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Petakh P, Oksenych V, Kamyshna I, Boisak I, Lyubomirskaya K, Kamyshnyi O. Exploring the interplay between posttraumatic stress disorder, gut microbiota, and inflammatory biomarkers: a comprehensive meta-analysis. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1349883. [PMID: 38410510 PMCID: PMC10895958 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1349883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is the most common mental health disorder to develop following exposure to trauma. Studies have reported conflicting results regarding changes in immune biomarkers and alterations in the abundance of bacterial taxa and microbial diversity in patients with PTSD. Aim The purpose of this meta-analysis is to summarize existing studies examining gut microbiota characteristics and changes in immune biomarkers in patients with PTSD. Methods Relevant studies were systematically searched in PubMed, Scopus, and Embase, published in English between January 1, 1960, and December 1, 2023. The outcomes included changes in abundance and diversity in gut microbiota (gut microbiota part) and changes in immune biomarkers (immune part). Results The meta-analysis included a total of 15 studies, with 9 focusing on changes in inflammatory biomarkers and 6 focusing on changes in gut microbiota composition in patients with PTSD. No differences were observed between groups for all inflammatory biomarkers (P≥0.05). Two of the six studies found that people with PTSD had less alpha diversity. However, the overall Standardized Mean Difference (SMD) for the Shannon Diversity Index was not significant (SMD 0.27, 95% CI -0.62-0.609, p = 0.110). Regarding changes in abundance, in two of the studies, a significant decrease in Lachnospiraceae bacteria was observed. Conclusion This meta-analysis provides a comprehensive overview of gut microbiota characteristics in PTSD, suggesting potential associations with immune dysregulation. Future research should address study limitations, explore causal relationships, and consider additional factors influencing immune function in individuals with PTSD. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk, identifier CRD42023476590.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlo Petakh
- Department of Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Uzhhorod National University, Uzhhorod, Ukraine
- Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Valentyn Oksenych
- Broegelmann Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Iryna Kamyshna
- Department of Medical Rehabilitation, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
| | - Iryna Boisak
- Department of Childhood Diseases, Uzhhorod National University, Uzhhorod, Ukraine
| | - Katerina Lyubomirskaya
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Zaporizhzhia State Medical and Pharmaceuticals University, Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine
| | - Oleksandr Kamyshnyi
- Department of Microbiology, Virology, and Immunology, I. Horbachevsky Ternopil National Medical University, Ternopil, Ukraine
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von Majewski K, Rohleder N, Ehring T. Peripheral inflammation over the course of a cognitive behavioral intervention in PTSD. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 30:100620. [PMID: 37122765 PMCID: PMC10133650 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2022] [Revised: 02/24/2023] [Accepted: 04/04/2023] [Indexed: 05/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation has an important predictive role for long-term health. This is also true when looking at the specific population of trauma survivors with PTSD. There are emerging findings showing that PTSD is related to reduced somatic health as well as evidence linking inflammation with disease outcomes in this group, such as heart diseases and early mortality, regardless of age, gender or conventional risk factors. The effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy for PTSD symptom severity has been demonstrated by several previous studies. In contrast, literature is scarce, yet, whether inflammation improves over the course of treatment for PTSD. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether not only PTSD symptoms, but also inflammation changes over the course of psychological treatment. Twenty-nine PTSD patients were followed while attending an outpatient clinic receiving cognitive behavioral therapy. Inflammation, determined by the C-reactive protein (CRP) assessed via the dried blood spot (DBS) technique, and symptom severity, surveyed by the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL) were measured at 5 points before trauma-focused therapy, as well as after four, eight and twelve weeks of intervention; furthermore, a 10-month follow-up assessment was conducted. Results revealed significant improvements of PTSD symptom severity during investigation, but no significant changes in the inflammatory biomarker (CRP). Results in terms of improvement in PTSD symptom severity are in line with prior findings. The results obtained for inflammation may suggest that risk factors for somatic health consequences in PTSD patients remain despite successful psychological treatment. Further longitudinal studies are needed to fully understand the relationship between inflammation and therapeutic outcome and to develop interventions normalizing inflammation in PTSD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin von Majewski
- Chair of Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
| | - Nicolas Rohleder
- Chair of Health Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Erlangen, Germany
- Corresponding author. Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), Nägelsbachstr. 49a, D-91052, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Thomas Ehring
- Department of Psychology, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
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Goldschen L, Ellrodt J, Amonoo HL, Feldman CH, Case SM, Koenen KC, Kubzansky LD, Costenbader KH. The link between post-traumatic stress disorder and systemic lupus erythematosus. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 108:292-301. [PMID: 36535611 PMCID: PMC10018810 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.12.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2022] [Revised: 12/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a heterogeneous, multisystem autoimmune disorder characterized by unpredictable disease flares. Although the pathogenesis of SLE is complex, an epidemiologic link between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the development of SLE has been identified, suggesting that stress-related disorders alter the susceptibility to SLE. Despite the strong epidemiologic evidence connecting PTSD and SLE, gaps remain in our understanding of how the two may be connected. Perturbations in the autonomic nervous system, neuroendocrine system, and at the genomic level may cause and sustain immune dysregulation that could lower the threshold for the development and propagation of SLE. We first describe shared risk factors for SLE and PTSD. We then describe potential biological pathways which may facilitate excessive inflammation in the context of PTSD. Among those genetically predisposed to SLE, systemic inflammation that accompanies chronic stress may fan the flames of smoldering SLE by priming immune pathways. Further studies on the connection between trauma and inflammation will provide important data on pathogenesis, risk factors, and novel treatments for SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Goldschen
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 60 Fenwood Road, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Jack Ellrodt
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hermioni L Amonoo
- Department of Psychiatry, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 60 Fenwood Road, MA 02115, USA; Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Avenue, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Candace H Feldman
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Siobhan M Case
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Karestan C Koenen
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Laura D Kubzansky
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Karen H Costenbader
- Division of Rheumatology, Inflammation and Immunity, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, 60 Fenwood Road, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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Torres-Rodriguez O, Ortiz-Nazario E, Rivera-Escobales Y, Velazquez B, Colón M, Porter JT. Sex-dependent effects of microglial reduction on impaired fear extinction induced by single prolonged stress. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 16:1014767. [PMID: 36699653 PMCID: PMC9868263 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1014767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Single prolonged stress (SPS) is a preclinical rodent model for studying post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)-like behaviors. Previously we found that increased expression of the microglial marker Iba-1 in the ventral hippocampus after SPS exposure was associated with impaired fear extinction, suggesting that microglial activity contributed to the SPS-induced behavioral changes. To test this, we examined whether reducing microglia with the colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor blocker, PLX3397, in the diet would prevent the SPS-induced extinction impairment. Male rats exposed to SPS showed enhanced fear acquisition and impaired fear extinction memory. Adding PLX3397 to the diet prevented these behavioral changes. In contrast, PLX3397 did not prevent SPS from impairing fear extinction memory in the female rats. Despite the sex-dependent behavioral effects, we found a reduced number and area fraction of Iba-1+ microglia in both male and female rats suggesting that PLX3397 had similar effects on microglia in both sexes. Altogether, these results suggest that microglia contribute to the behavioral changes induced by SPS in male but not female rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Orlando Torres-Rodriguez
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Emily Ortiz-Nazario
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Yesenia Rivera-Escobales
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - Bethzaly Velazquez
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - María Colón
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
| | - James T. Porter
- Department of Basic Sciences, Ponce Research Institute, Ponce Health Sciences University, Ponce, Puerto Rico
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Loneliness in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Neglected Factor in Accelerated Aging? JOURNAL OF AGEING AND LONGEVITY 2022; 2:326-339. [PMID: 36567873 PMCID: PMC9783482 DOI: 10.3390/jal2040027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Prior research suggests that people with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) may experience a form of accelerated biological aging. In other populations, loneliness has been shown to elevate risk for many of the same components of accelerated biological aging, and other deleterious outcomes, as seen in people with PTSD. Although standard diagnostic criteria for PTSD include "feelings of detachment or estrangement from others", the relationship of such feelings to the concept of loneliness remains uncertain, in par potentially due to a failure to distinguish between loneliness versus objective social isolation. In order to catalyze wider research attention to loneliness in PTSD, and the potential contribution to accelerated biological aging, the present paper provides three components: (1) a conceptual overview of the relevant constructs and potential interrelationships, (2) a review of the limited extant empirical literature, and (3) suggested directions for future research. The existing empirical literature is too small to support many definitive conclusions, but there is evidence of an association between loneliness and symptoms of PTSD. The nature of this association may be complex, and the causal direction(s) uncertain. Guided by the conceptual overview and review of existing literature, we also highlight key areas for further research. The ultimate goal of this line of work is to elucidate mechanisms underlying any link between loneliness and accelerated aging in PTSD, and to develop, validate, and refine prevention and treatment efforts.
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D'Elia ATD, Juruena MF, Coimbra BM, Mello MF, Mello AF. Increased immuno-inflammatory mediators in women with post-traumatic stress disorder after sexual assault: 1-Year follow-up. J Psychiatr Res 2022; 155:241-251. [PMID: 36113394 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpsychires.2022.08.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Sexual violence is a traumatic event that can trigger post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and generate biological responses to stress characterized by inhibiting the hypothalamic-pituitary axis (HPA), altering immune activity, and changing the structure and function of the brain. PTSD is associated with increased levels of inflammatory markers. This study aimed to measure differences in inflammatory markers and HPA hormone levels between women with PTSD due to sexual violence and controls at baseline and after 1-year follow-up. METHODS Fifty-eight women with PTSD resulting from sexual assault occurring up to 6 months prior were compared to 41 female controls. The patients were followed for 1 year. At baseline (T1), we measured inflammatory biomarkers. We also applied the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), the Clinician-Administered Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Scale-5, the Beck Depression Inventory, the Beck Anxiety Inventory, and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire. The patients were randomized to receive treatment with sertraline or interpersonal psychotherapy for 14 weeks (T2) and then continued the usual treatment if deemed necessary for 1 year. The same interviews and examinations were repeated after 1 year (T3). RESULTS At baseline, the patients had significantly higher adrenocorticotropic hormone levels, compared to controls; however, there was no baseline difference in inflammatory markers or cortisol. After 1 year, there were significantly higher levels of interleukin-1β (p < 0.0001), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (p < 0.0001), tumor necrosis factor-α (p < 0.0001), c-reactive protein (p < 0.0001), and cortisol (p = 0.046) in the patient group. In addition to PTSD, 56 patients presented with a major depressive episode at T1 (according to the MINI). At the end of 1 year, there was a significant improvement in depressive (p < 0.001), anxiety (p = 0.03), and PTSD symptoms (p < 0.001) regardless of the treatment received. DISCUSSION The increase of the inflammatory markers after 1 year, even with symptomatic improvement, may indicate that PTSD following sexual violence is associated with high depressive symptoms. This association may have a different pattern of immunoendocrine alterations than PTSD only. Furthermore, these alterations may persist in the long term, even with the improvement of the symptoms, probably generating an immunological imprint that can lead to future clinical consequences. This study adds to the current knowledge of PTSD neurobiology and contributes to broadening approaches to this disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Teresa D D'Elia
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
| | - Mario F Juruena
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Department of Psychological Medicine, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neurosciences, Kings College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bruno M Coimbra
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil; Amsterdam UMC, location University of Amsterdam, Department of Psychiatry, Amsterdam Public Health Research Institute and Amsterdam Neuroscience Research Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Marcelo F Mello
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Andrea F Mello
- Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal de São Paulo (UNIFESP), São Paulo, SP, Brazil
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7
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Smiley CE, Wood SK. Stress- and drug-induced neuroimmune signaling as a therapeutic target for comorbid anxiety and substance use disorders. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 239:108212. [PMID: 35580690 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Stress and substance use disorders remain two of the most highly prevalent psychiatric conditions and are often comorbid. While individually these conditions have a debilitating impact on the patient and a high cost to society, the symptomology and treatment outcomes are further exacerbated when they occur together. As such, there are few effective treatment options for these patients, and recent investigation has sought to determine the neural processes underlying the co-occurrence of these disorders to identify novel treatment targets. One such mechanism that has been linked to stress- and addiction-related conditions is neuroimmune signaling. Increases in inflammatory factors across the brain have been heavily implicated in the etiology of these disorders, and this review seeks to determine the nature of this relationship. According to the "dual-hit" hypothesis, also referred to as neuroimmune priming, prior exposure to either stress or drugs of abuse can sensitize the neuroimmune system to be hyperresponsive when exposed to these insults in the future. This review completes an examination of the literature surrounding stress-induced increases in inflammation across clinical and preclinical studies along with a summarization of the evidence regarding drug-induced alterations in inflammatory factors. These changes in neuroimmune profiles are also discussed within the context of their impact on the neural circuitry responsible for stress responsiveness and addictive behaviors. Further, this review explores the connection between neuroimmune signaling and susceptibility to these conditions and highlights the anti-inflammatory pharmacotherapies that may be used for the treatment of stress and substance use disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cora E Smiley
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience; University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, United States of America; WJB Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center, Columbia, SC 29209, United States of America.
