Current HIV ResearchPub Date : 2026-04-07DOI: 10.2174/011570162X435140260327050554
Tuba Damar Çakırca, İsa An
{"title":"HIV/AIDS and Dermatological Findings at A Glance: What Has Changed in the ART Era.","authors":"Tuba Damar Çakırca, İsa An","doi":"10.2174/011570162X435140260327050554","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X435140260327050554","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>We aimed to determine the prevalence and diversity of dermatoses in HIV infected patients, and to compare alterations of skin lesion characteristics with the past literature.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This retrospective, cross-sectional, single-center study was conducted on patients who were admitted to Şanlıurfa Training and Research Hospital between January 2020 and April 2023 with a diagnosis of HIV infection. Patients, whose dermatological examination had been performed, were included in the study.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Out of 144 individuals included in the study, 84.7% of them were male, and the median age was 34.5 (18-75). The prevalence of skin disorders among patients was found to be 57.6%. The most frequently dermatoses were condylomata acuminata (39.8%), telogen effluvium (16.9%), and scabies (9.6%). The frequency of condylomata acuminata and scabies was significantly higher in those with a history of homosexual intercourse. The number of skin findings increased as the CD4 count decreased, but the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The pattern of HIV/AIDS-related skin disorders has transitioned during ART development; while the findings triggered by immunosuppression decreased, other sexually transmitted infections-related dermatoses and ART-related conditions dominated. Although dermatosis prevalence appears reduced in the ART era, HIV remains linked to a wide range of dermatological manifestations. This study shows that over half of patients still experience skin findings, underscoring the continued importance of dermatological assessment in the comprehensive care of people living with HIV.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147671105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Insights into Malaria and HIV Co-infection: Trends and Impact in Sub-Saharan Africa.","authors":"Adeola Oluwakemi Ayoola, Babatunde Meshach Okanlawon, Esther Moyinoluwa Idowu, Taiwo Temitayo Adedokun, Adebola Atinuke Ige, Adedolapo Blessing Olorunfemi, Olusola Daniel Ojurongbe","doi":"10.2174/011570162X436553260323090833","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X436553260323090833","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Malaria and HIV remain two of the most serious public health threats in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), where both infections occur at disproportionately high levels. Their co-occurrence within the same populations presents a complex clinical and epidemiological challenge that con-tributes substantially to morbidity and mortality across the region. This review examines current evidence on the epidemiology of malaria and HIV co-infection in SSA, with particular attention to key risk factors and the health outcomes associated with dual infection. It also evaluates chal-lenges in the clinical management of co-infected individuals, including diagnostic limitations, treatment interactions, and health system constraints. Evidence from recent studies indicates that closer coordination of malaria and HIV services may improve patient outcomes while increasing the efficiency of health delivery systems. Continued progress in diagnostic capacity, antimalarial therapies, and antiretroviral treatment, alongside improvements in health infrastructure, will be important for addressing this dual disease burden. International health initiatives and collabora-tive research programs may further strengthen integrated approaches and expand regional capac-ity for surveillance and treatment. Community engagement and targeted health education also play a critical role in encouraging timely care seeking and reducing stigma related to HIV infec-tion. This review identifies persistent gaps in surveillance systems, clinical management, and in-tegrated control strategies for malaria and HIV co-infection in SSA. Addressing these gaps will be important for informing future research priorities and supporting public health policies aimed at reducing the burden of both diseases in the region.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-04-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147627424","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Current HIV ResearchPub Date : 2026-03-30DOI: 10.2174/011570162X434867260224081329
Hadi Ghasemi, Ava Hashempour, Saied Ghorbani, Amir Savardashtaki, Mohammad Motamedifar
{"title":"Machine Learning Application in Enhancing HIV Management and Treatment Outcomes: Revolutionizing HIV Infection.","authors":"Hadi Ghasemi, Ava Hashempour, Saied Ghorbani, Amir Savardashtaki, Mohammad Motamedifar","doi":"10.2174/011570162X434867260224081329","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X434867260224081329","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>HIV/AIDS constitutes a significant global health challenge, impacting more than 38 million individuals across the world, and continues to put pressure on healthcare systems, especially within low- and middle-income nations. Despite significant progress in Antiretroviral Therapy (ART), challenging obstacles remain, including delayed diagnoses, poor treatment adherence, and the emergence of drug resistance. This review investigates the transformative prospects presented by Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), and Deep Learning (DL) to offer new aspects in HIV/AIDS prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, highlighting