Impact of illicit opioid use on markers of monocyte activation and systemic inflammation in people living with HIV

Abstract

Introduction We hypothesize that illicit opioid use increases bacterial translocation from the gut, which intensifies systemic inflammation. Objective To investigate the association between opioid use and plasma soluble CD14 [sCD14], interleukin-6 [IL-6] and D-dimer in people living with HIV (PLWH). Methods We analyzed data from the Russia ARCH study–an observational cohort of 351 ART-naive PLWH in St. Petersburg, Russia. Plasma levels of sCD14 (primary outcome), IL-6 and D-dimer (secondary outcomes) were evaluated at baseline, 12, and 24 months. Participants were categorized into three groups based on illicit opioid use: current, prior, and never opioid use. Linear mixed effects models were used to evaluate associations. Results Compared to never opioid use, sCD14 levels were significantly higher for participants with current opioid use (AMD = 197.8 ng/ml [11.4, 384.2], p = 0.04). IL-6 levels were also higher for participants with current vs. never opioid use (ARM = 2.10 [1.56, 2.83], p <0.001). D-dimer levels were higher for current (ARM = 1.95 [1.43, 2.64], p <0.001) and prior (AR 1.57 [1.17, 2.09], p = 0.004) compared to never opioid use. Conclusions Among PLWH, current opioid use compared to never use is associated with increased monocyte activation and systemic inflammation.