Center for Addiction & Disease Risk Exacerbation
Mollie Monnig, Ph.D.
Project Leader
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Mollie Monnig, Ph.D.
Associate Director for Research Capacity, Lead Investigator of Alzheimer's Supplement, Co-Investigator of Team Science Supplement, Fmr. Research Project Lead, Assistant Professor of Behavioral and Social Sciences
Project Status:
Dr. Monnig's Research Project ended during CADRE Phase I. She is currently Lead Investigator of the Alzheimer's Supplement and Co-Investigator on the Team Science Award. Dr. Monnig continues to work with CADRE as the Assistant Director of Research Development.
Description:
Dr. Monnig’s project investigates whether alcohol use in the context of HIV infection exacerbates inflammation in the peripheral immune system and central nervous system. This project aims to advance understanding of pathogenic mechanisms of alcohol use and to inform prevention and treatment of alcohol-related harms among people living with HIV. The study recruited 38 moderate drinkers who differed in HIV serostatus. Participants were randomized to one of two conditions: placebo or alcoholic beverage. Blood samples and cognitive data were collected throughout the experimental session, and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan was performed during the descending limb of alcohol. It is hypothesized that alcohol induces greater pro-inflammatory effects in people living with HIV (PLWH) compared to seronegative individuals.
Mentors:
Peter Monti, Ph.D., Brown University
Ron Cohen, Ph.D., University of Florida
Collaborators & Consultants:
Ofer Pasternak, Ph.D., Harvard University, Consultant
Karen Tashima, M.D., Brown University Health, Collaborator
Edward Walsh, Ph.D., Brown University, Collaborator
Adam Woods, Ph.D., University of Florida, Collaborator
Research Team:
Samantha Clark, M.A., Research Associate