| | - Susan K Wood
- Department of Pharmacology, Physiology, and Neuroscience; University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Columbia, SC 29209, United States of America; WJB Dorn Veterans Administration Medical Center, Columbia, SC 29209, United States of America.
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Peruzzolo TL, Pinto JV, Roza TH, Shintani AO, Anzolin AP, Gnielka V, Kohmann AM, Marin AS, Lorenzon VR, Brunoni AR, Kapczinski F, Passos IC. Inflammatory and oxidative stress markers in post-traumatic stress disorder: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:3150-3163. [PMID: 35477973 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01564-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with persistent, low-degree inflammation, which could explain the increased prevalence of autoimmune conditions and accelerated aging among patients. The aim of the present study is to assess which inflammatory and oxidative stress markers are associated with PTSD. We carried out a meta-analytic and meta-regression analysis based on a systematic review of studies comparing inflammatory and oxidative stress markers between patients with PTSD and controls. We undertook meta-analyses whenever values of inflammatory and oxidative stress markers were available in two or more studies. Overall, 28,008 abstracts were identified, and 54 studies were included, with a total of 8394 participants. The Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used to evaluate the quality of the studies. Concentrations of C-reactive protein (SMD = 0.64; 95% CI: 0.21 to 1.06; p = 0.0031; k = 12), interleukin 6 (SMD = 0.94; 95% CI: 0.36 to 1.52; p = 0.0014; k = 32), and tumor necrosis factor-α (SMD = 0.89; 95% CI: 0.23 to 1.55; p = 0.0080; k = 24) were significantly increased in patients with PTSD in comparison with healthy controls. Interleukin 1β levels almost reached the threshold for significance (SMD = 1.20; 95% CI: -0.04 to 2.44; p = 0.0569; k = 15). No oxidative stress marker was associated with PTSD. These findings may explain why PTSD is associated with accelerated aging and illnesses in which immune activation has a key role, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. In addition, they pointed to the potential role of inflammatory markers as therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana Lauxen Peruzzolo
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE) and Centro de Pesquisa Clínica (CPC), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Jairo Vinícius Pinto
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE) and Centro de Pesquisa Clínica (CPC), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,University Hospital, Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
| | - Thiago Henrique Roza
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE) and Centro de Pesquisa Clínica (CPC), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Augusto Ossamu Shintani
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE) and Centro de Pesquisa Clínica (CPC), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ana Paula Anzolin
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE) and Centro de Pesquisa Clínica (CPC), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Gnielka
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE) and Centro de Pesquisa Clínica (CPC), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - André Moura Kohmann
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE) and Centro de Pesquisa Clínica (CPC), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Amanda Salvador Marin
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE) and Centro de Pesquisa Clínica (CPC), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Vitória Ruschel Lorenzon
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE) and Centro de Pesquisa Clínica (CPC), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - André Russowsky Brunoni
- Centro de Pesquisas Clínicas e Epidemiológicas, Hospital Universitário, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil.,Departamentos de Clínica Médica e Psiquiatria, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil.,Instituto Nacional de Biomarcadores em Psiquiatria (IMBION), Laboratory of Neurosciences (LIM-27), Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brasil
| | - Flávio Kapczinski
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE) and Centro de Pesquisa Clínica (CPC), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Ives Cavalcante Passos
- Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE) and Centro de Pesquisa Clínica (CPC), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. .,Department of Psychiatry, School of Medicine, Graduate Program in Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil. .,Instituto Nacional de Ciência e Tecnologia Translacional em Medicina (INCT-TM), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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The Quality of Life and the Bio-Molecular Profile in Working Environment: A Systematic Review. SUSTAINABILITY 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/su14138100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Working life is characterised by various requirements and degrees of control in meeting these demands. The imbalance of these elements with workers’ resources can result in work-related stress involving the repeated activation of stress response systems. Modifications in the bio-molecular profile may represent a biological signature of individuals’ life experiences and provide evidence on pathways through which such stressors can result in health outcomes. The aim of our systematic review is to characterize the quality of life (QOL) and the bio-molecular profile in the working population, to highlight if the alteration observed might be related to the working conditions. The article query was performed on PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane CENTRAL and results have been presented according to three molecular pathways involved in the stress response: oxidative stress, inflammation, and neuroendocrine activation. The epidemiological sample has been sub-grouped into “clinical” and “non-clinical” populations according to the presence of a diagnosis of psychological disorders. Besides some critical issues, the review highlights the importance of developing a valid array of biological indicators, measurable in non-invasive matrices, sensitive to both derangements from physiological conditions and stress reduction, useful for identifying those groups at higher risk of health outcomes and, eventually, promoting workers’ wellbeing.
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The role of IL-6 in TBI and PTSD, a potential therapeutic target? Clin Neurol Neurosurg 2022; 218:107280. [PMID: 35567833 DOI: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2022.107280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 04/15/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
This literature review focuses on the role of IL-6 in TBI or PTSD-induced neuroinflammation. While TBI and PTSD are widely prevalent, these diagnoses are particularly common amongst veterans. Given the role of IL-6 in neuroprotection acutely, compared to detrimental chronically, targeting this cytokine at specific time points may be beneficial in modulating neuroinflammation. Current treatments for TBI or PTSD are variably affective. By reviewing the role of IL-6 in these two diagnoses, future studies can focus on therapeutics to treat neuroinflammation and ultimately reduce the devastating impacts of neuroinflammation on cognition in PTSD and TBI.
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11
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The relations between C-reactive protein and trauma exposure, PTSD and depression symptoms, and PTSD psychotherapy treatment response in treatment seeking veterans and service members. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 101:84-92. [PMID: 34990746 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.12.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
While inflammatory markers have been implicated in the link between PTSD and poor health outcomes, there is a paucity of research investigating C-reactive protein (CRP) and psychotherapy treatment response for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The present study utilized a large, well-characterized sample of veterans and service members (N = 493) engaged in intensive psychotherapy to investigate the associations between CRP, trauma exposure, related variables, and PTSD and depression, as well as investigating if CRP was associated with PTSD psychotherapy treatment response. Bivariate correlation results indicate that CRP was significantly associated with BMI (r = 0.48) and severity of experiences of childhood physical and sexual abuse (r = 0.14 and 0.15, respectively) and was not significantly associated with baseline PTSD total symptom severity, PTSD symptom clusters, or depression symptom severity (rs ranging from -0.03 to 0.04). In multivariate regression models investigating if CRP and related variables were associated with PTSD baseline symptom severity, CRP was not a significant predictor (β = -0.03). Hierarchical linear modeling did not identify CRP as a significant predictor of PTSD psychotherapy outcome. Given that findings indicate that CRP was broadly elevated in this treatment seeking sample but not associated with PTSD and depression symptom severity, results suggest CRP may not be a specific biomarker for PTSD or depression but may be elevated in psychiatric disease more generally.
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12
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Aschbacher K, Cole S, Hagan M, Rivera L, Baccarella A, Wolkowitz OM, Lieberman AF, Bush NR. An immunogenomic phenotype predicting behavioral treatment response: Toward precision psychiatry for mothers and children with trauma exposure. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 99:350-362. [PMID: 34298096 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.07.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Inflammatory pathways predict antidepressant treatment non-response among individuals with major depression; yet, this phenomenon may have broader transdiagnostic and transtherapeutic relevance. Among trauma-exposed mothers (Mage = 32 years) and their young children (Mage = 4 years), we tested whether genomic and proteomic biomarkers of pro-inflammatory imbalance prospectively predicted treatment response (PTSD and depression) to an empirically-supported behavioral treatment. Forty-three mother-child dyads without chronic disease completed Child Parent Psychotherapy (CPP) for roughly 9 months. Maternal blood was drawn pre-treatment, CD14 + monocytes isolated, gene expression derived from RNA sequencing (n = 34; Illumina HiSeq 4000;TruSeqcDNA library), and serum assayed (n = 43) for C-Reactive Protein (CRP) and interleukin-1ß (IL-1ß). Symptoms of PTSD and depression decreased significantly from pre- to post-treatment for both mothers and children (all p's < 0.01). Nonetheless, a higher pre-treatment maternal pro-inflammatory imbalance of M1-like versus M2-like macrophage-associated RNA expression (M1/M2) (ß = 0.476, p = .004) and IL-1ß (ß=0.333, p = .029), but not CRP, predicted lesser improvements in maternal PTSD symptoms, unadjusted and adjusting for maternal age, BMI, ethnicity, antidepressant use, income, education, and US birth. Only higher pre-treatment M1/M2 predicted a clinically-relevant threshold of PTSD non-response among mothers (OR = 3.364, p = .015; ROC-AUC = 0.78). Additionally, higher M1/M2 predicted lesser decline in maternal depressive symptoms (ß = 0.556, p = .001), though not independent of PTSD symptoms. For child outcomes, higher maternal IL-1ß significantly predicted poorer PTSD and depression symptom trajectories (ß's = 0.318-0.429, p's < 0.01), while M1/M2 and CRP were marginally associated with poorer PTSD symptom improvement (ß's = 0.295-0.333, p's < 0.056). Pre-treatment pro-inflammatory imbalance prospectively predicts poorer transdiagnostic symptom response to an empirically-supported behavioral treatment for trauma-exposed women and their young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kirstin Aschbacher
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, United States; Division of Cardiology, Department of Medicine, University of California San Francisco, United States; The Institute for Integrative Health, United States.
| | - Steve Cole
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, United States
| | - Melissa Hagan
- Department of Psychology, College of Science & Engineering, San Francisco State University, United States
| | - Luisa Rivera
- Department of Anthropology, Emory University, United States
| | | | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, United States
| | - Alicia F Lieberman
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, United States
| | - Nicole R Bush
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Weill Institute for Neurosciences, University of California San Francisco, United States; Center for Health and Community, University of California San Francisco, United States; Department of Pediatrics, Division of Developmental Medicine, University of California San Francisco, United States.
