# Alteration in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and frailty in aging men with HIV

> **NIH NIH K01** · JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $76,475

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT People with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), (PWH), are at increased
risk of frailty, which increases the risk of adverse age-related outcomes, including falls, hospitalization and
mortality. The mechanisms of frailty are not completely understood, particularly among PWH. The objective of
this proposal is to study the extent to which sex hormone binging globulin (SHBG) post-modification is associated
with frailty and inflammation in men with HIV. We hypothesize that SHBG are key biomarkers for identifying
PWH at the highest risk of frailty and who may benefit from intervention with anabolic agents. Therefore,
pro-inflammatory glycans on SHBG will be higher among frail compared to non-frail men with HIV and with higher
SHBG concentrations. Our specific aim is to determine the association of novel SHBG glycans with frailty among
men with HIV.
In Aim 3, we will study novel SHBG glycoforms in men with HIV, the identification and quantification of SHBG
glycoforms will be performed by new proposed advanced biochemical techniques, including SHBG
immunoprecipitation optimization, glycoproteomics with digestion, and liquid chromatography-mass
spectrometry (LCMS/MS). The proposed research aims to provide new insights to the contribution of free
testosterone and SHBG in frailty and its relationship with systemic inflammation. The goals during the award
period include gaining advanced expertise in biostatistical methods, design and conduct epidemiological studies,
as well as hands-on experience in the measurement of glycoforms from plasma proteins and interpretation of
glycomic data through mentored research, tailored didactic coursework, and supervised performance of relevant
laboratory techniques. Long-term goals include developing a career as an independent investigator in
translational epidemiology and developing new approaches to treating and preventing age-related outcomes
such as frailty in PWH.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11100593
- **Project number:** 3K01AG079680-03S1
- **Recipient organization:** JOHNS HOPKINS UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Jenny Pena Dias
- **Activity code:** K01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $76,475
- **Award type:** 3
- **Project period:** 2022-08-15 → 2026-04-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11100593

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11100593, Alteration in the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and frailty in aging men with HIV (3K01AG079680-03S1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11100593. Licensed CC0.

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