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Quantification of Cerebral Vascular Architecture using Two-photon Microscopy in a Mouse Model of HIV-induced Neuroinflammation
Published on: January 12, 2016
Mapping cerebellar degeneration in HIV/AIDS
Andrea D Klunder1, Ming-Chang Chiang, Rebecca A Dutton
1Laboratory of Neuro Imaging, Department of Neurology, UCLA School of Medicine, Los Angeles, California 90095-7332, USA.
Neuroreport
|September 23, 2008
Summary
Human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) causes significant cerebellar atrophy, particularly in the posterior vermis. This brain atrophy correlates with depression severity in patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimaging
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Progressive brain atrophy is a known complication of HIV/AIDS, impacting psychomotor function.
- Cerebellar degeneration may contribute to these deficits, but its specific involvement in HIV/AIDS is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the three-dimensional patterns of cerebellar atrophy in individuals with HIV/AIDS.
- To correlate observed atrophy with clinical markers and patient history.
Main Methods:
- Utilized advanced image analysis to quantify subregional atrophy in 19 HIV-positive patients and 15 healthy controls.
- Employed a 3D image deformation technique to precisely map atrophic changes.
Main Results:
- Greatest atrophy was observed in the posterior cerebellar vermis (14.9% deficit) in HIV/AIDS patients.
- Cerebellar deficits were significantly associated with depression severity (P=0.009).
- No significant correlation was found with dementia, substance abuse, CD4+ T-cell counts, or viral load.
Conclusions:
- HIV/AIDS is associated with profound cerebellar deficits, particularly in the posterior vermis.
- Cerebellar atrophy in HIV/AIDS is linked to depression, suggesting its potential as a surrogate marker.
- These findings highlight the cerebellum's vulnerability in HIV/AIDS and its association with specific clinical symptoms.
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