HIV, opioid use, and alterations to the gut microbiome: elucidating independent and synergistic effects
Year: 2023
Type: review
Abstract: Background The microbiome is essential to immune development, defense against pathogens, and modulation of inflammation. Microbial dysbiosis has been reported in various diseases including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and opioid use disorder (OUD). Notably, people living with HIV (PLWH) have been reported to both have higher rates of OUD and use opioids at higher rates than the general public. Thus, studying gut microbial alterations in people living with HIV and with OUD could elucidate mechanisms pertaining to how these conditions both shape and are shaped by the microbiome. However, to date few studies have investigated how HIV and OUD in combination impact the microbiome. Aim of review Here, we review previous studies outlining interactions between HIV, opioid use, and microbial dysbiosis and describe attempts to treat this dysbiosis with fecal microbial transplantation, probiotics, and dietary changes. Key scientific concepts of review While the limited number of studies prevent overgeneralizations; accumulating data suggest that HIV and opioid use together induce distinct alterations in the gut microbiome. Among the three existing preclinical studies of HIV and opioid use, two studies reported a decrease in Lachnospiraceae and Ruminococcaceae, and one study reported a decrease in Muribaculaceae in the combined HIV and opioid group relative to HIV-alone, opioid-alone, or control groups. These bacteria are known to modulate immune function, decrease colonic inflammation, and maintain gut epithelial barrier integrity in healthy individuals. Accordingly, modulation of the gut microbiome to restore gut homeostasis may be attempted to improve both conditions. While mixed results exist regarding treating dysbiosis with microbial restoration in PLWH or in those with opioid dependency, larger well-defined studies that can improve microbial engraftment in hosts hold much promise and should still be explored.
Source: Frontiers in Immunology
Institution: University of Miami
Language: English
Topic: Gut microbiota and health
Subfield: Molecular Biology
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,295
Awards: Microbial Dysbiosis and TLR2 Activation Contribute to Immune Activation, Inflammation and HIV Persistence in the Context of Opioid Abuse Despite ART Therapy, Prenatal Opioid Exposure and Inflammation: The Role of the Microbiome and Epigenome., Role of Gut Microbiome- Brain Axis in Modulating CNS Inflammasomes in the Neuropathology Produced by Opioid Exposure and HIV, Role of Microbial dysbiosis and altered metabolomics in the context of Opioid abuse and ART in HIV disease progression, Role of Gut Microbiome in HIV/Opioid Induced Peripheral Neuropathy
OpenAlex ID: W4366828040