Understanding how social stress affects opioid use in HIV-positive teens
Mechanisms underlying prescription opioid use post social defeat in HIV+ adolescents
This study looks at how social stress, like bullying, affects the use of prescription opioids in teenagers living with HIV, aiming to understand the brain changes that might lead to addiction and mental health problems, so we can find better ways to help them.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 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-10832058 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the effects of social stress on prescription opioid use among adolescents living with HIV. It focuses on understanding the molecular mechanisms that lead to increased opioid use following experiences of social defeat, which can be likened to bullying. By studying changes in extracellular vesicles in the brains of HIV-positive adolescent rats, the research aims to uncover how these changes may contribute to addiction and mental health issues. The findings could provide insights into better treatment and prevention strategies for this vulnerable population.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adolescents living with HIV who have experienced social stress or bullying.
Not a fit: Patients who are not living with HIV or who have not experienced social defeat may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved interventions for preventing opioid misuse in HIV-positive adolescents.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that social stress can lead to increased substance use, but this specific approach focusing on HIV-positive adolescents is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Omaha, United States
- University of Nebraska Medical Center — Omaha, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pendyala, Gurudutt — University of Nebraska Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Pendyala, Gurudutt
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.