how these technologies can facilitate early detection, optimize personalized therapeutic strategies, and expedite drug discovery or repurposing. By combining diverse ML methodologies such as supervised, unsupervised, and reinforcement Learning Model (LM), alongside DL frameworks that include convolutional and recurrent neural networks, recent investigations have realized enhancements in the accuracy of diagnose, real-time monitoring, and personalized therapeutic approaches. Furthermore, emerging innovations such as pharmacogenomics-driven modeling, digital twin technology, and AI-powered virtual screening platforms are set to significantly expedite the identification of novel antiviral agents while optimizing ART regimen selection. These advancements improve patient-specific outcomes and contribute to extensive public health strategies by facilitating predictive epidemiological modeling, forecasting transmission dynamics, and optimizing resource allocation in areas of high-burden settings. By matching state-of-the-art computational techniques with clinical and public health methodologies, this review highlights the profound potential of AI-driven interventions to substitute more effective, equitable, and adaptable responses in the global effort against HIV/AIDS. Ultimately, the exploitation of AI and ML methodologies presents a viable pathway toward reconciling existing healthcare disparities and shaping a future characterized by precision medicine in HIV/AIDS management.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147621844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Current HIV ResearchPub Date : 2026-03-30DOI: 10.2174/011570162X494580260310065901
Yuntao Wu
{"title":"Preface of CHIVR, 2026.","authors":"Yuntao Wu","doi":"10.2174/011570162X494580260310065901","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X494580260310065901","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This year marks the 24th anniversary of Current HIV Research (formerly Virus and Immune Disease Research). As we move into 2026, the global response to HIV/AIDS continues to evolve, driven by significant advances in understanding viral persistence, viral reservoirs, immune regulation, and therapeutic innovation. The field is increasingly focused on strategies aimed at achieving a cure or functional cure, reflecting a forward-looking research agenda. We are witnessing a paradigm shift - from viral suppression to viral eradication or sustained remission without therapy. The complexity of HIV latency, immune exhaustion, and host - virus interactions demands bold, interdisciplinary collaboration. In this evolving scientific era, Current HIV Research remains dedicated to serving as a premier platform for high-impact discoveries that integrate fundamental molecular insights with translational and clinical innovation.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147590516","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Current HIV ResearchPub Date : 2026-03-25DOI: 10.2174/011570162X435767260128113221
Xuelian Zhu, Yuting Xi, Xingzhong Hu
{"title":"The Red Blood Cell Counts before HAART Treatment may be Related to the Long-Term Immune Reconstitution in HIV Patients.","authors":"Xuelian Zhu, Yuting Xi, Xingzhong Hu","doi":"10.2174/011570162X435767260128113221","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X435767260128113221","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>While HIV infection damages red blood cells and rapid hemoglobin drops are strongly associated with disease progression, it is unclear whether red blood cells can have an impact on immune reconstitution following long-term highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We collected and analyzed data on 75 confirmed HIV cases in Wenzhou between Jan-uary 2 and October 31, 2017. The sample size of 75 patients was determined by the total number of eligible ART-naïve individuals available at our center during the enrollment period, reflecting a realistic recruitment scenario for this preliminary single-center study. HIV patients were classi-fied as the immune-reconstitution-successful group (IRSG) or the immune-reconstitution-failed group (IRFG) based on their CD4+ T cell count at two years on HAART. The parameters of red blood cells were determined and compared between the two groups previously described. Dy-namic monitoring of lymphocytic subsets was conducted in HIV-positive patients receiving HAART.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>When compared to patients with IRSG, patients with IRFG have lower hemoglobin, red blood cell count, and hematocrit levels (all P values <0.01). After adjusting for gender and age, the odds ratio for long-term HAART efficacy was 10.971 (p=0.001). There was a positive corre-lation between red blood cell counts and CD4+ T cell counts in male HIV patients (r=0.496, p<0.001). The area under the curve of red blood cell count in male HIV patients was 0.791 (p values<0.001). The cut-off value of red blood cell count on male HIV patients was 5.03×1012/L.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Patients with a low red blood cell count before treatment had a lower CD4+ T cell count and a higher level of immune activation than those with a high red blood cell count. The red blood cell count before treatment may be associated with long-term HAART efficacy.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147615902","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Metastasis-Specific Biomarker SPP1 and its Characterization in Colorectal Cancer with HIV Infection.","authors":"Yuxue Gao, Yuanyue Guan, Pengxiang Yang, Qiqi Ning, Jing Chang, Dexi Chen, Yulin Zhang, Yuening Zhang","doi":"10.2174/011570162X424254251230043415","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X424254251230043415","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Secreted phosphoprotein 1 (SPP1) is upregulated in cancers, but its role in metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) and expression in HIV-associated CRC remain unclear.