Biju Bhargavan, PhD, a researcher with the UNMC Department of Anesthesiology, is exploring how chronic cannabis use may affect the aging brain in people living with HIV (PLWH), thanks to support from a Lieberman Research Pilot Grant.
Dr. Bhargavan, a faculty member with a background in neurovirology, is using the pilot funding to launch his first independently funded project, a milestone that marks a major step forward in his academic career.
“This award validates the direction of my research and provides the momentum to translate ideas into actionable science,” Dr. Bhargavan said. “It’s an important step toward establishing myself as a principal investigator.”
The project examines whether long-term cannabis use, often adopted by people living with HIV to manage symptoms such as pain, anxiety or sleep disturbances, may actually accelerate central nervous system aging. While some studies have suggested cannabis may have neuroprotective or anti-inflammatory effects, others link it to cognitive impairment and psychiatric side effects. Dr. Bhargavan aims to uncover the biological mechanisms that may explain these conflicting outcomes.
“There’s a significant gap in our understanding of how chronic cannabis exposure affects aging in the HIV-infected brain,” he said. “Our hypothesis is that it accelerates cerebrovascular aging, particularly with prolonged exposure to CBD- or THC-dominant formulations.”
To test this, the research team will use animal models to assess how cannabinoids influence neuroinflammation, stress and cellular senescence, key drivers of aging-related brain changes.
Dr. Bhargavan said the findings could help inform clinical guidance and harm reduction strategies for patients with HIV who use cannabis. “If cannabis worsens aging-related brain stress in this population, it’s critical that patients and providers understand those risks.”
This work builds on Dr. Bhargavan’s broader research interests in central nervous system aging, blood-brain barrier dysfunction and the long-term neurological effects of HIV. “Cannabis use is a growing and often overlooked factor,” he said. “There’s no direct evidence yet on how it contributes to aging in the context of HIV. That’s what we’re trying to change.”
If early results are promising, Dr. Bhargavan plans to pursue NIH funding to expand the research.
For early-career scientists, the Lieberman Award is more than just financial support, it’s a catalyst for growth. Dr. Bhargavan credits his mentor, Georgette Kanmogne, PhD, for helping shape a successful proposal. “Her insight and encouragement were absolutely pivotal,” he said.
He encourages others to apply for pilot funding with focused, realistic projects that build on their expertise. “Pilot funding is the lifeblood of early-stage research. It allows investigators to take risks, generate proof-of-concept data, and develop novel ideas that might otherwise never see the light of day. It’s the first spark that can lead to meaningful scientific and clinical advances.”