Work

Body talk: Correlates of gut-immune dysregulation phenotypes in people living with HIV who use methamphetamine

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Background: Microbial translocation, immune activation, inflammation, and dysregulated metabolism of neurotransmitter precursors are interacting pathophysiologic processes linked to neuropsychiatric comorbidities and faster HIV disease progression. We examined correlates of distinct phenotypes of gut-immune dysregulation in people living with HIV (PWH) who use methamphetamine. Methods: Participants were 122 PWH who had biochemically confirmed recent methamphetamine use, including non-injection use. Peripheral plasma markers reflected: intestinal permeability, microbial translocation, immune activation, inflammation, and dysregulated metabolism of neurotransmitter precursors. Using latent profile analysis (i.e., clustering) of these markers, we identified gut-immune phenotypes and their clinical, demographic, and stigma-related correlates. Results: = 5.45, 95 % CI = 1.34-17.78) were associated with having a high gut-immune dysregulation profile. Conclusions: Distinct patterns of microbial translocation, immune activation, inflammation, and metabolism of amino acid precursors distinguished gut-immune phenotypes of PWH reporting injection methamphetamine use and greater internalized stigma. Interventions tailored to PWH who inject methamphetamine or struggle with internalized stigma could optimize HIV-related health outcomes.

Source: Brain Behavior & Immunity - Health

DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2025.101156