Understanding Opioid Pain Worsening in HIV
The spinal cell atlas of opioid-targeted inflammasomes in the HIV pain model: mechanism and pathogenic role
['FUNDING_R01'] · STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK · NIH-11196092
This project aims to understand why opioids can sometimes make pain worse for people living with HIV, focusing on specific cell changes in the spinal cord.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STATE UNIVERSITY NEW YORK STONY BROOK (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STONY BROOK, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11196092 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people with HIV/AIDS rely on opioid medications for severe pain, but these drugs can sometimes lead to a condition where pain actually increases, requiring higher doses and raising overdose risks. We want to uncover the exact reasons this happens in the spinal cord, which is the body's pain processing center. Our work suggests that opioids activate certain inflammatory responses in the spinal cord, which are made worse in the presence of HIV-related factors. By identifying the specific cells and signals involved, we hope to find new ways to prevent this worsening of pain.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for individuals living with HIV who experience chronic pain and may be at risk for opioid-induced hyperalgesia.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have HIV or are not experiencing opioid-induced hyperalgesia may not directly benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new treatments that prevent opioids from increasing pain in people with HIV, making pain management safer and more effective.
How similar studies have performed: While the exact mechanisms in HIV-related pain are not fully understood, other studies have shown that inflammation plays a key role in opioid-induced pain worsening.
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.
Conditions: Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome Virus, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome Virus