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13
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LoSavio ST, Beckham JC, Wells SY, Resick PA, Sherwood A, Coffman CJ, Kirby AC, Beaver TA, Dennis MF, Watkins LL. The effect of reducing posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms on cardiovascular risk: Design and methodology of a randomized clinical trial. Contemp Clin Trials 2021; 102:106269. [PMID: 33429088 PMCID: PMC8009821 DOI: 10.1016/j.cct.2021.106269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/03/2020] [Revised: 11/19/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with accelerated progression of coronary heart disease (CHD). However, the underlying pathophysiological pathway has remained elusive and it is unclear whether there is a direct link between PTSD and CHD risk. This paper describes the methods of a randomized controlled trial developed to examine how changes in PTSD symptoms affect CHD disease pathways. One hundred twenty participants with current PTSD and who are free of known CHD will be randomized to receive either an evidence-based treatment for PTSD (Cognitive Processing Therapy; CPT) or a waitlist control (WL). Before and after CPT/WL, participants undergo assessment of CHD risk biomarkers reflecting autonomic nervous system dysregulation, systemic inflammation, and vascular endothelial dysfunction. The primary hypothesis is that individuals who show improvement in PTSD symptoms will show improvement in CHD risk biomarkers, whereas individuals who fail to improve or show worsening PTSD symptoms will have no change or worsening in CHD biomarkers. This study is expected to provide knowledge of the role of both the direct impact of PTSD symptoms on CHD risk pathways and the role of these systems as candidate mechanisms underlying the relationship between PTSD and CHD risk. Further, results will provide guidance on the utility of cognitive therapy as a tool to mitigate the accelerated progression of CHD in PTSD. Clinical Trials Registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02736929; Unique identifier: NCT02736929.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jean C Beckham
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Durham VA Healthcare System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Stephanie Y Wells
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Durham VA Healthcare System, Durham, NC, USA; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | | | | | - Cynthia J Coffman
- VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America; Center of Innovation to Accelerate Discovery and Practice Transformation, Durham VA Healthcare System, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Angela C Kirby
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Durham VA Healthcare System, Durham, NC, USA; VA Mid-Atlantic Mental Illness Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Durham, NC, United States of America
| | - Tiffany A Beaver
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Durham VA Healthcare System, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Michelle F Dennis
- Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA; Durham VA Healthcare System, Durham, NC, USA
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14
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Abstract
Resilience is broadly defined as the ability to bounce back from adversity or trauma. Recent advances in resilience research have shifted away from merely describing individual characteristics towards focusing on the complex interactions between individuals and their dynamic personal, community and cultural contexts. It is clear that resilience involves both neurobiological and cultural processes. Neurobiological contributions include genes, epigenetics, stress-response systems, the immune system and neural circuitry. Culture helps to elucidate collective systems of belief and accepted positive adaptations. Importantly, resilience can also be affected by evidence-based interventions and deliberate practice on the part of the individual. This review seeks to understand resilience as a complex and active process that is shaped by neurobiological profiles, developmental experiences, cultural and temporal contexts, and practical training. It uses the COVID-19 pandemic as a case example to better understand individual and group responses to tragedy. We suggest practical recommendations to help populations around the world cope and recover from the global threat of COVID-19.
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15
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Sun Y, Qu Y, Zhu J. The Relationship Between Inflammation and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:707543. [PMID: 34456764 PMCID: PMC8385235 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.707543] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Stress disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), are attracting much attention. However, the relationship between traumatic stress and inflammation is rarely discussed. Subjects and Methods: As studies have linked PTSD to altered susceptibility to various diseases, such a psychiatric condition may lead to long-term systematic changes in physiological functions. We searched PubMed with the keywords "traumatic stress," "stress disorders," "post-traumatic stress disorder," and "inflammation." Results: Based on 65 previously published studies, we reviewed the long-term effects of PTSD, as well as traumatic events, on inflammatory function from both epidemiological and biological perspectives. Post-traumatic stress disorder is related to the immune response, including an increase in inflammatory factors and a reduction in anti-inflammatory factors. Additionally, it has been demonstrated that traumatic stress disorder and immune disease share a common genetic basis at the gene expression level. Conclusions: Understanding this relationship is of great significance for optimizing treatment plans for patients with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajing Sun
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Qu
- West China Biomedical Big Data Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Med-X Center for Informatics, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianwei Zhu
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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16
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Yang JJ, Jiang W. Immune biomarkers alterations in post-traumatic stress disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. J Affect Disord 2020; 268:39-46. [PMID: 32158005 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.02.044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2019] [Revised: 02/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies have reported the changes of immune biomakers in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), but the results were conflicting. Our aim was to investigate the changes of immune biomarkers in PTSD. METHODS Literatures investigating the changes of immune markers in PTSD published in English were systematically searched through PubMed, Embase and Web of Science. We conducted random effects meta-analyses relating PTSD to immune biomarker concentrations and using subgroup analyses to resolve heterogeneity. RESULTS A total of 2606 articles were screened and 42 samples were included by the systematic review. The levels of interleukin-1β (IL-1β, P = 0.01), IL-2 (P = 0.006), IL-6 (P = 0.0002), interferon-γ (IFN-γ, P = 0.004), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α, P = 0.004), C-reactive protein (CRP, P = 0.0003) and white blood cell (WBC, P = 0.01) were higher in PTSD than healthy controls (HC). Subgroup meta-analyses for psychotropic medication showed the levels of IL-1β and IL-2 were not increased in the PTSD. Subgroup meta-analyses for whether HC exposed to trauma showed the levels of IL-1β and IL-6 were not increased in the PTSD. Egger´s test revealed there was no publication bias. However, there was significant heterogeneity across studies for immune markers other than for WBC (P = 0.14, I2 = 45%). Subgroup analyses based on sex, HC exposed to trauma, PTSD comorbid major depressive disorder, PTSD on psychotropic medications partially or completely resolved heterogeneity for some immune biomarkers. CONCLUSION This meta-analysis provides evidence for elevation of IFN-γ, TNF-α, CRP, and WBC in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan-Juan Yang
- Department of Health Management, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi Provice, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Oncology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi' an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, 710004, Shaanxi Provice, China.
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17
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Seligowski AV, Harnett NG, Merker JB, Ressler KJ. Nervous and Endocrine System Dysfunction in Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Overview and Consideration of Sex as a Biological Variable. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY. COGNITIVE NEUROSCIENCE AND NEUROIMAGING 2020; 5:381-391. [PMID: 32033924 PMCID: PMC7150641 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsc.2019.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Decades of research into the biological mechanisms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) suggests that chronic activation of the stress response leads to long-lasting changes in the structure and function of the nervous and endocrine systems. While the prevalence of PTSD is twice as high in females as males, little is known about how sex differences in neuroendocrine systems may contribute to PTSD. In response to the paucity of research on sex-related mechanisms, the National Institutes of Health created a policy that asks researchers to consider sex as a biological variable. This review provides an overview of the current understanding of nervous and endocrine dysfunction in PTSD (e.g., neural circuitry, autonomic arousal, hormonal response), highlighting areas where the influence of sex has been characterized and where further research is needed. We also provide recommendations for using the sex-as-a-biological-variable policy to address specific gaps in PTSD neuroscience research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia V Seligowski
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts.
| | - Nathaniel G Harnett
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Julia B Merker
- Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
| | - Kerry J Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts; Division of Depression and Anxiety, McLean Hospital, Belmont, Massachusetts
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18
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Inflammation in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): A Review of Potential Correlates of PTSD with a Neurological Perspective. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9020107. [PMID: 31991875 PMCID: PMC7070581 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9020107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2019] [Revised: 01/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a chronic condition characterized by symptoms of physiological and psychosocial burden. While growing research demonstrated signs of inflammation in PTSD, specific biomarkers that may be representative of PTSD such as the detailed neural correlates underlying the inflammatory responses in relation to trauma exposure are seldom discussed. Here, we review recent studies that explored alterations in key inflammatory markers in PTSD, as well as neuroimaging-based studies that further investigated signs of inflammation within the brain in PTSD, as to provide a comprehensive summary of recent literature with a neurological perspective. A search was conducted on studies published from 2009 through 2019 in PubMed and Web of Science. Fifty original articles were selected. Major findings included elevated levels of serum proinflammatory cytokines in individuals with PTSD across various trauma types, as compared with those without PTSD. Furthermore, neuroimaging-based studies demonstrated that altered inflammatory markers are associated with structural and functional alterations in brain regions that are responsible for the regulation of stress and emotion, including the amygdala, hippocampus, and frontal cortex. Future studies that utilize both central and peripheral inflammatory markers are warranted to elucidate the underlying neurological pathway of the pathophysiology of PTSD.
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19
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Relationships of blood proinflammatory markers with psychological resilience and quality of life in civilian women with posttraumatic stress disorder. Sci Rep 2019; 9:17905. [PMID: 31784695 PMCID: PMC6884570 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-54508-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/15/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) show low resilience and impaired quality of life (QOL). Accumulating evidence shows that PTSD is associated with increased inflammation. Studies suggest that inflammation can be a key mechanism underlying low resilience/QOL, but this relationship has been understudied in individuals with PTSD. Here, we investigated the association of blood proinflammatory markers with self-reported resilience and QOL in civilian women with PTSD. Fifty-six women with PTSD and 73 healthy control women participated in this study. Resilience was assessed using the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale. QOL was assessed using the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. Blood samples were collected for the measurement of three proinflammatory markers including interleukin-6 (IL-6), high-sensitivity tumor necrosis factor-α, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP). Compared to controls, patients showed significantly higher IL-6 levels and lower resilience and QOL. In patients, IL-6 levels were significantly negatively correlated with resilience, and hsCRP levels were significantly negatively correlated with psychological QOL. These results show that increased levels of proinflammatory markers including IL-6 and hsCRP are associated with lower psychological resilience and QOL in PTSD patients. Our findings suggest that interventions and treatments targeting inflammation may aid in the recovery from PTSD and lead to better prognosis.
