Are Cytokines Markers of HIV-Induced Neurological Disease?
Ryan reported the results of a prospective study linking cytokines and lymphocyte markers with HIV associated cognitive impairment [Abstract 296]. It is well known that macrophage activation and the local production of proinflammatory cytokines can alter neurological function. Twenty-seven subjects with advanced HIV disease, with and without neurological dysfunction, underwent neuropsychological testing (NP), and cytokine and specific lymphocyte receptors were measured every three months for one year. Based on their NP scores, patients were categorized as having no dementia, minor cognitive motor dysfunction, or HIV-D. In addition, macrophages from the subjects with and without dementia were infected in vitro with HIV and stimulated with CD40 Ligand (CD40L). CD40L is involved in cellular signaling and activation and plays a key role in both peripheral and CNS macrophage activation and subsequent inflammation leading to neurodegeneration. Gendelman and colleagues have shown a marked upr
