Thymulin is a hormone necessary for T cell maturation that is biologically active only when bound to zinc, suggesting a possible mechanism for the action of zinc on immune function, particularly T-cells. The relationship between zinc status (plasma zinc), thymulin and immunity has not been explored in HIV infection, although low levels of zinc-bound active thymulin and plasma zinc deficiency have been found in HIV seropositive people who abuse drugs, and have been associated with accelerated HIV disease progression. A study to explore the relationship between plasma zinc, zinc-bound active thymulin, and indices of HIV disease progression in an HIV seropositive, drug using population of men and women participating in a cohort study is proposed. Plasma from these participants that has been stored at -80?C will be assessed for zinc-bound active thymulin levels. The relationship of zinc-bound active thymulin with plasma zinc, CD4+ cell count, and CD4+/CD8+ ratio, controlling for viral load and antiretroviral medications, will be examined. The moderating effects of drug abuse on these relationships will be evaluated. ? ? ?

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Type
Predoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F31)
Project #
1F31DA020371-01A1
Application #
7167891
Study Section
Human Development Research Subcommittee (NIDA)
Program Officer
Khalsa, Jagjitsingh H
Project Start
2006-09-12
Project End
2008-09-11
Budget Start
2006-09-12
Budget End
2007-09-11
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2006
Total Cost
$29,555
Indirect Cost
Name
Florida International University
Department
Nutrition
Type
Schools of Public Health
DUNS #
071298814
City
Miami
State
FL
Country
United States
Zip Code
33199
Rafie, Carlin; Campa, Adriana; Smith, Sylvia et al. (2011) Cocaine reduces thymic endocrine function: another mechanism for accelerated HIV disease progression. AIDS Res Hum Retroviruses 27:815-22