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Transcriptomic data from the GEO and TCGA databases were analyzed. Metastasis-specific genes were identified. SPP1-associated functions were explored using GO enrichment, KEGG pathway analysis, and GSVA. Prognostic value was assessed. SPP1 expression was eval-uated in 30 CRC specimens (15 HIV-positive, 15 HIV-negative) via immunohistochemistry.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>SPP1 exhibited a metastasis-specific expression pattern. High SPP1 correlated with sig-nificantly elevated immune cell infiltration and adverse clinicopathological features: older age, mucinous adenocarcinoma, lymphatic invasion, advanced stage, high TN stage, MSI-H status, absence of polyps, and poor prognosis. GO enrichment linked SPP1 to extracellular matrix or-ganization, cell adhesion, immune response, inflammation, and receptor binding. KEGG analysis showed enrichment in HIV-1 infection pathways. However, overall SPP1 expression did not sig-nificantly differ between HIV-positive and HIV-negative CRC tissues. Diffuse SPP1 protein ex-pression was noted in an HIV-positive signet-ring cell carcinoma.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>SPP1 is a pivotal driver of CRC metastasis and immune regulation in the tumor mi-croenvironment, and is associated with aggressive disease and poor outcomes. It shows strong potential as a prognostic biomarker. While HIV status did not broadly alter SPP1 expression, its specific pattern in certain HIV-associated carcinomas requires further study.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>SPP1 critically mediates metastasis and immune regulation in CRC and inde-pendently predicts poor survival. Its prognostic value is confirmed, warranting investigation into its role in specific HIV-related carcinomas.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147510186","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Current HIV ResearchPub Date : 2026-03-16DOI: 10.2174/011570162X411549251129074829
Arzu Mirza, Mehmet Çabalak, Ozgur Gunal, Aslıhan Candevir, Bircan Kayaaslan, İlkay Karaoğlan, Hatun Öztürk Çerik, Deniz Özer, İlknur Erdem, Tuba Damar Çakırca, Dilek Bulut, Şeyma Topal, Ayşe Seza İnal, Ayşe Özlem Mete, Yasemin Çakır, Fatma Eser, Ceren Cesur, Ayhan Akbulut, Muhammed Bekçibaşı, İlknur Esen Yıldız, Mehmet Ali Aşan, Pınar Çakmak
{"title":"Hepatitis B Vaccination Rates and Risk Factors Affecting Vaccine Response in People Living with HIV in Turkey.","authors":"Arzu Mirza, Mehmet Çabalak, Ozgur Gunal, Aslıhan Candevir, Bircan Kayaaslan, İlkay Karaoğlan, Hatun Öztürk Çerik, Deniz Özer, İlknur Erdem, Tuba Damar Çakırca, Dilek Bulut, Şeyma Topal, Ayşe Seza İnal, Ayşe Özlem Mete, Yasemin Çakır, Fatma Eser, Ceren Cesur, Ayhan Akbulut, Muhammed Bekçibaşı, İlknur Esen Yıldız, Mehmet Ali Aşan, Pınar Çakmak","doi":"10.2174/011570162X411549251129074829","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X411549251129074829","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>HIV-HBV coinfection is common among individuals living with HIV; therefore, hepatitis B vaccination is recommended. However, vaccine response rates in people living with HIV are lower than those observed in the healthy population. The aim of this study was to determine HBV vaccination rates and identify risk factors affecting vaccine response in people living with HIV.</p><p><strong>Materials and methods: </strong>This multicenter, observational, retrospective study included patients over 18 years of age who were diagnosed with HIV infection and followed for at least six months between January 2018 and January 2024. Patients were screened for HBV using HBsAg, Anti-HBc IgG, and Anti-HBs serology, and Anti-HBs levels were measured at least 4-8 weeks after completion of the HBV vaccination schedule.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Of 811 people living with HIV, 274 met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 37.5 years (range: 18-75), and 85% were male. The hepatitis B vaccination rate in this cohort was 33.7%. Following the HBV vaccination schedule, vaccine response (Anti-HBs ≥10 IU/L) was observed in 73.4% of individuals. Hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) were identified as independent risk factors affecting vaccine response (p = 0.016 and p = 0.026, respectively).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Vaccine response was found to be lower in individuals with hypertension and COPD. These factors should be considered when administering the hepatitis B vaccine to people living with HIV to improve immunization outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147490430","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Current HIV ResearchPub Date : 2026-03-09DOI: 10.2174/011570162X379049251119103646
Robert Lalonde, Catherine Strazielle
