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Astrocytes: Role in pathogenesis and effect of commonly misused drugs in the HIV infected brain
Journal article   Open access   Peer reviewed

Astrocytes: Role in pathogenesis and effect of commonly misused drugs in the HIV infected brain

Jessalyn Pla-Tenorio, Angela M. Roig, Paulina A. García-Cesaní, Luis A. Santiago, Marian T. Sepulveda-Orengo and Richard J. Noel
Current research in neurobiology, v 5, 100108
2023
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crneur.2023.100108
PMID: 38020814
url
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.crneur.2023.100108View
Published, Version of Record (VoR) Open

Abstract

Astrocyte HIV Neurotransmitter Substance use disorder
The roles of astrocytes as reservoirs and producers of a subset of viral proteins in the HIV infected brain have been studied extensively as a key to understanding HIV-associated neurocognitive disorders (HAND). However, their comprehensive role in the context of intersecting substance use and neurocircuitry of the reward pathway and HAND has yet to be fully explained. Use of methamphetamines, cocaine, or opioids in the context of HIV infection have been shown to lead to a faster progression of HAND. Glutamatergic, dopaminergic, and GABAergic systems are implicated in the development of HAND-induced cognitive impairments. A thorough review of scientific literature exploring the variety of mechanisms in which these drugs exert their effects on the HIV brain and astrocytes has revealed marked areas of convergence in overexcitation leading to increased drug-seeking behavior, inflammation, apoptosis, and irreversible neurotoxicity. The present review investigates astrocytes, the neural pathways, and mechanisms of drug disruption that ultimately play a larger holistic role in terms of HIV progression and drug use. There are opportunities for future research, therapeutic intervention, and preventive strategies to diminish HAND in the subset population of patients with HIV and substance use disorder. [Display omitted] •Astrocytes are critical reservoirs of HIV neurotoxins that contribute to NeuroHIV.•Illicit substance use disrupts the normal neurotransmitter homeostasis by astrocytes.•The overlap of effects by HIV neurotoxins and illicit drugs offers areas for future research.

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