Linda Chang Laboratory

Summary:

Dr. Linda Chang's research focuses on neurology, neuroimaging (MRI, MR spectroscopy, functional MRI, PET, SPECT), HIV, substance abuse (methamphetamine, marijuana, cocaine), and aging.

Affiliations:

• John A. Burns School of Medicine

People:

• PI: Chang, Linda
  

Member: Anderson, Lynn


Member: Munsaka, Sody


Member: Pritchett, Lexi

Resources:

Human Studies

• Brain activation in patients with early HIV dementia ( Observational study )
  

  This study aims to determine the effects of aging and HIV infection and their interaction on brain chemistry and function. Advanced magnetic resonance imaging techniques (functional MRI and MR spectroscopy) will be used to evaluate participants with or without HIV infections. Annual evaluations will be performed.

• Creating a Pediatric Imaging-Genomics Data Resource; PING (Pediatric Imaging Neurocognition & Genetics) Study ( Cross-sectional study )
  

  This study was funded through the President’s stimulus funding from the NIH. The goal is to evaluate how genes may influence brain development. This is a multicenter study that will involve investigators from 9 participating sites:
  
  University of Hawaii at Manoa, HI
  University of San Diego, CA
  Johns Hopkins University/Kennedy Kreiger Institute, MD
  Yale University, CT
  Cornell University/Sackler Institute, NY
  University of California Los Angeles, CA
  University of California Davis, CA
  University of Massachusetts, MA
  Massachusetts General Hospital, MA
  
  
  Together, they will study 1400 children using advanced MRI techniques, the NIH Toolbox to assess cognitive function and screening of genes in the saliva.

• Early brain development after prenatal methamphetamine (“ice”) exposure: a longitudinal MR study ( Epidemiological study )
  

  We aim to evaluate brain development in children using brain scans (Magnetic Resonance Imaging techniques) and mental function tests that are performed with paper and pencils. We hope the results will determine whether methamphetamine ("ice") exposure prenatally affects brain development.

• Effects of a dopamine agonist on brain activation in HIV patients and nicotine smokers ( Cross-sectional study )
  

  This is a newly funded project that aims to determine whether the dopamine receptors are more sensitive in HIV patients and whether smoking nicotine might alter the responsiveness of the receptors. Functional MRI studies will be performed in these participants.

• Effects of In Utero Meth Exposure on Arousal- and Stress-Related Systems ( Cross-sectional study )
  

• Factors for enhanced neurotoxicity in methamphetamine abuse and HIV infection (DIDARP) ( Cross-sectional study )
  

• Glutathione in Patients with HIV and Methamphetamine Abuse ( Cross-sectional study )