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20
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Arenson MB, McCaslin SE, Cohen BE. Predictors of multiple domains of functioning in Veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder: Results from the Mind Your Heart Study. Depress Anxiety 2019; 36:1026-1035. [PMID: 31356711 DOI: 10.1002/da.22945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2018] [Revised: 05/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Those with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have lower overall functioning than healthy controls. However, this population is not homogenous, and those with PTSD have a wide range of functional outcomes. To our knowledge, only one other study has evaluated the predictors of better functioning within patients with PTSD. METHODS We examined 254 veterans with likely PTSD, using the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale to assess PTSD symptom severity, and the SF-36 and single-item question to assess aspects of current functioning and quality of life. RESULTS In fully adjusted models (controlling for age, gender, and PTSD score, and including all significant psychosocial predictors of the outcome of interest), greater sleep quality (p = .03), lower C-reactive protein (p < .01), and lower erythrocyte sedimentation rate (p = 0.04) were associated with greater physical functioning; lower depression (p < .01) and greater perceived social support (p = .05) were associated with greater social functioning; lower depression (p = .02) was associated with greater occupational functioning; and greater combat exposure (p = .04), greater optimism (p < .01) and greater perceived social support (p = .05) were associated with greater quality of life. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight the differential impact of psychosocial predictors on multiple functional outcomes. As such, they provide important information for clinicians about aspects of veterans' lives that can be targeted during the treatment to improve specific types of functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melanie B Arenson
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, Maryland.,San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, California
| | - Shannon E McCaslin
- Dissemination and Training Division, National Center for PTSD, Menlo Park, California.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, California
| | - Beth E Cohen
- San Francisco VA Medical Center, San Francisco, California.,Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, California
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21
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Powers A, Dixon HD, Conneely K, Gluck R, Munoz A, Rochat C, Mendoza H, Hartzell G, Ressler KJ, Bradley B, Pace TWW, Umpierrez GE, Schwartz AC, Michopoulos V, Gillespie CF. The differential effects of PTSD, MDD, and dissociation on CRP in trauma-exposed women. Compr Psychiatry 2019; 93:33-40. [PMID: 31306866 PMCID: PMC6689425 DOI: 10.1016/j.comppsych.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2019] [Revised: 05/01/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE C-reactive protein (CRP), a marker of systemic inflammation, has been associated with psychiatric disorders including major depressive disorder (MDD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Some research suggests that exposure to trauma can trigger increased activity in the inflammatory system. Dissociation is associated with chronic trauma exposure and may be an important factor in understanding the risk for psychiatric outcomes associated with inflammation. The main objective of the current study was to understand how CRP was related to trauma, dissociation, PTSD and MDD in a sample of 55 traumatized African American women with type 2 diabetes mellitus recruited from an urban hospital. METHOD High sensitivity CRP (hsCRP) was assayed through blood samples; psychiatric disorders were assessed with structured clinical interviews, dissociation was assessed with the Multiscale Dissociation Inventory, and exposure to trauma in childhood and adulthood was assessed with the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Traumatic Events Inventory, respectively. RESULTS Correlational results showed a significant association between higher concentrations of hsCRP and child abuse (p < 0.05), overall dissociation severity (p < 0.001), and PTSD symptoms (p < 0.01). ANOVA results showed significantly higher levels of hsCRP in those with current MDD, current PTSD, and remitted PTSD. A hierarchical linear regression model demonstrated a significant association between dissociation symptoms and greater hsCRP levels independent of childhood abuse, PTSD, and MDD (R2∆ = 0.11, p = 0.001) and independent of emotion dysregulation (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION These findings suggest that dissociation symptoms among those with a history of trauma may be particularly associated with higher levels of inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Powers
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, United States of America.
| | - Hayley Drew Dixon
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Karen Conneely
- Department of Human Genetics, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Rachel Gluck
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Adam Munoz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Cleo Rochat
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Hadrian Mendoza
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Georgina Hartzell
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Kerry J. Ressler
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine,Center for Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Research, Harvard University
| | - Bekh Bradley
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine,Atlanta VA Medical Center
| | - Thaddeus W. W. Pace
- College of Nursing & College of Medicine (Psychiatry), University of Arizona
| | | | - Ann C. Schwartz
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
| | - Vasiliki Michopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine,Yerkes National Primate Research Center, Atlanta, GA
| | - Charles F. Gillespie
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine
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22
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Rusch HL, Robinson J, Yun S, Osier ND, Martin C, Brewin CR, Gill JM. Gene expression differences in PTSD are uniquely related to the intrusion symptom cluster: A transcriptome-wide analysis in military service members. Brain Behav Immun 2019; 80:904-908. [PMID: 31039430 PMCID: PMC6752960 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2019.04.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with wide-spread immune dysregulation; however, little is known about the gene expression differences attributed to each PTSD symptom cluster. This is an important consideration when identifying diagnostic and treatment response markers in highly comorbid populations with mental and physical health conditions that share symptoms. To this aim, we utilized a transcriptome-wide analysis of differential gene expression in peripheral blood by comparing military service members: (1) with vs. without PTSD, (2) with high vs. low PTSD cluster symptom severity, and (3) with improved vs. not improved PTSD symptoms following 4-8 weeks of evidenced-based sleep treatment. Data were analyzed at a ±2.0-fold change magnitude with subsequent gene ontology-based pathway analysis. In participants with PTSD (n = 39), 89 differentially expressed genes were identified, and 94% were upregulated. In participants with high intrusion symptoms (n = 22), 1040 differentially expressed genes were identified, and 98% were upregulated. No differentially expressed genes were identified for the remaining two PTSD symptom clusters. Ten genes (C5orf24, RBAK, CREBZF, CD69, PMAIP1, AGL, ZNF644, ANKRD13C, ESCO1, and ZCCHC10) were upregulated in participants with PTSD and high intrusion symptoms at baseline and downregulated in participants with improved PTSD symptoms following treatment. Pathway analysis identified upregulated immune response systems and metabolic networks with a NF-kB hub, which were downregulated with symptom reduction. Molecular biomarkers implicated in intrusion symptoms and PTSD symptom improvement may inform the development of therapeutic targets for precise treatment of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather L Rusch
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States.
| | - Jeffrey Robinson
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Sijung Yun
- Yotta Biomed, LLC, Bethesda, MD 20817, United States
| | - Nicole D Osier
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Christiana Martin
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
| | - Chris R Brewin
- University College London, London WC1E 6BT, United Kingdom
| | - Jessica M Gill
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, United States
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23
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Post-traumatic stress disorder and asthma risk: A nationwide longitudinal study. Psychiatry Res 2019; 276:25-30. [PMID: 30991276 DOI: 10.1016/j.psychres.2019.04.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence suggests that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) interferes with the immunological system and is correlated with cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, and chronic pain conditions. However, the association between PTSD and asthma remains unknown. METHODS A total of 5518 patients with PTSD and 22,072 age- and sex-matched healthy individuals were enrolled between 2001 and 2009 and followed until the end of 2011. Individuals who developed asthma during the follow-up period were identified. RESULTS During the follow-up period, the patients with PTSD had an increased risk of asthma (hazard ratio [HR] = 2.27), particularly those belonging to the youngest age group (HR = 4.01). The findings were consistent in subsequent sensitivity analyses after the exclusion of the first year of surveillance or allergic disorders. DISCUSSION This study showed a significant link between PTSD and asthma after adjusting for demographic data and related comorbidities. The risk of developing asthma in patients with PTSD was consistently higher than that in the controls during the study period. Additional studies are necessary to clarify the underlying mechanisms involved in this association between PTSD and asthma.
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24
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Kim YK, Amidfar M, Won E. A review on inflammatory cytokine-induced alterations of the brain as potential neural biomarkers in post-traumatic stress disorder. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2019; 91:103-112. [PMID: 29932946 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2018.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The heterogeneity of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms indicates that multiple neurobiological mechanisms underlie the pathophysiology of the condition. However, no generally accepted PTSD biomarkers in clinical practice currently exist. The sequential responses to recurrent and chronic stress by the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis and the autonomic nervous system (ANS) system are considered to play a significant role in the onset and progression of PTSD. Decreased activity of the HPA axis and parasympathetic nervous system, along with increased activity of the sympathetic nervous system, have been observed in PTSD, which may lead to increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Such heightened activity of the immune system may cause alterations in the structure and function of brain regions-for example, the amygdala, hippocampus, medial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, and insula-through changes in levels of serotonin and kynurenine pathway metabolites, and direct neurotoxic effects of cytokines. Although chronic inflammation-induced alterations in brain regions critical in controlling emotional behavior and fear regulation may represent a strong candidate biomarker of PTSD, future studies are necessary to further elucidate inflammation-associated neural biomarkers of PTSD. Continued research on therapeutic methods that involve the normalization of the HPA axis, ANS, and immune system is expected to contribute to the development of novel ways to treat PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Ku Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Meysam Amidfar
- Department of Neuroscience, Fasa University of Medical Sciences, Fasa, Iran
| | - Eunsoo Won
- Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
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Hori H, Kim Y. Inflammation and post-traumatic stress disorder. Psychiatry Clin Neurosci 2019; 73:143-153. [PMID: 30653780 DOI: 10.1111/pcn.12820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 179] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2018] [Revised: 12/13/2018] [Accepted: 01/10/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
While post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is currently diagnosed based solely on classic psychological and behavioral symptoms, a growing body of evidence has highlighted a link between this disorder and alterations in the immune and inflammatory systems. Epidemiological studies have demonstrated that PTSD is associated with significantly increased rates of physical comorbidities in which immune dysregulation is involved, such as metabolic syndrome, atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, and autoimmune diseases. In line with this, a number of blood biomarker studies have reported that compared to healthy controls, individuals with PTSD exhibit significantly elevated levels of proinflammatory markers, such as interleukin-1β, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and C-reactive protein. Moreover, various lines of animal and human research have suggested that inflammation is not only associated with PTSD but also can play an important role in its pathogenesis and pathophysiology. In this review, we first summarize evidence suggestive of increased inflammation in PTSD. We then examine findings that suggest possible mechanisms of inflammation in this disorder in terms of two different but interrelated perspectives: putative causes of increased proinflammatory activities and potential consequences that inflammation generates. Given that there is currently a dearth of treatment options for PTSD, possibilities of new therapeutic approaches using pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments/interventions that have anti-inflammatory effects are also discussed. Despite the increasing attention given to the inflammatory pathology of PTSD, there remains much to be elucidated, including more detailed mechanisms of inflammation, potential usefulness of inflammatory biomarkers as diagnostic and prognostic markers, and efficacy of novel treatment strategies targeting inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroaki Hori
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiharu Kim
- Department of Behavioral Medicine, National Institute of Mental Health, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, Tokyo, Japan
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Abstract
Resilience is defined as the dynamic ability to adapt successfully in the face of adversity, trauma, or significant threat. Some of the key early studies of resilience were observational studies in children. They were followed by research in adults, studies testing interventions to promote resilience in different populations, and a recent upsurge of studies on the underlying genomic and neurobiological mechanisms. Neural and molecular studies in preclinical models of resilience are also increasingly identifying active stress adaptations in resilient animals. Knowledge gained from animal and human studies of resilience can be harnessed to develop new preventive interventions to enhance resilience in at-risk populations. Further, treatment interventions focused on enhancing potentially modifiable protective factors that are consistently linked to psychological resilience can enrich currently available treatment interventions for individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Translating our expanding knowledge of the neurobiology of resilience additionally promises to yield novel therapeutic strategies for treating this disabling condition. This review summarizes the vast field of resilience research spanning genomic, psychosocial, and neurobiological levels, and discusses how findings have led and can lead to new preventive and treatment interventions for PTSD.
