Article
Neurosciences
Martina Donadoni, Wenfei Huang, Shadan S. Yarandi, Tricia H. Burdo, Sulie L. Chang, Ilker K. Sariyer
Summary: This study investigated the molecular impact of morphine and HIV-1 on the regulation of OPRM1 pre-mRNA splicing, showing that morphine specifically induces alternative splicing of the MOR-1X isoform in neuronal cells, and HIV-1 may alter MOR isoform expression, particularly with the Nef protein amplifying the rate of MOR-1X alternative splicing induced by morphine.
JOURNAL OF NEUROIMMUNE PHARMACOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Immunology
Stephanie M. Matt, Emily A. Nickoloff-Bybel, Yi Rong, Kaitlyn Runner, Hannah Johnson, Margaret H. O'Connor, Elias K. Haddad, Peter J. Gaskill
Summary: The study suggests that drug-induced increases in central nervous system dopamine levels may be a common mechanism by which distinct addictive substances alter neuroHIV. Dopamine can affect HIV replication and alter the conformation of immune cells, highlighting the importance of dopamine in the development of neuroHIV.
FRONTIERS IN IMMUNOLOGY
(2021)
Review
Immunology
Shilpa Sonti, Kratika Tyagi, Amit Pande, Rene Daniel, Adhikarimayum Lakhikumar Sharma, Mudit Tyagi
Summary: Drug abuse in HIV-infected individuals often leads to neurocognitive issues and CNS dysfunction. Current research focuses on understanding the shared mechanisms between drug abuse and HIV that cause neurotoxicity, which is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.
Review
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Elena Irollo, Jared Luchetta, Chunta Ho, Bradley Nash, Olimpia Meucci
Summary: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) is still common in patients receiving antiretroviral therapies, even though they may have milder symptoms. Recent studies suggest that synaptodendritic damage and disruption of neuronal networks in certain brain areas are at least partially responsible for HAND in treated patients.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR LIFE SCIENCES
(2021)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Wolfgang Rosenberger, Joerg Teske, Michael Klintschar, Marek Dziadosz
Summary: Dirty Sprite, a concoction containing codeine and promethazine, is predominantly used by young people and originated in Texas in the 1960s. Misuse of these illicit preparations has spread to other countries like Thailand and highlights the health risks associated with consuming prescription medicines outside of a medical environment.
DRUG TESTING AND ANALYSIS
(2022)
Review
Virology
Susmita Sil, Annadurai Thangaraj, Abiola Oladapo, Guoku Hu, Naseer A. Kutchy, Ke Liao, Shilpa Buch, Palsamy Periyasamy
Summary: Chronic low-grade inflammation is a key feature in HIV-1 infected individuals, even under combined antiretroviral therapy (cART), and contributes to cognitive defects and aging. Drug abuse exacerbates the cognitive defects by activating cells in the central nervous system (CNS) and causing neurotoxin release, leading to neuroinflammation. Impaired autophagy, caused by exposure to HIV-1/HIV-1 proteins, cART, and drug abuse, plays a role in neuroinflammaging and immune senescence.
Article
Medicine, Legal
Simone Bohnert, Kosmas Georgiades, Camelia-Maria Monoranu, Michael Bohnert, Andreas Buettner, Benjamin Ondruschka
Summary: This pilot study aimed to investigate the diagnostic potential of TMEM119 as a microglia-specific marker in lethal monosubstance intoxications by morphine, methamphetamine, and ethanol-associated death. The study found that the density of TMEM119-positive cells was significantly lower in morphine deaths compared to controls, while comparable in ethanol and methamphetamine deaths. These results suggest that the immunoreaction in brain tissue varies depending on the type of drug used for abuse.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF LEGAL MEDICINE
(2021)
Article
Oncology
Siyoung Ha, Bi-Dar Wang
Summary: The study found that African American men have higher incidence and mortality rates of prostate cancer compared to European American men. It was discovered that an aberrant splice variant, PIK3CD-S, is overexpressed in aggressive African American prostate cancer and confers resistance to PI3K delta inhibitors. Targeting the alternative splicing mechanism can significantly enhance the sensitivity to PI3K delta inhibitors and overcome drug resistance in aggressive cancers.
