Plasma extracellular vesicles and cell-free mitochondrial DNA are associated with cognitive dysfunction in treated older adults with HIV

J Neurovirol. 2023 Apr;29(2):218-224. doi: 10.1007/s13365-023-01122-6. Epub 2023 Mar 18.

Abstract

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nanoparticles with a role in intercellular communication. Cell-free mitochondrial DNA (cf-mtDNA) has been associated with cognitive dysfunction in people with HIV (PWH). We conducted a nested case-control study to test the hypothesis that plasma EVs are associated with cf-mtDNA and cognitive dysfunction in older PWH. A machine learning-based model identified total EVs, including select EV subpopulations, as well as urine cf-mtDNA and 4-meter walk time carry power to predict the neurocognitive impairment. These features resulted in an AUC-ROC of 0.845 + / - 0.109 (0.615, 1.00).

Keywords: Aging; Cognition; Extracellular vesicles; Frailty; HIV; Inflammation; Mitochondria.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids* / genetics
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / complications
  • Cognitive Dysfunction* / genetics
  • DNA, Mitochondrial / genetics
  • Extracellular Vesicles*
  • HIV Infections* / complications
  • HIV Infections* / drug therapy
  • Humans

Substances

  • Cell-Free Nucleic Acids
  • DNA, Mitochondrial