Free Circulating ICAM-1 in HIV-1 Infected Patients
Author Information
Author(s): M. K. Sharief, M. Ciardi, M. A. Noori, E. J. Thompson, A. Salotti, F. Sorice, F. Rossia, A. Cirelli
Primary Institution: Institute of Neurology, The National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen Square, London, UK
Hypothesis
Does free circulating ICAM-1 correlate with TNF levels and blood-brain barrier damage in HIV-1 infected patients?
Conclusion
High levels of free circulating ICAM-1 in HIV-1 infected patients correlate with TNF concentrations and the degree of blood-brain barrier damage.
Supporting Evidence
- High levels of free circulating ICAM-1 were detected in serum of 25 HIV-1 seropositive patients.
- Free circulating ICAM-1 correlated with TNF levels in both serum and CSF.
- All HIV-1 seropositive patients with neurologic involvement had detectable levels of ICAM-1 in CSF.
Takeaway
This study found that a substance called ICAM-1 in the blood and spinal fluid of HIV-1 patients is linked to brain damage and inflammation.
Methodology
Paired CSF and serum samples were obtained from HIV-1 seropositive patients and analyzed for ICAM-1 and TNF levels.
Limitations
The study does not clarify whether the release of ICAM-1 occurs before or during blood-brain barrier damage.
Participant Demographics
28 males, 9 females; median age 27.6 years, age range 19-49 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.001
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website