Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 25, 2025
08:48
A Rat Model of EcoHIV Brain Infection
Published on: January 21, 2021
3.6K
Effect of Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Trace Elements in the Brain
Karen Cilliers1, Christo J F Muller2,3
1Division of Clinical Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Stellenbosch University, Tygerberg, Western Cape, South Africa. kcilliers@sun.ac.za.
Biological Trace Element Research
|April 3, 2020
Summary
This study investigated trace element changes in the brain for individuals with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Researchers found altered levels of cadmium and nickel, suggesting a role in HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND) pathophysiology.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Toxicology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND).
- Brain changes in HIV include atrophy and diffusion alterations, but trace element concentrations remain unstudied.
- Trace elements are implicated in other neurodegenerative diseases, highlighting a knowledge gap in HIV research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine and compare trace element concentrations in the brains of HIV-positive and HIV-negative individuals.
- To explore potential links between trace element dysregulation and the pathophysiology of HAND.
Main Methods:
- Blood samples were tested for HIV status using rapid tests.
- Brain tissue from the caudate nucleus was analyzed using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
- Statistical analysis (Kruskal-Wallis test) compared trace element levels between HIV-positive and HIV-negative groups.
Main Results:
- Fifteen HIV-positive and 14 HIV-negative male cadavers were analyzed.
- Cadmium levels were marginally decreased in HIV-positive individuals.
- Nickel levels were marginally increased in HIV-positive individuals.
Conclusions:
- This study presents the first data on brain trace element levels in HIV-infected individuals.
- Altered cadmium and nickel concentrations may contribute to the pathophysiology of HAND.
- Further research with larger cohorts is recommended to validate these findings and explore therapeutic implications beyond antiretroviral drugs.
Related Concept Videos
01:27The Periodic Table and Organismal Elements
22.0K
Elements are the smallest units of matter that cannot be broken down further by chemical processes. There are 118 known elements, but not all of these are naturally occurring, and only a few of them are essential for life. Living matter is composed primarily of carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, and oxygen, with smaller amounts of other elements like calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and sulfur. Other elements are also necessary for life but only in trace amounts.
Periodic Table Provides Information...
Periodic Table Provides Information...
22.0K
01:26Sexually Transmitted Infections
758
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are diseases transmitted primarily through unsafe sexual interactions. Bacteria, viruses, or parasites cause them and can result in severe health complications if untreated.ChlamydiaThe bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis is responsible for the disease Chlamydia, the most common STI in the United States. This peculiar pathogen requires human cells to reproduce, residing intracellularly. The initial infection often goes unnoticed because it typically does not...
758