Study Links Breakdown of Protective Sugar Molecules to Cognitive Decline in People with HIV
A study published June 5 in the journal Med from Cell Press identifies degradation of protective sugar molecules (glycans) as a factor in cognitive problems among people with HIV.
The study, led by Northwestern University, analyzed blood samples from over 100 individuals with HIV, some with cognitive impairment. In lab and mouse experiments, a combination of the flu drug Tamiflu and an experimental drug preserved glycans and protected the brain.
Key Findings
The research addresses cognitive decline affecting at least 25% of people with HIV despite effective antiretroviral treatment.
Researchers found that chronic inflammation degrades glycans, which normally regulate immune response.
Flu drugs (oseltamivir plus an experimental agent) prevented glycan degradation in laboratory models.
"The findings do not recommend flu drugs for cognitive decline but suggest a potential research pathway for repurposing this drug class." — Study author Mohamed Abdel-Mohsen