TNF- and Blood-Brain Barrier Damage in HIV-1 Infection
Author Information
Author(s): M. K. Sharief, M. Ciardi, E. J. Thompson, F. Sorice, F. Rossi, V. Vullo, A. Cirelli
Primary Institution: Institute of Neurology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London
Hypothesis
The study evaluates the role of TNF- and IL-1 in mediating disruption of the blood-brain barrier in HIV-1 infected patients.
Conclusion
High levels of TNF- in the cerebrospinal fluid of HIV-1 infected patients correlate with blood-brain barrier damage.
Supporting Evidence
- TNF- was detected in 58% of CSF and 48% of serum samples from HIV-1 seropositive patients.
- Intrathecal TNF- levels correlated with signs of blood-brain barrier damage.
- 71% of HIV-1 infected patients had abnormally high CSF to serum albumin quotients suggestive of barrier impairment.
Takeaway
This study found that a substance called TNF- is linked to damage in the brain barrier of people with HIV, while another substance, IL-1, does not seem to have the same effect.
Methodology
Cerebrospinal fluid and serum samples were obtained from HIV-1 seropositive patients and analyzed for levels of TNF- and IL-1.
Limitations
The study does not establish a direct causal relationship between TNF- and blood-brain barrier damage.
Participant Demographics
31 HIV-1 seropositive patients (25 males, 6 females; ages 18-43, median age 29.1 years).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
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