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Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder is a serious and often disabling syndrome that develops in response to a traumatic event. Many individuals who initially develop the disorder go on to experience a chronic form of the condition that in some cases can last for many years. Among these patients, psychiatric and medical comorbidities are common, including early onset of age-related conditions such as chronic pain, cardiometabolic disease, neurocognitive disorders, and dementia. The hallmark symptoms of posttraumatic stress-recurrent sensory-memory reexperiencing of the trauma(s)-are associated with concomitant activations of threat- and stress-related neurobiological pathways that occur against a tonic backdrop of sleep disturbance and heightened physiological arousal. Emerging evidence suggests that the molecular consequences of this stress-perpetuating syndrome include elevated systemic levels of oxidative stress and inflammation. In this article we review evidence for the involvement of oxidative stress and inflammation in chronic PTSD and the neurobiological consequences of these processes, including accelerated cellular aging and neuroprogression. Our aim is to update and expand upon previous reviews of this rapidly developing literature and to discuss magnetic resonance spectroscopy as an imaging technology uniquely suited to measuring oxidative stress and inflammatory markers in vivo. Finally, we highlight future directions for research and avenues for the development of novel therapeutics targeting oxidative stress and inflammation in patients with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark W Miller
- From the Department of Psychiatry, Boston University School of Medicine (Drs. M. W. Miller, Wolf, and D. R. Miller); National Center for PTSD, Behavioral Science Division, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA (Drs. M. W. Miller, Wolf, and D. R. Miller); Harvard Medical School and Department of Radiology, Brigham & Women's Hospital, Boston, MA (Dr. Lin)
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Pape JC, Carrillo-Roa T, Rothbaum BO, Nemeroff CB, Czamara D, Zannas AS, Iosifescu D, Mathew SJ, Neylan TC, Mayberg HS, Dunlop BW, Binder EB. DNA methylation levels are associated with CRF 1 receptor antagonist treatment outcome in women with post-traumatic stress disorder. Clin Epigenetics 2018; 10:136. [PMID: 30390684 PMCID: PMC6215613 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-018-0569-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2018] [Accepted: 10/17/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background We have previously evaluated the efficacy of the CRF1 receptor antagonist GSK561679 in female PTSD patients. While GSK561679 was not superior to placebo overall, it was associated with a significantly stronger symptom reduction in a subset of patients with probable CRF system hyperactivity, i.e., patients with child abuse and CRHR1 SNP rs110402 GG carriers. Here, we test whether blood-based DNA methylation levels within CRHR1 and other PTSD-relevant genes would be associated with treatment outcome, either overall or in the high CRF activity subgroup. Results Therefore, we measured CRHR1 genotypes as well as baseline and post-treatment DNA methylation from the peripheral blood in the same cohort of PTSD-diagnosed women treated with GSK561679 (N = 43) or placebo (N = 45). In the same patients, we assessed DNA methylation at the PTSD-relevant genes NR3C1 and FKBP5, shown to predict or associate with PTSD treatment outcome after psychotherapy. We observed significant differences in CRHR1 methylation after GSK561679 treatment in the subgroup of patients with high CRF activity. Furthermore, NR3C1 baseline methylation significantly interacted with child abuse to predict PTSD symptom change following GSK561679 treatment. Conclusions Our results support a possible role of CRHR1 methylation levels as an epigenetic marker to track response to CRF1 antagonist treatment in biologically relevant subgroups. Moreover, pre-treatment NR3C1 methylation levels may serve as a potential marker to predict PTSD treatment outcome, independent of the type of therapy. However, to establish clinical relevance of these markers, our findings require replication and validation in larger studies. Trial registration NCT01018992. Registered 6 November 2009. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13148-018-0569-x) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julius C Pape
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Tania Carrillo-Roa
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara O Rothbaum
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Charles B Nemeroff
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Darina Czamara
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Anthony S Zannas
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany.,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Dan Iosifescu
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA.,New York University School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.,Nathan Kline Institute for Psychiatric Research, Orangeburg, NY, USA
| | - Sanjay J Mathew
- Menninger Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine & Michael E. Debakey VA Medical Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Thomas C Neylan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA.,The San Francisco Veterans Affairs Medical Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Helen S Mayberg
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Boadie W Dunlop
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Department of Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max Planck Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany. .,Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, USA.
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Renna ME, O'Toole MS, Spaeth PE, Lekander M, Mennin DS. The association between anxiety, traumatic stress, and obsessive-compulsive disorders and chronic inflammation: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Depress Anxiety 2018; 35:1081-1094. [PMID: 30199144 DOI: 10.1002/da.22790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 119] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2017] [Revised: 05/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/29/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Anxiety is characterized by prolonged preparation for real or perceived threat. This may manifest both as psychological and physiological activation, ultimately leading to greater risk for poor health. Chronic inflammation may play an integral role in this relationship, given the influential role that it has in chronic illness. The aim of this meta-analysis is to examine levels of chronic inflammation, measured by inflammatory cytokines and C-reactive protein, in people with anxiety disorders, PTSD (posttraumatic stress disorder), or obsessive-compulsive disorder compared to healthy controls. Several moderating variables, including specific diagnosis and depression comorbidity, were also assessed. METHODS Seventy six full-text articles were screened for eligibility with 41 studies ultimately included in analysis. RESULTS Results demonstrated a significant overall difference between healthy controls (HCs) and people with anxiety disorders in pro-inflammatory cytokines (P = 0.013, Hedge's g = -0.39), which appears to be largely driven by interleukin-1β (IL-1β; P = 0.009, Hedge's g = -0.50), IL-6 (P < 0.001, Hedge's g = -0.93), and tumor necrosis factor-α (P = 0.030, Hedge's g = -0.56). Moderation analyses revealed a moderating effect of diagnosis (P = 0.050), as only individuals with PTSD demonstrated differences in inflammation between HCs (P = 0.004, Hedge's g = -0.68). CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate the association between inflammatory dysregulation and diagnoses associated with chronic, impactful, and severe anxiety and provides insight into the way that anxiety, and in particular PTSD, is related to certain inflammatory markers. In doing so, these findings may provide an initial step in disentangling the relationship between anxiety and basic health processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Megan E Renna
- Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | | | - Phillip E Spaeth
- Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Mats Lekander
- Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Stress Research Institute, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Douglas S Mennin
- Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, New York, New York
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Felger JC. Imaging the Role of Inflammation in Mood and Anxiety-related Disorders. Curr Neuropharmacol 2018; 16:533-558. [PMID: 29173175 PMCID: PMC5997866 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x15666171123201142] [Citation(s) in RCA: 244] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2017] [Revised: 10/23/2017] [Accepted: 11/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Studies investigating the impact of a variety of inflammatory stimuli on the brain and behavior have reported evidence that inflammation and release of inflammatory cytokines affect circuitry relevant to both reward and threat sensitivity to contribute to behavioral change. Of relevance to mood and anxiety-related disorders, biomarkers of inflammation such as inflammatory cytokines and acute-phase proteins are reliably elevated in a significant proportion of patients with major depressive disorder (MDD), bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Methods This review summarized clinical and translational work demonstrating the impact of peripheral inflammation on brain regions and neurotransmitter systems relevant to both reward and threat sensitivity, with a focus on neuroimaging studies involving administration of inflammatory stimuli. Recent translation of these findings to further understand the role of inflammation in mood and anxiety-related disorders is also discussed. Results Inflammation was consistently found to affect basal ganglia and cortical reward and motor circuits to drive reduced motivation and motor activity, as well as anxiety-related brain regions including amygdala, insula and anterior cingulate cortex, which may result from cytokine effects on monoamines and glutamate. Similar relationships between inflammation and altered neurocircuitry have been observed in MDD patients with increased peripheral inflammatory markers, and such work is on the horizon for anxiety disorders and PTSD. Conclusion Neuroimaging effects of inflammation on reward and threat circuitry may be used as biomarkers of inflammation for future development of novel therapeutic strategies to better treat mood and anxiety-related disorders in patients with high inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer C Felger
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GA, United States.,Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, United States
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31
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C-reactive protein as a predictor of posttraumatic stress induced by acute myocardial infarction. Gen Hosp Psychiatry 2018; 53:125-130. [PMID: 29880326 DOI: 10.1016/j.genhosppsych.2018.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Accepted: 03/28/2018] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) may cause clinically relevant posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms (PTSS). An inflammatory state might be one mechanism linking PTSS with poor prognosis after ACS. We tested the hypothesis that a change in C-reactive protein (CRP) between hospital admission and 3-month follow-up is an independent predictor of ACS-triggered PTSS. METHODS We assessed 183 patients (median age 59 years; 84% men) with verified myocardial infarction (MI) within 48 h of an acute coronary intervention and three months post-MI for self-rated PTSS. 14 (7.7%) patients fulfilled definition criteria for PTSS caseness. CRP values were categorized according to the predicted risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) at hospital admission (acute inflammatory response): 0 to <5 mg/L, 5 to <10 mg/L, 10 to <20 mg/L, and ≥ 20 mg/L; and at 3-month follow-up (low-grade inflammation): 0 to <1 mg/L, 1 to <3 mg/L, and ≥ 3 mg/L. Additionally, in a subsample of 84 patients with CRP levels below 20 mg/L at admission, CRP values were log-transformed. RESULTS After adjustment for covariates, less of a reduction or an increase of log CRP values between admission and 3-month follow-up predicted PTSS caseness (OR 6.25, 95% CI 1.25, 31.38), and continuous PTSS (unstandardized B = 0.21, 95% CI 0.07, 4.19; p = 0.043). Less reduction in CRP risk categories predicted both PTSS caseness (OR 4.14, 95% CI 1.89, 9.06) and continuous PTSS (B = 1.80, 95% CI 1.09, 2.51; p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Persistently heightened inflammation seems to be predictive for the development of PTSS three months after ACS, so interventions to lower inflammation might be warranted.
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Okubo R, Chen C, Sekiguchi M, Hamazaki K, Matsuoka YJ. Mechanisms underlying the effects of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids on fear memory processing and their hypothetical effects on fear of cancer recurrence in cancer survivors. Prostaglandins Leukot Essent Fatty Acids 2018; 131:14-23. [PMID: 29628046 DOI: 10.1016/j.plefa.2018.03.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Revised: 03/14/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
The relationship of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and gut microbiota with brain function has been extensively reported. Here, we review how n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids affect fear memory processing. n-3 PUFAs may improve dysfunctional fear memory processing via immunomodulation/anti-inflammation, increased BDNF, upregulated adult neurogenesis, modulated signal transduction, and microbiota-gut-brain axis normalization. We emphasize how n-3 PUFAs affect this axis and also focus on the hypothetical effects of PUFAs in fear of cancer recurrence (FCR), the primary psychological unmet need of cancer survivors. Its pathophysiology may be similar to that of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which involves dysfunctional fear memory processing. Due to fewer adverse effects than psychotropic drugs, nutritional interventions involving n-3 PUFAs should be acceptable for physically vulnerable cancer survivors. We are currently studying the relationship of FCR with n-3 PUFAs and gut microbiota in cancer survivors to provide them with a nutritional intervention that protects against FCR.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Okubo
- Division of Health Care Research, Center for Public Health Science, National Cancer Center Japan, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan
| | - C Chen
- RIKEN Brain Science Institute, 2-1 Hirosawa, Wako, Saitama 351-0198, Japan
| | - M Sekiguchi
- Department of Degenerative Neurological Diseases, National Institute of Neuroscience, National Center of Neurology and Psychiatry, 4-1-1 Ogawahigashi-cho, Kodaira City, Tokyo 187-8551, Japan
| | - K Hamazaki
- Department of Public Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toyama, 2630 Sugitani, Toyama City, Toyama 930-0194, Japan
| | - Y J Matsuoka
- Division of Health Care Research, Center for Public Health Science, National Cancer Center Japan, 5-1-1 Tsukiji, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0045, Japan.