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Seema Yelne, Mayur B. Wanjari, Pratiksha K. Munjewar, Krutika Malu, Roshan Umate
Summary: This article presents a unique case of significant skin necrosis resulting from the misuse of pentazocine. The patient's prolonged intravenous use of pentazocine in the same location caused damage to the skin tissue. Therapeutic intervention with an opiate agonist was administered to control dependence on pentazocine.
CUREUS JOURNAL OF MEDICAL SCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Kubra Karagoz, Matthew Stokes, Maria Ortiz-Estevez, Fadi Towfic, Erin Flynt, Sarah Gooding, William Pierceall, Anjan Thakurta
Summary: In this study, it was found that CRBN exon-10 splice variant in multiple myeloma patients leads to upregulation of TNFA signaling, inflammatory response, and IL-10 signaling pathways. BATF, EZH2, and IKZF1 were identified as key regulators of these pathways. Additionally, an EZH2 sensitivity gene expression signature correlated with high BATF or venetoclax sensitivity scores. These findings suggest the potential of combining EZH2 inhibitors or venetoclax with next generation CRBN-targeting agents for patients overexpressing the CRBN exon-10 splice variant.
FRONTIERS IN GENETICS
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Susmita Sil, Annadurai Thangaraj, Ernest T. Chivero, Fang Niu, Muthukumar Kannan, Ke Liao, Peter S. Silverstein, Palsamy Periyasamy, Shilpa Buch
Summary: Various research studies have explored the impact of drug abuse on HIV infection and disease progression, highlighting the impairments in host immunological and non-immunological pathways. Despite efforts to develop rodent models of HAND, none can fully replicate the complex pathophysiology of the syndrome, but they do model some unique aspects of HAND.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Harpreet Kaur, Paige Minchella, David Alvarez-Carbonell, Neeraja Purandare, Vijay K. Nagampalli, Daniel Blankenberg, Todd Hulgan, Mariana Gerschenson, Jonathan Karn, Siddhesh Aras, Asha R. Kallianpur
Summary: This study found that contemporary cART impairs mitochondrial function in HIV-infected cells, especially in latent infected cells and brain cells. Multiple facets of mitochondrial function were reduced, and cellular iron accumulation was observed. Mitochondrial dysfunction can be reversed by using antioxidants or overexpression of antioxidant proteins.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2023)
Article
Multidisciplinary Sciences
GYeon Oh, Emily S. Brouwer, Erin L. Abner, David W. Fardo, Patricia R. Freeman, Chris Delcher, Daniela C. Moga
Summary: This study found that factors such as older age, malignancy, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease were associated with chronic opioid therapy in HIV patients. In terms of gender differences, female beneficiaries were also impacted by factors like liver disease and antipsychotic therapy.
SCIENTIFIC REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Neurosciences
Minseon Park, William Baker, Dilraj Cambow, Danielle Gogerty, Ana Rachel Leda, Bridget Herlihy, Darya Pavlenko, Schuyler van den Nieuwenhuizen, Michal Toborek
Summary: Exposure to METH combined with HIV infection can induce aberrant proliferation of SVZ-derived NPCs through the CXCL12-CXCR4-Akt-1-mediated phosphorylation of FOXO3.
MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Infectious Diseases
Susmita Sil, Palsamy Periyasamy, Annadurai Thangaraj, Fang Niu, Divya T. Chemparathy, Shilpa Buch
Summary: This review summarizes the characteristics of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND), factors contributing to HAND, and functional impairments in preclinical and clinical models. Recent advances in animal models of HAND, in vitro cultures, and the potential role of drugs of abuse in HAND are also discussed. Potential peripheral biomarkers associated with HAND are highlighted as well.
