Investigating how certain HIV medications cause pain
Cellular and circuitry mechanisms of NRTI-induced pain pathogenesis in the context of opioids and HIV
This study is looking into how certain HIV medications might be making pain worse for people living with HIV, and it aims to find out why this happens so that better treatments can be developed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University New York Stony Brook NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stony Brook, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10704142 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), which are commonly used in HIV treatment, contribute to pain in patients living with HIV. The study will explore the mechanisms behind this pain, particularly how NRTIs interact with opioids and a specific HIV protein, gp120, to exacerbate pain conditions. By using animal models, researchers will examine the activation of glial cells in the spinal cord, which may play a key role in the development of neuropathic pain. The goal is to uncover the underlying processes that lead to pain, potentially paving the way for new treatment strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals living with HIV who are undergoing combination antiretroviral therapy and experiencing pain.
Not a fit: Patients who are not on antiretroviral therapy or do not experience pain related to their HIV treatment may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved pain management strategies for individuals living with HIV who experience medication-induced pain.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has indicated that understanding the mechanisms of pain related to HIV treatments can lead to significant advancements in patient care, suggesting this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
Stony Brook, United States
- State University New York Stony Brook — Stony Brook, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tang, Shao-Jun — State University New York Stony Brook
- Study coordinator: Tang, Shao-Jun
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.