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Toft H, Bramness JG, Lien L, Abebe DS, Wampold BE, Tilden T, Hestad K, Neupane SP. PTSD patients show increasing cytokine levels during treatment despite reduced psychological distress. Neuropsychiatr Dis Treat 2018; 14:2367-2378. [PMID: 30271153 PMCID: PMC6149900 DOI: 10.2147/ndt.s173659] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND A reciprocal relationship between activated innate immune system and changes in mood and behavior has been established. There is still a paucity of knowledge on how the immune system responds during psychiatric treatment. We aimed to explore circulating cytokines and assess psychiatric symptom severity scores during 12 weeks of inpatient psychiatric treatment. METHODS The study was a longitudinal assessment of 124 patients (88 women and 36 men) in treatment at Modum Psychiatric Center, Norway. The patient sample comprised a mixed psychiatric population of whom 39 were diagnosed with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Serum blood samples for cytokine analysis and measures of mental distress using Global Severity Index were collected at admission (T0), halfway (T1), and before discharge (T2). Other factors assessed were age, gender, and the use of antidepressants and anti-inflammatory drugs. Multilevel modeling was used for longitudinal analyses to assess the repeated cytokine samples within each patient. RESULTS Overall level of IL-1RA was higher in PTSD patients when compared to those without PTSD (P=0.021). The level of IL-1β, MCP-1, and TNF-α increased over time in PTSD compared to non-PTSD patients (P=0.025, P=0.011 and P=0.008, respectively). All patients experienced reduced mental distress as measured by self-reported Global Severity Index scores. Stratified analysis showed that PTSD patients who used anti-inflammatory drugs had higher levels of IL-1β (P=0.007) and TNF-α (P=0.049) than PTSD patients who did not use such drugs. CONCLUSION The study indicates that traumatized patients may have a distinct neuroimmune development during recovery. Their activated immune system shows even further activation during their rehabilitation despite symptom reduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helge Toft
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway, .,Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway,
| | - Jørgen G Bramness
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway, .,Institute of Clinical Medicine, UiT, Norway´s Arctic University, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Lars Lien
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway, .,Department of Health Studies, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway
| | - Dawit S Abebe
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway, .,Department of Nursing and Health Promotion, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bruce E Wampold
- Research Institute, Modum Psychiatric Center, Vikersund, Norway.,Department of Counseling Psychology, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Terje Tilden
- Research Institute, Modum Psychiatric Center, Vikersund, Norway
| | - Knut Hestad
- Department of Health Studies, Inland Norway University of Applied Sciences, Elverum, Norway.,Department of Research, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Brumunddal, Norway.,Department of Psychology, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sudan Prasad Neupane
- Norwegian National Advisory Unit on Concurrent Substance Abuse and Mental Health Disorders, Innlandet Hospital Trust, Ottestad, Norway, .,Norwegian Center for Addiction Research (SERAF), Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
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Lisieski MJ, Eagle AL, Conti AC, Liberzon I, Perrine SA. Single-Prolonged Stress: A Review of Two Decades of Progress in a Rodent Model of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2018; 9:196. [PMID: 29867615 PMCID: PMC5962709 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2018.00196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common, costly, and often debilitating psychiatric condition. However, the biological mechanisms underlying this disease are still largely unknown or poorly understood. Considerable evidence indicates that PTSD results from dysfunction in highly-conserved brain systems involved in stress, anxiety, fear, and reward. Pre-clinical models of traumatic stress exposure are critical in defining the neurobiological mechanisms of PTSD, which will ultimately aid in the development of new treatments for PTSD. Single prolonged stress (SPS) is a pre-clinical model that displays behavioral, molecular, and physiological alterations that recapitulate many of the same alterations observed in PTSD, illustrating its validity and giving it utility as a model for investigating post-traumatic adaptations and pre-trauma risk and protective factors. In this manuscript, we review the present state of research using the SPS model, with the goals of (1) describing the utility of the SPS model as a tool for investigating post-trauma adaptations, (2) relating findings using the SPS model to findings in patients with PTSD, and (3) indicating research gaps and strategies to address them in order to improve our understanding of the pathophysiology of PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J Lisieski
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Andrew L Eagle
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, United States
| | - Alana C Conti
- Research and Development Service, John D. Dingell Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Detroit, MI, United States.,Department of Neurosurgery, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Israel Liberzon
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States.,Mental Health Service, Veterans Affairs Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Shane A Perrine
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
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Vries GJD, Mocking R, Assies J, Schene A, Olff M. Plasma lipoproteins in posttraumatic stress disorder patients compared to healthy controls and their associations with the HPA- and HPT-axis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2017; 86:209-217. [PMID: 28987899 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2017.09.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 09/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Based on studies among primarily male veteran subjects, lipoproteins are thought to mediate the association of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) with cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, recent civilian studies with female samples or samples with both sexes represented provide little evidence for this association. Gender, diet and sex-specific effects of stress hormones on lipoproteins may explain this dissociation in findings. METHOD Cross-sectional analysis of plasma concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and triglycerides (TG) in a male and female sample of 49 PTSD-patients due to civilian trauma and 45 healthy controls. Second, we related these lipoproteins to several stress hormones (prolactin, cortisol, DHEA(S), TSH, T4). RESULTS Patients showed lower LDL (p=0.033) and LDL:HDL ratio (p=0.038) compared to controls, also when adjusting for diet. Sex influenced the effect of having PTSD on LDL with only male patients having lower values than male controls (p=0.012). All stress hormones were associated with several lipoproteins, mostly in a sex-dependent manner. For LDL, a significant sex-by-cortisol effect (p<0.001), having PTSD-by-sex-by-DHEA (p<0.001), having PTSD-by-sex-by-DHEAS (p=0.016) and having PTSD-by-sex-by-prolactin (p=0.003) was found. CONCLUSION In this male and female civilian sample we found a somewhat more favorable lipoprotein profile in PTSD-patients in contrast to evidence from strictly male veteran samples exhibiting a less favorable lipoprotein profile. Male patients did not exhibit a worse lipoprotein profile than female patients and therefore gender cannot explain the contradiction in evidence. Additionally, we found that PTSD-related stress hormones are associated with lipoproteins levels in patients in a sex-specific manner. Specific configurations of stress hormones may contribute to CVD in male patients or protect in female patients. Further research on these configurations could indicate which PTSD-patients are especially at risk for CVD and which are not. This could guide future precision medicine efforts to prevent and treat the still growing burden of CVD morbidity and mortality in PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giel-Jan de Vries
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roel Mocking
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Johanna Assies
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Aart Schene
- Department of Psychiatry, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands; Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behavior, Radboud University, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - Miranda Olff
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Centre, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Arq Psychotrauma Expert group, Diemen, The Netherlands.
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Simchovitz A, Heneka MT, Soreq H. Personalized genetics of the cholinergic blockade of neuroinflammation. J Neurochem 2017; 142 Suppl 2:178-187. [PMID: 28326544 PMCID: PMC5600134 DOI: 10.1111/jnc.13928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2016] [Revised: 11/27/2016] [Accepted: 12/05/2016] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Acetylcholine signaling is essential for cognitive functioning and blocks inflammation. To maintain homeostasis, cholinergic signaling is subjected to multi‐leveled and bidirectional regulation by both proteins and non‐coding microRNAs (‘CholinomiRs’). CholinomiRs coordinate the cognitive and inflammatory aspects of cholinergic signaling by targeting major cholinergic transcripts including the acetylcholine hydrolyzing enzyme acetylcholinesterase (AChE). Notably, AChE inhibitors are the only currently approved line of treatment for Alzheimer's disease patients. Since cholinergic signaling blocks neuroinflammation which is inherent to Alzheimer's disease, genomic changes modifying AChE's properties and its susceptibility to inhibitors and/or to CholinomiRs regulation may affect the levels and properties of inflammasome components such as NLRP3. This calls for genomic‐based medicine approaches based on genotyping of both coding and non‐coding single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the genes involved in cholinergic signaling. An example is a SNP in a recognition element for the primate‐specific microRNA‐608 within the 3′ untranslated region of the AChE transcript. Carriers of the minor allele of that SNP present massively elevated brain AChE levels, increased trait anxiety and inflammation, accompanied by perturbed CholinomiR‐608 regulatory networks and elevated prefrontal activity under exposure to stressful insults. Several additional SNPs in the AChE and other cholinergic genes await further studies, and might likewise involve different CholinomiRs and pathways including those modulating the initiation and progression of neurodegenerative diseases. CholinomiRs regulation of the cholinergic system thus merits in‐depth interrogation and is likely to lead to personalized medicine approaches for achieving better homeostasis in health and disease. This is an article for the special issue XVth International Symposium on Cholinergic Mechanisms. ![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Alon Simchovitz
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Hermona Soreq
- Department of Biological Chemistry, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Givat Ram, Jerusalem, Israel
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O'Donovan A, Ahmadian AJ, Neylan TC, Pacult MA, Edmondson D, Cohen BE. Current posttraumatic stress disorder and exaggerated threat sensitivity associated with elevated inflammation in the Mind Your Heart Study. Brain Behav Immun 2017; 60:198-205. [PMID: 27765647 PMCID: PMC5279867 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2016.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2016] [Revised: 09/29/2016] [Accepted: 10/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Elevated inflammation has been repeatedly observed in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and it may drive the development of both psychiatric symptoms and physical comorbidities. However, it is not clear if elevated inflammation is a feature of both remitted and current PTSD, and little is known about relationships between specific clusters of PTSD symptoms and inflammation. Exaggerated threat sensitivity, as indexed by threat reactivity and avoidance of perceived threats, may be particularly closely associated with inflammation. METHODS We assessed PTSD symptoms and threat sensitivity using the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale in 735 Veterans Affairs patients (35% current PTSD; 16% remitted PTSD) who participated in the Mind Your Heart Study (mean age=59±11; 94% male). High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), white blood cell count (WBC), and fibrinogen were used as indices of inflammation. Analysis of covariance models with planned contrasts were used to examine differences in inflammation by PTSD status, adjusting for age, sex, race, kidney function and socioeconomic status. RESULTS Individuals with current PTSD had significantly higher hsCRP and WBC than patients with no history of PTSD, but there were no significant differences in inflammatory markers between those with remitted versus no history of PTSD. Within patients with current PTSD, higher threat reactivity was independently associated with higher hsCRP (β=0.16, p=0.01) and WBC count (β=0.24, <0.001), and higher effortful avoidance was associated with higher fibrinogen (β=0.13, p=0.04). CONCLUSION Our data indicate that elevated inflammation may be a feature of current, but not remitted, PTSD. Within patients with PTSD, higher threat reactivity was also associated with elevated inflammation. A better understanding of the relationship between threat sensitivity and inflammation may inform interventions for patients with PTSD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aoife O'Donovan
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Veteran's Affairs Medical Center and Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, CA, USA.
| | - Ashkan J Ahmadian
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Veteran's Affairs Medical Center and Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Thomas C Neylan
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Veteran's Affairs Medical Center and Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Mark A Pacult
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Veteran's Affairs Medical Center and Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - Beth E Cohen
- University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA; San Francisco Veteran's Affairs Medical Center and Northern California Institute for Research and Education, San Francisco, CA, USA
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Olff M, van Zuiden M. Neuroendocrine and neuroimmune markers in PTSD: pre-, peri- and post-trauma glucocorticoid and inflammatory dysregulation. Curr Opin Psychol 2017; 14:132-137. [PMID: 28813312 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2017.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
We review current knowledge on how posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with dysregulation of the most commonly studied markers of the endocrine and immune systems pre-, peri- and post-trauma. Lower basal cortisol output, enhanced glucocorticoid receptor function, and a proinflammatory state have been most consistently found in PTSD, with considerable variability among studies and participants. Longitudinal research is scarce, but there is converging evidence that biological dysregulation is present before PTSD onset. Biological dysregulation may become more apparent with increasing time since trauma, and may be reversible with and predict effective treatment. However, considering the variability of findings and the complex interplay of these systems with other factors, the current clinical application of these findings remains limited.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miranda Olff
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center at the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group, Diemen, The Netherlands.
| | - Mirjam van Zuiden
- Department of Psychiatry, Academic Medical Center at the University of Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Wang Z, Caughron B, Young MRI. Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: An Immunological Disorder? Front Psychiatry 2017; 8:222. [PMID: 29163241 PMCID: PMC5681483 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2017.00222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Patients with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) exhibit an increased state of inflammation. Various animal models for PTSD have shown some of the same immune imbalances as have been shown in human subjects with PTSD, and some of these studies are discussed in this review. However, animal studies can only indirectly implicate immune involvement in PTSD in humans. This review of mainly studies with human subjects focuses on dissecting the immunological role in the pathogenesis of PTSD following initial trauma exposure. It addresses both the inflammatory state associated with PTSD and the immune imbalance between stimulatory and inhibitory immune mediators, as well as variables that can lead to discrepancies between analyses. The concept of immunological treatment approaches is proposed for PTSD, as new treatments are needed for this devastating disorder that is affecting unprecedented numbers of Veterans from the long-standing wars in the Middle East and which affects civilians following severe trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhewu Wang
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States.,Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Blaine Caughron
- Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - M Rita I Young
- Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, United States.,Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
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Horn SR, Charney DS, Feder A. Understanding resilience: New approaches for preventing and treating PTSD. Exp Neurol 2016; 284:119-132. [PMID: 27417856 DOI: 10.1016/j.expneurol.2016.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2016] [Revised: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 07/08/2016] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
All individuals experience stressful life events, and up to 84% of the general population will experience at least one potentially traumatic event. In some cases, acute or chronic stressors lead to the development of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other psychopathology; however, the majority of people are resilient to such effects. Resilience is the ability to adapt successfully in the face of stress and adversity. A wealth of research has begun to identify the genetic, epigenetic, neural, and environmental underpinnings of resilience, and has indicated that resilience is mediated by adaptive changes encompassing several environmental factors, neural circuits, numerous neurotransmitters, and molecular pathways. The first part of this review focuses on recent findings regarding the genetic, epigenetic, developmental, psychosocial, and neurochemical factors as well as neural circuits and molecular pathways that underlie the development of resilience. Emerging and exciting areas of research and novel methodological approaches, including genome-wide gene expression studies, immune, endocannabinoid, oxytocin, and glutamatergic systems, are explored to help delineate innovative mechanisms that may contribute to resilience. The second part reviews several interventions and preventative approaches designed to enhance resilience in both developmental and adult populations. Specifically, the review will delineate approaches aimed to bolster resilience in individuals with PTSD. Furthermore, we discuss novel pharmacologic approaches, including the N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor ketamine and neuropeptide Y (NPY), as exciting new prospects for not only the treatment of PTSD but as new targets to enhance resilience. Our growing understanding of resilience and interventions will hopefully lead to the development of new strategies for not just treating PTSD but also screening and early identification of at-risk youth and adults. Taken together, efforts aimed at dissemination and implementation of novel interventions to enhance resilience will have to keep pace with the growth of new preventive and treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah R Horn
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Dennis S Charney
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA; Department of Neuroscience, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Systems Therapeutics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Adriana Feder
- Department of Psychiatry, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, NY, USA.
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Wang Z, Young MRI. PTSD, a Disorder with an Immunological Component. Front Immunol 2016; 7:219. [PMID: 27375619 PMCID: PMC4893499 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2016.00219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 05/23/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with an inflammatory state. However, few studies have addressed the mechanisms underlying this immune imbalance that favors inflammation or how this imbalance contributes to PTSD. Whether the immune imbalance influences responsiveness or unresponsiveness of patients to PTSD treatments is currently not known. This review brings forward an immune emphasis to a mental health disorder that is unprecedented in its prevalence among combat Veterans of the ongoing conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan and which also afflicts civilians who have undergone extreme traumatic experiences, such as following natural disasters, serious accidents, or assaults. Included is an overview of the correlative associations in human subjects between PTSD and inflammation and studies in animal models of PTSD, demonstrating causal contributions of inflammation and immune dysregulation to PTSD-like behavior following stress exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhewu Wang
- Mental Health Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Psychiatry, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - M Rita I Young
- Research Service, Ralph H. Johnson VA Medical Center, Charleston, SC, USA; Department of Otolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
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Guardado P, Olivera A, Rusch HL, Roy M, Martin C, Lejbman N, Lee H, Gill JM. Altered gene expression of the innate immune, neuroendocrine, and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) systems is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder in military personnel. J Anxiety Disord 2016; 38:9-20. [PMID: 26751122 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2015.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Revised: 10/08/2015] [Accepted: 12/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Whole transcriptome analysis provides an unbiased examination of biological activity, and likely, unique insight into the mechanisms underlying posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and comorbid depression and traumatic brain injury. This study compared gene-expression profiles in military personnel with PTSD (n=28) and matched controls without PTSD (n=27) using HG-U133 Plus 2.0 microarrays (Affymetrix), which contain 54,675 probe sets representing more than 38,500 genes. Analysis of expression profiles revealed 203 differentially expressed genes in PTSD, of which 72% were upregulated. Using Partek Genomics Suite 6.6, differentially expressed transcription clusters were filtered based on a selection criterion of ≥1.5 relative fold change at a false discovery rate of ≤5%. Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (Qiagen) of the differentially expressed genes indicated a dysregulation of genes associated with the innate immune, neuroendocrine, and NF-κB systems. These findings provide novel insights that may lead to new pharmaceutical agents for PTSD treatments and help mitigate mental and physical comorbidity risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Guardado
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Anlys Olivera
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Heather L Rusch
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; Henry M Jackson Foundation for The Advancement of Military Medicine, 6720A Rockledge Drive #100, Bethesda, MD 20817, USA
| | - Michael Roy
- Uniformed Service University of the Health Science, 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA
| | - Christiana Martin
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Natasha Lejbman
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hwyunhwa Lee
- University of Nevada, Las Vegas, School of Nursing, 4505 South Maryland Parkway, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA
| | - Jessica M Gill
- National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
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Ogłodek EA, Szota AM, Moś DM, Araszkiewicz A, Szromek AR. Serum concentrations of chemokines (CCL-5 and CXCL-12), chemokine receptors (CCR-5 and CXCR-4), and IL-6 in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder and avoidant personality disorder. Pharmacol Rep 2015; 67:1251-8. [DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2015.05.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2014] [Revised: 05/25/2015] [Accepted: 05/27/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Passos IC, Vasconcelos-Moreno MP, Costa LG, Kunz M, Brietzke E, Quevedo J, Salum G, Magalhães PV, Kapczinski F, Kauer-Sant'Anna M. Inflammatory markers in post-traumatic stress disorder: a systematic review, meta-analysis, and meta-regression. Lancet Psychiatry 2015; 2:1002-12. [PMID: 26544749 DOI: 10.1016/s2215-0366(15)00309-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 456] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2015] [Revised: 06/16/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Studies investigating inflammatory markers in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) have yielded mixed results. The aim of our study was to compare concentrations of inflammatory markers in patients with PTSD compared with healthy controls. METHODS We did a meta-analysis and meta-regression of studies comparing inflammatory markers between patients with PTSD and healthy controls by searching PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycINFO for articles published between Jan 1, 1960, and April 7, 2015. From eligible studies (ie, cross-sectional studies or baseline data from longitudinal studies of peripheral blood cytokine concentrations that compared adults with PTSD with healthy controls), we extracted outcomes of interest, such as mean and SD of peripheral blood cytokines, the time of day blood was collected, whether the study allowed patients with comorbid major depressive disorder in the PTSD group, whether patients were medication free, and severity of PTSD symptoms. We undertook meta-analyses whenever values of inflammatory markers were available in two or more studies. A random-effects model with restricted maximum-likelihood estimator was used to synthesise the effect size (assessed by standardised mean difference [SMD]) across studies. FINDINGS 8057 abstracts were identified and 20 studies were included. Interleukin 6 (SMD 0.88; p=0.0003), interleukin 1β (SMD 1.42; p=0.045), and interferon γ (SMD 0.49; p=0.002) levels were higher in the PTSD group than in healthy controls. Subgroup meta-analysis of patients who were not given medication showed higher tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα; SMD 0.69, 95% CI 0.35-1.02; p<0.0001) in the PTSD group than the control group in addition to the aforementioned cytokines. TNFα (SMD 1.32, 0.13-2.50; p=0.003), interleukin 1β (SMD 2.35, 0.01-4.68; p=0.048), and interleukin 6 (SMD 1.75, 0.97-2.53; p<0.0001) levels remained increased in the PTSD group in a subgroup meta-analysis of studies that excluded comorbid major depressive disorder. Illness duration was positively associated with interleukin 1β levels (b=0.33, p<0.0001) and severity with interleukin 6 (b=0.02, p=0.042). A model composed of several variables-presence of comorbid major depressive disorder, use of psychotropic medications, assay used, and time of day blood was collected-explained the large amount of heterogeneity between interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, and C-reactive protein studies. Egger's linear regression test revealed a potential publication bias for interleukin 1β. Additionally, for most inflammatory markers, study heterogeneity was reported to be high (I(2)>75%). INTERPRETATION PTSD is associated with increased interleukin 6, interleukin 1β, TNFα, and interferon γ levels. This information might be useful for consideration of chronic low-grade inflammation as a potential target or biomarker in PTSD treatment. Use of psychotropic medication and presence of comorbid major depressive disorder were important moderators that might explain the inconsistency between results of previous studies. Our search strategy used a range of databases and we made exhaustive effort to acquire data by contacting the authors. Notably, high levels of between-study heterogeneity were recorded for most cytokine variables measured in our analysis. However, meta-regression analysis could explain a large amount of this heterogeneity. FUNDING None.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ives Cavalcante Passos
- UT Center of Excellence on Mood Disorder, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Bipolar Disorder Program, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduation Program in Psychiatry and Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Mirela Paiva Vasconcelos-Moreno
- Bipolar Disorder Program, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduation Program in Psychiatry and Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Leonardo Gazzi Costa
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Maurício Kunz
- Bipolar Disorder Program, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduation Program in Psychiatry and Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Elisa Brietzke
