The present invention includes a method of treating or preventing HAND in a subject in need thereof, wherein the method comprises administering to the subject a composition that down-regulates ferritin heavy chain (FHC). The present invention further includes a method of treating or preventing HAND in a subject in need thereof, wherein the method comprises administering to the subject a composition that decreases the concentration, expression level and/or activity of IL-1β. The present invention further includes a method of treating or preventing in a subject in need thereof a disease or condition associated with CXCR4 up-regulation, such as but not limited to cancer, metastasis, liver fibrosis (including HIV-associated liver fibrosis), or HIV infection, wherein the method comprises administering to the subject a composition that up-regulates FHC.
