Bharti AR, et al. – Authors performed an evaluation of the relationships between neurocognitive (NC) functioning and two fibroblast growth factors (FGFs) in volunteers who differed in HIV serostatus and methamphetamine dependence (MAD). Findings indicated that HIV and MAD alter expression of FGFs, which could contribute to the NC abnormalities associated with these conditions. The cross–sectional findings did not demonstrate causality, and further investigation was suggested to assess the therapeutic benefits of recombinant FGF–1.

Methods

• Authors categorized a total of 100 volunteers into four groups based on HIV serostatus and MAD in the prior year.
• Measurement of FGF–1 and FGF–2 in cerebrospinal fluid by enzyme–linked immunosorbent assays along with two reference biomarkers (monocyte chemotactic protein [MCP]–1 and neopterin) was performed.
• They summarized comprehensive NC testing by global and domain impairment ratings.

Results

• 63 HIV+ volunteers and 59 volunteers having a history of MAD were identified.
• FGF–1, FGF–2, and both reference biomarkers varied regarding HIV and MAD status.
• For instance, lower FGF–1 levels were observed in subjects who had either HIV or MAD than in HIV– and MAD– controls (P=0.003).
• Multivariable regression suggested an association of global NC impairment with an interaction between FGF–1 and FGF–2 (model R2=0.09, P=0.01): higher FGF–2 levels were only associated with neurocognitive impairment among subjects who had lower FGF–1 levels.
• In this study, including other covariates in the model (including antidepressant use) strengthened the model (model R2=0.18, P=0.004) but did not weaken the association with FGF–1 and FGF–2.
• Lower FGF–1 levels demonstrated to have link with impairment in five of seven cognitive domains, more than FGF–2, MCP–1, or neopterin.