CURRENT HIV/AIDS REPORTS
(2021)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Ruqiang Xu, Yanhui Guo, Song Peng, Jinrui Liu, Panyu Li, Wenjing Jia, Junheng Zhao
Summary: cAMP signaling in plants has significant effects on seed germination, phytohormone contents, leaf senescence, ethylene response, salt stress tolerance, and pathogen resistance. The identified cAMP-responsive genes are implicated in transcriptional regulation, plant hormone signaling pathways, and diterpenoid biosynthesis, among others. Results provide a framework for further exploration of cAMP signaling in plant plasticity.
Article
Behavioral Sciences
Sara R. Nass, Arianna R. S. Lark, Yun K. Hahn, Virginia D. McLane, Therese M. Ihrig, Liangru Contois, T. Celeste Napier, Pamela E. Knapp, Kurt F. Hauser
Summary: The interaction of HIV-1 Tat and morphine impairs social behavior and disrupts oxytocin and CRF balance, leading to deficits in sociability.
HORMONES AND BEHAVIOR
(2021)
Article
Chemistry, Medicinal
Boshi Huang, Huiqun Wang, Yi Zheng, Mengchu Li, Guifeng Kang, Victor Barreto-de-Souza, Nima Nassehi, Pamela E. Knapp, Dana E. Selley, Kurt F. Hauser, Yan Zhang
Summary: The bivalent ligand VZMC013 targets the MOR and CCR5 receptors, showing nanomolar binding affinity and improved anti-HIV-1 activity. It inhibits viral infection in cells expressing both receptors, and has a concentration-dependent inhibition of HIV-1 entry in PBMC cells, particularly in the presence of opioids.
JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL CHEMISTRY
(2021)
Article
Cell Biology
Viktor Yarotskyy, Arianna R. S. Lark, Sara R. Nass, Yun K. Hahn, Michael G. Marone, A. Rory McQuiston, Pamela E. Knapp, Kurt F. Hauser
Summary: This study reveals the presence of ClC-1 chloride channels in striatal neurons, mainly localized to the somata of the neurons. These channels modulate neuronal excitability.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSIOLOGY-CELL PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Junheng Zhao, Song Peng, Hongtu Cui, Panyu Li, Tianming Li, Luole Liu, Hanfeng Zhang, Zengyuan Tian, Haihong Shang, Ruqiang Xu
Summary: This study comprehensively identified and characterized CNGCs in cotton, revealing their expression patterns, regulatory mechanisms, and functional diversity. The findings lay the foundation for further research and utilization of CNGCs in cotton genetic improvement.
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MOLECULAR SCIENCES
(2022)
Article
Plant Sciences
Xue Zhang, Jinrui Liu, Wenjing Jia, Junheng Zhao, Ruqiang Xu
Summary: Plant tissue culture is an important technique in modern agriculture, but its application is limited in certain species, such as sesame. This study demonstrates that the addition of thymol to the culture medium promotes efficient plant regeneration in different genotypes of sesame. The study also identified several genes and metabolic pathways involved in shoot regeneration.
IN VITRO CELLULAR & DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY-PLANT
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Virginia D. McLane, Arianna R. S. Lark, Sara R. Nass, Pamela E. Knapp, Kurt F. Hauser
Summary: In this study, the impact of HIV-1 Tat protein and morphine on dendritic spines in hippocampal neurons was investigated. The results showed that HIV-1 Tat protein, but not morphine, systematically reduced the density of specific dendrites, indicating a coordinated loss of synaptic interconnections.
NEUROSCIENCE LETTERS
(2022)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
Guangming Ren, Huijuan Mo, Ruqiang Xu
Summary: The study found that ADC2 and putrescine are involved in the development and elongation of fibers in tetraploid upland cotton, providing a foundation for future research on cotton fiber development.
