Plasma biomarker factors associated with neurodevelopmental outcomes in children with perinatal HIV infection and controlled viremia

Objective: We examined relationships between plasma biomarkers and neurodevelopment in children from sub-Saharan Africa with perinatal HIV (PHIV) with controlled viremia on antiretroviral therapy (ART). Design: Longitudinal retrospective cohort study of children with controlled blood HIV replication. Methods: Children (N = 213; 57% girls) started ART at less than 3 years of age, had neurodevelopmental assessments (cognition, attention/impulsivity, motor proficiency, global executive functions) at 5-11 years, and achieved controlled viremia (HIV-1 RNA = 9 months before initial assessment). Twenty-three plasma biomarkers were measured at onset of controlled viremia, week 0 (first neurodevelopmental assessment), and week 48 (second neurodevelopmental assessment). Factor analysis was conducted at each time point. Multivariable linear regressions assessed associations between factors and neurodevelopmental scores. Results: Median age at week 0 was 7.0 years. Eighteen biomarkers loaded on six factors: a (L-10, IFN gamma, IFN alpha 2, IL-1 beta, IL-6, IP-10, TNF alpha); B (sCD163, sICAM-1, sVCAM-1, CRP); C (sE-selectin, sP-selectin); D [MIP-1 beta, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)-A]; E (sCD14, CRP); and F (CX3CL1, MCP-1). Higher factor B scores were consistently associated with worse cognition and attention/impulsivity, and higher factor D scores with better attention/impulsivity. Conclusion: These results suggest a detrimental effect of increased endothelial cell activation (sICAM-1, sVCAM-1) and monocyte/macrophage scavenger function (sCD163) and a beneficial effect of increased CCR5 ligand and HIV entry blocker MIP-1 beta and angiogenesis stimulant-VEGF concentrations on the neurodevelopment of children with PHIV. The model that emerges is of vascular inflammation leading to neurodevelopmental deficits. The role of persistent HIV replication in the central nervous system also needs to be further explored.