Increased Growth Differentiation Factor 15 Levels Are Associated with HIV-Associated Neurocognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study.

: HIV-associated neurocognitive impairment (NCI) remains a prevalent issue among people with HIV (PWH) despite advancements in antiretroviral therapy (ART). The pathogenesis of HIV-associated NCI is linked to chronic neuroinflammation caused by HIV, even in those with successful viral suppression. Growth Differentiation Factor 15 (GDF15), a protein involved in inflammatory and metabolic stress responses, has emerged as a key player and potential biomarker for various neurological conditions.