Erythropoietin protects cerebrocortical neurons from HIV-1/gp120-induced damage

Infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-1 can lead to neurological complications that range from mild cognitive and motor impairment to HIV-associated dementia (HAD). The mechanism of brain injury and dementia remains poorly understood. Interestingly, post mortem brain specimen from HAD patients and transgenic mice expressing the viral envelope protein gp120 present with similar neuropathological signs. The cytokine erythropoietin (EPO) is clinically used to treat anemia but has also been found to prevent neuronal death due to inflammation or excitotoxicity. Here we show that EPO protects cerebrocortical neurons against apoptosis induced by HIV-1/gp120.