|
My main research interests focus on multidisciplinary research
on HIV/AIDS as well as drug abuse particularly their International
impact. In a number of grants supported by NIDA, we have been involved
in investigating neuroendocrine and neuropsychological modulation among
injecting drug abusers. We are also investigating drug abuse as well as
HIV-1 infection as a model chronic stress. We have studied HPA axis
activity among our subjects using a variety of alpha-adrenergic
challenges. We have also investigated thyroid, adrenal and gonadal
activities using pharmacological challenges such as TRH, oCRH, and LHRH
administration.
Another major thrust of our ongoing research involves
neurological outcomes among HIV-1 C-Clade infected individuals in both
North and South India. These investigations are supported by NINDS. We
are investigating the progression of HIV-1 infection in India and are
studying the role of CCR5 expression on CD4 cells since Clade C is R5
virus and unlike Clade B does not need X4 co-receptors. We are also
investigating the role of polymorphism among various host genes on the
progression of infection as well as development of neuropsychological
outcomes as related to the progression of infection. Another salient
feature of our studies in South India is neuroimaging among HIV-1
infected individuals.
|