Transcriptomics: Open Access
Open Access

Plasma microRNAs as markers of cognitive decline in HIV/AIDS patients

Global Congress on Nucleic Acids: Biology, Health & Diseases

August 04-05, 2016 New Orleans, USA

Francesca Peruzzi

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, USA

Posters & Accepted Abstracts: Transcriptomics

Abstract :

HIV Associated Neuro-cognitive Disorders (HAND) affect more than half of people living with HIV-1/AIDS. Similar to other neurological disorders the diagnosis of HAND is determined upon manifestation of symptoms. Identification of biomarkers representing the cognitive status of HIV-1/AIDS patients is a critical step for implementation of successful cognitive, behavioral and pharmacological strategies to prevent onset and progression of HAND. We have optimized a protocol to profile the plasma miRNAs using quantitative RT-PCR and it was found that a miRNA signature is capable to distinguish with good sensitivity and specificity HIV-1+/AIDS patients with cognitive impairment from those without cognitive impairment. Here, we have evaluated this miRNA signature in an independent number of patients from the LSU HIV outpatient clinic and confirmed their association with cognitive impairment. We have additionally tested and validated the biomarker miRNA signature in an independent cohort of patients using plasma samples from the CNS HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Effects Research (CHARTER) program. Interestingly, the miRNA biomarkers from the CHARTER cohort showed accuracy, specificity and sensitivity comparable to those obtained at LSU.

Biography :

Email: fperuz@lsuhsc.edu