{"title":"A Review on HIV's Effects on Exploratory Activity, Motor Functions, and Learning in Animals.","authors":"Robert Lalonde, Catherine Strazielle","doi":"10.2174/011570162X379049251119103646","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X379049251119103646","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) causes human neuropsycho-logical disorders, such as apathy and hypokinesia, as well as deficits in motor skills, selective attention, and learning. Based on findings from multiple studies, similar signs have been repro-duced in animal models following intracerebral injections of HIV-infected human monocytes or monocyte-derived macrophages, or exposure to gp120, Tat, or Nef. These include learning defi-cits in Morris, radial arm, and Barnes mazes; impairments in novel object place and shape recog-nition; motor coordination deficits on stationary and mobile beams; and hypoactivity. Relative to non-transgenic controls, deficits in most tests have also been reproduced in transgenic mice or rats expressing HIV-1 or related proteins. There is evidence that corticosterone contributes to these behavioral abnormalities, which may have implications for treating AIDS dementia com-plex, given its ability to exacerbate the neurotoxic effects of gp120 in tissue cultures. Possible mechanisms include corticosterone-induced worsening of lipid peroxidation, inhibition of aspar-tate uptake, increased calcium mobilization, and reduced ATP levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147456273","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Current HIV ResearchPub Date : 2026-01-23DOI: 10.2174/011570162X426548251031113228
Ariel F T Croner, Debora I Leite, Isabelle S Brum, Maria da Conceição A Dias, Luiz Claudio F Pimentel, Monica M Bastos, Nubia Boechat
{"title":"Comparative Effectiveness of Daily Oral and Long-acting Injectable Prep: A Critical Review of Clinical Evidence and Public Health Implications.","authors":"Ariel F T Croner, Debora I Leite, Isabelle S Brum, Maria da Conceição A Dias, Luiz Claudio F Pimentel, Monica M Bastos, Nubia Boechat","doi":"10.2174/011570162X426548251031113228","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X426548251031113228","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is the cause of Acquired Immunodefi-ciency Syndrome (AIDS). Preexposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) antiretroviral drugs to prevent HIV-1 infection are currently available in many countries. In Brazil, the recommended and approved regimen for PrEP is a daily Fixed-Dose Combination (FDC) tablet of Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) with Emtricitabine (FTC) (300/200 mg), marketed as Truvada®. However, ad-herence to daily oral pill regimens remains one of the greatest challenges for the successful use of PrEP. Therefore, a Long-Acting Injectable (LAI) PrEP regimen, such as Cabotegravir (CAB), could significantly improve adherence to prophylaxis. The aim of this study was to compare the use of PrEP with TDF+FTC and the long-acting injectable cabotegravir, as well as to examine the mechanisms of action of the drugs involved in PrEP. In fact, the results confirmed the safety and efficacy of the use of CAB as an LAI PrEP. In June 2025, the FDA approved the use of LEN for PrEP, and it is expected that other regulatory agencies will follow suit by the end of the year. Emerging strategies under development include annual LEN formulations, the use of broadly Neutralizing Antibodies (bNAbs), and the Dapivirine Vaginal Ring (DPV), which has demon-strated greater convenience and improved adherence among pregnant women compared to oral PrEP. Additionally, digital monitoring tools are being explored, although their effectiveness relies on the implementation of equitable health policies. Thus, integrated prevention models that com-bine biomedical innovations with community-based interventions emerge as essential to expand-ing the reach and impact of PrEP.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146050526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Correlation of BDNF and CD4 with Cognitive Function in Patients with HIV Infection.","authors":"Carina Shelia Puspitasari, Fasihah Irfani Fitri, Kiking Ritarwan, Taufik Ashar, Iskandar Nasution, Alfansuri Kadri","doi":"10.2174/011570162X399039251103052306","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.2174/011570162X399039251103052306","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) remains a global epidemic and is frequently associated with neurocognitive impairment, known as HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Disorder (HAND). Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF), which regulates neuroplasticity, learning, and memory, may play a key role in this process. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between BDNF, CD4 levels, and cognitive function in patients with HIV.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a cross-sectional study at Adam Malik General Hospital, Medan, Indonesia, from July 2024 to January 2025. Fifty-eight HIV-positive patients aged 18-60 years with CD4 ≥200 cells/mm³ and on antiretroviral therapy for at least 4 months were included. Blood samples were analyzed for serum BDNF (ELISA) and CD4 counts. Cognitive function was assessed using the Stroop Test, and correlations were examined with Spearman's test Result: Participants had a mean age of 38.77 ± 9.28 years; 79.3% were male. The mean BDNF level was 1.08 ± 0.59 ng/mL, the mean CD4 count was 512.60 ± 331.08 cells/mm³, and the mean Stroop Test score was 68.75 ± 24.60 seconds. A significant negative correlation was observed between BDNF and Stroop performance (r = -0.288, p = 0.028), indicating that higher BDNF was associated with better cognitive function. No significant correlation was found between CD4 and cognitive function (p = 0.336) Discussion: These findings suggest that reduced BDNF may contribute to cognitive impairment in HIV, whereas CD4 levels may not directly reflect neurocognitive status, particularly in patients with CD4 ≥200.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>BDNF levels are significantly correlated with cognitive function in HIV-positive patients, underscoring its potential role as a biomarker for HAND.</p>","PeriodicalId":10911,"journal":{"name":"Current HIV Research","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":1.0,"publicationDate":"2026-01-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146050471","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}