New treatments for brain damage caused by HIV and opioid use.
Innovative therapeutic approaches to address excitotoxic CNS/neuronal damage in opioid-neuroHIV comorbidity
This study is looking at how opioid use disorder and HIV can harm the brain and is exploring ways to protect brain cells, which could help improve brain health for people dealing with these conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11085114 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates how opioid use disorder and HIV infection can lead to brain damage through excitotoxicity, which is an imbalance in brain signaling. The study focuses on understanding the role of specific transporters that maintain chloride ion balance in neurons, which is crucial for proper brain function. By exploring interventions that protect these inhibitory systems, the research aims to reduce the harmful effects of HIV on the central nervous system. Patients may benefit from new therapeutic approaches that could improve brain health and function.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who are living with HIV and have a history of opioid use disorder.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or opioid use disorder may not receive any benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to innovative treatments that protect brain function in patients with HIV and opioid use disorder.
How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in addressing excitotoxicity in various neurological disorders, suggesting that this approach may also be effective in the context of neuroHIV.
Where this research is happening
Richmond, United States
- Virginia Commonwealth University — Richmond, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hauser, Kurt F — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Hauser, Kurt F
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.