We performed a retrospective cross-sectional analysis of 292 HIV+ participants age>=40 (61 Hispanic; 231 non-Hispanic whites) enrolled in UCSD HIV Neurobehavioral Research Program’s studies from 2000 to 2017 (overall cohort: mean age=51.6, SD=8.2, 85% male, 75% on antiretroviral therapy [ART]). Neurocognitive function was measured via a comprehensive neurocognitive battery, and NCI was defined using global deficit scores. Inflammatory biomarkers analyzed included serum CRP, serum sCD14 and CSF sCD14. Covariates examined included HIV disease characteristics. A series of logistic regression models were performed on NCI with terms for biomarkers (individually), ethnicity, and their interaction, adjusting for covariates.

A multivariable logistic regression model on NCI adjusting for significant covariates (nadir CD4, current plasma viral load, ART status) showed a significant CSF sCD14 and ethnicity interaction (p=.04), such that higher CSF sCD14 was associated with NCI among Hispanics (p<0.001), but not among non-Hispanics (p=.14). There were no other significant ethnicity/biomarker interactions.

sCD14 is known to play a role in insulin sensitivity⁸, thus, our results may be mediated by an increased incidence of metabolic syndrome as well as chronic social stressors that are known to be more prevalent in Hispanics^{7, 9, 10}. Further studies are required to determine factors that mediate the link between inflammation and NCI in HIV, particularly in Hispanics.