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Modeling Age-Associated Neurodegenerative Diseases in Caenorhabditis elegans
Published on: August 15, 2020
Neurodegeneration and ageing in the HAART era
Bruce J Brew1, S M Crowe, A Landay
1Department of Neurology, St Vincent's Hospital, Darlinghurst, Sydney, Australia. B.Brew@unsw.edu.au
Summary
Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) does not prevent cognitive impairment in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) patients. Ageing and HIV may accelerate neurodegeneration, increasing Alzheimer-like illnesses.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Virology
- Gerontology
Background:
- Cognitive impairment and neurodegeneration persist in patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
- Evidence suggests these neurological issues can arise without a clear cause.
- An increased incidence of Alzheimer's or Alzheimer-like diseases is noted in HAART-treated HIV patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To critically review the evidence linking HAART, HIV, and neurodegeneration.
- To explore potential mechanisms, focusing on the interplay between aging and HIV disease.
- To discuss interventions aimed at mitigating neurodegeneration in this population.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and critical examination of existing studies.
- Analysis of potential pathogenetic mechanisms.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies, including optimized HAART for CNS penetration.
Main Results:
- Neurodegeneration and cognitive decline are observed despite HAART.
- Aging significantly overlaps with HIV effects, potentially facilitating neurodegeneration.
- Alzheimer-like pathologies may be more prevalent in aging HIV patients on HAART.
Conclusions:
- The combination of aging and HIV disease contributes to neurodegeneration.
- Further research is needed to elucidate specific mechanisms.
- Optimizing HAART delivery to the brain is a potential intervention strategy.
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