Article
Cell Biology
Changqing Xu, Barkha J. Yadav-Samudrala, Callie Xu, Bhupendra Nath, Twisha Mistry, Wei Jiang, Micah J. Niphakis, Benjamin F. Cravatt, Somnath Mukhopadhyay, Aron H. Lichtman, Bogna M. Ignatowska-Jankowska, Sylvia Fitting
Summary: This study found that upregulating the endocannabinoid (eCB) system may have protective effects against HIV-1 Tat protein-induced alterations in synaptic activity. The effects of Tat exposure on GABAergic activity and eCB signaling were found to be sex-dependent, and the inhibition of GABAergic activity by the FAAH inhibitor PF3845 involved CB1R-related mechanisms that relied on calcium signaling.
Article
Cell Biology
Arianna R. S. Lark, Lindsay K. Silva, Sara R. Nass, Michael G. Marone, Michael Ohene-Nyako, Therese M. Ihrig, William D. Marks, Viktor Yarotskyy, A. Rory McQuiston, Pamela E. Knapp, Kurt F. Hauser
Summary: The striatum is susceptible to HIV-1 infection, especially with opioid use disorder. The effects of sustained HIV-1 exposure and acute opioid comorbidity on dopamine-expressing neurons in the striatum are still unknown.
CELLULAR AND MOLECULAR NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Kurt F. Hauser, Michael Ohene-Nyako, Pamela E. Knapp
Summary: Opioid use disorder exacerbates neuroHIV infection, accelerates cognitive deficits, and enhances neurodegenerative changes through neuroinflammation. Opioids interact with HIV in the central nervous system via the µ-opioid receptor, promoting unique structural and functional comorbid deficits.
CURRENT OPINION IN NEUROBIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Wisam Toma, Jason J. Paris, Urszula O. Warncke, Sara R. Nass, Martial Caillaud, Bryan McKiver, Olivia Ondo, Deniz Bagdas, John Bigbee, Pamela E. Knapp, Kurt F. Hauser, M. Imad Damaj
Summary: This study aims to investigate the role of chronic HIV-1 Tat exposure in the development of neuropathy in mice. The results show that Tat induces mechanical and cold hypersensitivity, with females exhibiting more severe hypersensitivity. Current therapeutics have limited effectiveness in alleviating symptoms in female mice.
EXPERIMENTAL NEUROLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Kelly M. Flounlacker, Yun Kyung Hahn, Ruqiang Xu, Chloe A. Simons, Tao Tian, Kurt F. Hauser, Pamela E. Knapp
Summary: HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND) are prevalent despite the use of antiretroviral therapies. Opioid use/abuse in HIV+ individuals worsens central nervous system deficits. White matter alterations and myelin-related gene changes are observed in HIV+ individuals. This study investigates the effects of HIV Tat protein and morphine on white matter using transgenic mice.
JOURNAL OF NEUROVIROLOGY
(2023)
Article
Virology
Sara R. Nass, Yun K. Hahn, Michael Ohene-Nyako, Virginia D. McLane, M. Imad Damaj, Leroy R. Thacker II, Pamela E. Knapp, Kurt F. Hauser
Summary: Opioid use disorder (OUD) and HIV are comorbid epidemics that can increase depression. HIV and the viral protein Tat can directly induce neuronal injury within reward and emotionality brain circuitry, including the prefrontal cortex (PFC). Such damage involves both excitotoxic mechanisms and more indirect pathways through neuroinflammation, both of which can be worsened by opioid co-exposure. Tat and morphine differentially induce depressive-like behaviors associated with increased neuroinflammation, synaptic losses, and immune fatigue within the PFC.
Article
Neurosciences
Michael Ohene-Nyako, Sara R. Nass, Hope T. Richard, Robert Lukande, Melanie R. Nicol, MaryPeace McRae, Pamela E. Knapp, Kurt F. Hauser
Summary: This study investigated the aberrant phosphorylation and aggregation of TDP-43 in HIV-infected brains. It was found that the HIV infection leads to increased phosphorylation of TDP-43 and levels of TDP-43 kinases. The study also demonstrated that both HIV-1 Tat and morphine can independently increase the pathologic phosphorylation of TDP-43, which is associated with CK2 activity and protein levels.