Investigating how HIV and morphine affect brain inflammation
HIV Tat and morphine-mediated pyroptosis activates astrocytes: Role of NLRP6 inflammasome in HAND
This study is looking at how HIV proteins and morphine affect brain cells, especially those that help keep our brains healthy, to better understand how they might cause inflammation and thinking problems in people living with HIV.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Nebraska Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Omaha, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10857236 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research explores the effects of HIV proteins and morphine on brain cells, particularly focusing on astrocytes, which are crucial for brain health. It aims to understand how these substances contribute to neuroinflammation and cognitive disorders in individuals with HIV. By examining the molecular mechanisms involved, the study seeks to uncover how HIV and morphine interact to exacerbate inflammation in the brain. This could lead to new insights into managing neurocognitive disorders associated with HIV.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include HIV-infected individuals who are experiencing neurocognitive issues and may also be using opioids for pain management.
Not a fit: Patients who are not HIV-infected or do not have neurocognitive disorders related to HIV are unlikely to benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for neurocognitive disorders in HIV-infected individuals, particularly those who also use opioids.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that both HIV and opioids can impact brain function, but this specific investigation into their combined effects on astrocytes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Periyasamy, Palsamy — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Periyasamy, Palsamy
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.