Humoral Dysregulation Associated with Increased Systemic Inflammation among Injection Heroin Users.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Injection drug use is a growing major public health concern. Injection drug users (IDUs) have a higher incidence of co-morbidities including HIV, Hepatitis, and other infections. An effective humoral response is critical for optimal homeostasis and protection from infection; however, the impact of injection heroin use on humoral immunity is poorly understood. We hypothesized that IDUs have altered B cell and antibody profiles.

Methods and findings

A comprehensive systems biology-based cross-sectional assessment of 130 peripheral blood B cell flow cytometry- and plasma- based features was performed on HIV-/Hepatitis C-, active heroin IDUs who participated in a syringe exchange program (n = 19) and healthy control subjects (n = 19). The IDU group had substantial pol

SUBMITTER: Piepenbrink MS 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4933366 | biostudies-literature | 2016

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature