Vocal emotion processing deficits in HIV-infected individuals

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection can affect the brain.
• Vocal emotion processing is crucial for social interaction.
• Previous research has not fully explored brain imaging correlates of vocal emotion processing in HIV+ individuals.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate brain imaging correlates of vocal emotion processing in HIV+ individuals.
• To compare vocal emotion processing between HIV+ individuals and healthy adults.
• To determine if brain-related findings persist regardless of neurocognitive impairment.

Main Methods:

• Multiple linear regressions were used to analyze cerebral magnetic resonance scans (n=36) and vocal emotion processing test scores in HIV+ individuals.
• Associations between test scores and brain area volumes/inflammatory markers were examined.
• Vocal emotion processing test scores were compared between the total HIV+ group (n=100) and a healthy adult group (n=46).

Main Results:

• Positive associations were found between test scores and volumes of the right frontal, temporal, and parietal lobes, bilateral thalamus, and left hippocampus.
• Negative association observed between frontal white matter inflammatory markers and test scores.
• HIV+ individuals with neurocognitive impairment showed significantly poorer test scores compared to healthy adults.

Conclusions:

• Cerebral dysfunctions in brain areas processing emotional auditory stimuli may occur in HIV+ individuals.
• Brain area volumes and inflammatory markers are associated with vocal emotion processing in HIV+ individuals.
• Results underscore the need for comprehensive neuropsychological characterization of HIV-related brain damage.