HIV and Low Omega-3 Levels May Heighten Hippocampal Volume Differences Between Men and Women With Substance Use

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Neuroimaging
• Nutritional Neuroscience

Background:

• Sex differences in hippocampal volume are documented.
• The interaction of HIV status and omega-3 fatty acids (EPA, DHA) with these differences is unclear, especially in underserved populations.

Purpose of the Study:

• Examine how HIV and omega-3 fatty acids influence sex differences in hippocampal volume.
• Investigate if episodic memory performance modifies the association of omega-3 levels with hippocampal volume, considering HIV status and sex.

Main Methods:

• 166 participants over 45 years old from a Baltimore cohort.
• Brain MRI using a 3.0-T Siemens scanner.
• Volumetric segmentation with FreeSurfer (v6.0), adjusting for intracranial volume (ICV).

Main Results:

• HIV-positive females showed lower hippocampal volumes in 13/26 regions compared to HIV-negative females.
• Lower EPA levels in HIV-positive individuals correlated with greater sex differences in hippocampal volume.
• Higher EPA and DHA levels were associated with diminished sex differences in hippocampal volume across all participants.

Conclusions:

• HIV may exacerbate sex differences in hippocampal volume, disproportionately impacting females.
• Elevated EPA and DHA levels may mitigate these HIV-related effects, suggesting a protective role against hippocampal atrophy.
• Further research is needed to confirm findings and explore benefits in other populations.