where this research is happening
East Lansing, United States
- Michigan State University — East Lansing, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kaminski, Norbert E — Michigan State University
- Study coordinator: Kaminski, Norbert E
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.