This study employs novel methods to identify key determinants and consequences of concurrent HIV infection and regular cannabis use. This study will acquire extensive phenotype data from peripheral and brain markers of immune activation, brain structure, and neuropsychological performance (NP) in persons living with HIV (PLWH) receiving combination anti-retroviral therapy (cART) (80 regular cannabis users and 80 non-users) and HIV uninfected (HIV-) controls (80 regular cannabis users and 80 non-users). This study will provide key insights into the effects of regular cannabis and HIV on peripheral and brain markers of immune function and NP in PLWH and HIV- controls. These insights are critical for cure strategies and ongoing HIV treatment initiatives.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
276
Multimodal neuroimaging on 3T Prisma Fit MRI
A series of written, verbal, and motor tasks requiring the participant to follow instructions, remember words and numbers, draw objects, and complete timed actions.
Laboratory reports (CMP, CBC, Lipids)
Life history, current behaviors, and substance use surveys
Optional procedure which involves obtaining cerebral spinal fluid through a needle in the lower back
Washington University School of Medicine
St Louis, Missouri, United States
Rutgers University
Newark, New Jersey, United States
Effect of cannabis use on peripheral and brain immune activation and inflammation in virally controlled PLWH on cART.
Validated plasma and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of immune health and inflammation (e.g., CD14, CD16, Neopterin, etc.), as well as novel neuroimaging methods of neuro-inflammation (e.g., DTI \& DBSI, 3T MRI) will be used to evaluate brain inflammation.
Time frame: Years 1-5
Effect of cannabis use on cognitive performance and brain structure in both PLWH/CB+ and CON/CB+.
Neuropsychological assessment results will be normed and converted into Z scores for comparison with brain volumes calculated from the 3T.
Time frame: Years 1-5
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