- Interdisciplinary Laboratory of Clinical Neurosciences, Department of Psychiatry, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - João Quevedo
- UT Center of Excellence on Mood Disorder, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Laboratory of Neurosciences, Graduate Program in Health Sciences, Health Sciences Unit, University of Southern Santa Catarina, Criciuma, SC, Brazil
| | - Giovanni Salum
- Graduation Program in Psychiatry and Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Pedro V Magalhães
- Bipolar Disorder Program, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduation Program in Psychiatry and Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Flávio Kapczinski
- UT Center of Excellence on Mood Disorder, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX, USA; Bipolar Disorder Program, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduation Program in Psychiatry and Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Márcia Kauer-Sant'Anna
- Bipolar Disorder Program, Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Graduation Program in Psychiatry and Department of Psychiatry, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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Lohr JB, Palmer BW, Eidt CA, Aailaboyina S, Mausbach BT, Wolkowitz OM, Thorp SR, Jeste DV. Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Associated with Premature Senescence? A Review of the Literature. Am J Geriatr Psychiatry 2015; 23:709-25. [PMID: 25959921 PMCID: PMC4568841 DOI: 10.1016/j.jagp.2015.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2015] [Revised: 03/23/2015] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has major public health significance. Evidence that PTSD may be associated with premature senescence (early or accelerated aging) would have major implications for quality of life and healthcare policy. We conducted a comprehensive review of published empirical studies relevant to early aging in PTSD. METHOD Our search included the PubMed, PsycINFO, and PILOTS databases for empirical reports published since the year 2000 relevant to early senescence and PTSD, including: 1) biomarkers of senescence (leukocyte telomere length [LTL] and pro-inflammatory markers), 2) prevalence of senescence-associated medical conditions, and 3) mortality rates. RESULTS All six studies examining LTL indicated reduced LTL in PTSD (pooled Cohen's d = 0.76). We also found consistent evidence of increased pro-inflammatory markers in PTSD (mean Cohen's ds), including C-reactive protein = 0.18, Interleukin-1 beta = 0.44, Interleukin-6 = 0.78, and tumor necrosis factor alpha = 0.81. The majority of reviewed studies also indicated increased medical comorbidity among several targeted conditions known to be associated with normal aging, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus, gastrointestinal ulcer disease, and dementia. We also found seven of 10 studies indicated PTSD to be associated with earlier mortality (average hazard ratio: 1.29). CONCLUSION In short, evidence from multiple lines of investigation suggests that PTSD may be associated with a phenotype of accelerated senescence. Further research is critical to understand the nature of this association. There may be a need to re-conceptualize PTSD beyond the boundaries of mental illness, and instead as a full systemic disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- James B. Lohr
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health,University of California, San Diego – Department of Psychiatry and the Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging
| | - Barton W. Palmer
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health,University of California, San Diego – Department of Psychiatry and the Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging
| | - Carolyn A. Eidt
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health,University of California, San Diego – Department of Psychiatry and the Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging
| | - Smitha Aailaboyina
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health,University of California, San Diego – Department of Psychiatry and the Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging
| | - Brent T. Mausbach
- University of California, San Diego – Department of Psychiatry and the Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging
| | | | - Steven R. Thorp
- VA Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health,University of California, San Diego – Department of Psychiatry and the Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging
| | - Dilip V. Jeste
- University of California, San Diego – Department of Psychiatry and the Sam and Rose Stein Institute for Research on Aging
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Spoont MR, Nelson DB, Murdoch M, Sayer NA, Nugent S, Rector T, Westermeyer J. Are there racial/ethnic disparities in VA PTSD treatment retention? Depress Anxiety 2015; 32:415-25. [PMID: 25421265 DOI: 10.1002/da.22295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Revised: 06/17/2014] [Accepted: 06/27/2014] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can result in significant social and physical impairments. Despite the Department of Veterans Affairs' (VA) expansion of mental health services into primary care clinics to reach larger numbers of Veterans with PTSD, many do not receive sufficient treatment to clinically benefit. This study explored whether the odds of premature mental health treatment termination varies by patient race/ethnicity and, if so, whether such variation is associated with differential access to services or beliefs about mental health treatments. METHODS Prospective national cohort study of VA patients who were recently diagnosed with PTSD (n = 6,788). Self-administered surveys and electronic VA databases were utilized to examine mental health treatment retention across racial/ethnic groups in the 6 months following the PTSD diagnosis controlling for treatment need, access factors, age, gender, treatment beliefs, and facility factors. RESULTS African American and Latino Veterans were less likely to receive a minimal trial of pharmacotherapy and African American Veterans were less likely to receive a minimal trial of any treatment in the 6 months after being diagnosed with PTSD. Controlling for beliefs about mental health treatments diminished the lower odds of pharmacotherapy retention among Latino but not African American Veterans. Access factors did not contribute to treatment retention disparities. CONCLUSIONS Even in safety-net healthcare systems like VA, racial and ethnic disparities in mental health treatment occur. To improve treatment equity, clinicians may need to more directly address patients' treatment beliefs. More understanding is needed to address the treatment disparity for African American Veterans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele R Spoont
- National Center for PTSD, US Department of Veterans Affairs.,Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research (CCDOR), Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - David B Nelson
- Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research (CCDOR), Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Maureen Murdoch
- Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research (CCDOR), Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Nina A Sayer
- Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research (CCDOR), Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Sean Nugent
- Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research (CCDOR), Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Thomas Rector
- Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research (CCDOR), Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Joseph Westermeyer
- Center for Chronic Disease Outcomes Research (CCDOR), Minneapolis VA Healthcare System, University of Minnesota Medical School, Minneapolis, Minnesota
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Heinzelmann M, Lee H, Rak H, Livingston W, Barr T, Baxter T, Scattergood-Keepper L, Mysliwiec V, Gill J. Sleep restoration is associated with reduced plasma C-reactive protein and depression symptoms in military personnel with sleep disturbance after deployment. Sleep Med 2014; 15:1565-70. [PMID: 25311836 DOI: 10.1016/j.sleep.2014.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2014] [Revised: 07/03/2014] [Accepted: 08/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deployed military personnel are vulnerable to chronic sleep disturbance, which is highly comorbid with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression, as well as declines in health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Inflammation is associated with HRQOL declines and sleep-related comorbidities; however, the impact of sleep changes on comorbid symptoms and inflammation in this population is unknown. METHODS In this observational study, we examined the relationship between reported sleep changes and concentrations of inflammatory biomarkers, interleukin 6 (IL-6), and C-reactive protein (CRP) in peripheral blood. The sample was dichotomized into two groups: (1) decrease in Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI; restorative sleep) and (2) no change or increase in PSQI (no change). Mixed between-within subjects analysis of variance tests were used to determine group differences on changes of inflammation and comorbid symptoms. RESULTS In our sample of 66 recently deployed military personnel with insomnia, 34 participants reported restorative sleep whereas 32 reported no sleep changes. The two groups did not differ in demographic or clinical characteristics, with the exception of PTSD diagnosis at baseline. The restorative sleep group had significant reductions in CRP concentrations and depression symptoms, as well as reduced fatigue and improvements in emotional well-being, social functioning, and physical functioning at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS Military personnel who report sleep restoration after deployment have reduced CRP concentrations, decreased severity of depression, and improved HRQOL. These findings suggest that treatment for sleep disturbances may be associated with improvements in mental and physical health, thereby supporting continued study in this line of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan Heinzelmann
- National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Nursing Research, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Hyunhwa Lee
- University of Nevada Las Vegas, 4505 Maryland Parkway, Box 453018, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA.
| | - Hannah Rak
- National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Nursing Research, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Whitney Livingston
- National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Nursing Research, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Taura Barr
- West Virginia University, 1 Medical Center Drive, Morgantown, WV 26506, USA
| | - Tristin Baxter
- Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040A Fitzsimmons Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98431, USA
| | - Lindsay Scattergood-Keepper
- National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Nursing Research, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Vincent Mysliwiec
- Madigan Army Medical Center, 9040A Fitzsimmons Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98431, USA
| | - Jessica Gill
- National Institutes of Health, National Institutes of Nursing Research, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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Lindqvist D, Wolkowitz OM, Mellon S, Yehuda R, Flory JD, Henn-Haase C, Bierer LM, Abu-Amara D, Coy M, Neylan TC, Makotkine I, Reus VI, Yan X, Taylor NM, Marmar CR, Dhabhar FS. Proinflammatory milieu in combat-related PTSD is independent of depression and early life stress. Brain Behav Immun 2014; 42:81-8. [PMID: 24929195 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2014.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2014] [Revised: 05/20/2014] [Accepted: 06/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic inflammation may be involved in combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and may help explain comorbid physical diseases. However, the extent to which combat exposure per se, depression, or early life trauma, all of which are associated with combat PTSD, may confound the relationship between PTSD and inflammation is unclear. METHODS We quantified interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interferon (IFN)-γ, and C-reactive protein (CRP) in 51 combat-exposed males with PTSD and 51 combat-exposed males without PTSD, and assessed PTSD and depression severity as well as history of early life trauma. To decrease the possibility of Type I errors, we summed standardized scores of IL-1β, IL-6, TNFα, IFNγ and CRP into a total "pro-inflammatory score". PTSD symptom severity was assessed with the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) rating scale. RESULTS Subjects with PTSD had significantly higher pro-inflammatory scores compared to combat-exposed subjects without PTSD (p=0.006), and even after controlling for early life trauma, depression diagnosis and severity, body mass index, ethnicity, education, asthma/allergies, time since combat and the use of possibly confounding medications (p=0.002). Within the PTSD group, the pro-inflammatory score was not significantly correlated with depressive symptom severity, CAPS total score, or with the number of early life traumas. CONCLUSIONS Combat-related PTSD in males is associated with higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, even after accounting for depression and early life trauma. These results, from one of the largest studies of inflammatory cytokines in PTSD to date, suggest that immune activation may be a core element of PTSD pathophysiology more so than a signature of combat exposure alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Lindqvist
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States; Department of Clinical Sciences, Section for Psychiatry, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Owen M Wolkowitz
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States.
| | - Synthia Mellon
- Department of OB/GYN and Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Rachel Yehuda
- Department of Psychiatry, MSSM/James J. Peters Veterans Administration Medical Center, NY, United States
| | - Janine D Flory
- Department of Psychiatry, MSSM/James J. Peters Veterans Administration Medical Center, NY, United States
| | - Clare Henn-Haase
- Steven and Alexandra Cohen Veterans Center for Posttraumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury, Department of Psychiatry, NYU, NY, United States
| | - Linda M Bierer
- Department of Psychiatry, MSSM/James J. Peters Veterans Administration Medical Center, NY, United States
| | - Duna Abu-Amara
- Steven and Alexandra Cohen Veterans Center for Posttraumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury, Department of Psychiatry, NYU, NY, United States
| | - Michelle Coy
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Thomas C Neylan
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Iouri Makotkine
- Department of Psychiatry, MSSM/James J. Peters Veterans Administration Medical Center, NY, United States
| | - Victor I Reus
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Francisco (UCSF), School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Xiaodan Yan
- Steven and Alexandra Cohen Veterans Center for Posttraumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury, Department of Psychiatry, NYU, NY, United States
| | - Nicole M Taylor
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Charles R Marmar
- Steven and Alexandra Cohen Veterans Center for Posttraumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injury, Department of Psychiatry, NYU, NY, United States.
| | - Firdaus S Dhabhar
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
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Association of trauma exposure with proinflammatory activity: a transdiagnostic meta-analysis. Transl Psychiatry 2014; 4:e413. [PMID: 25050993 PMCID: PMC4119223 DOI: 10.1038/tp.2014.56] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2014] [Revised: 05/02/2014] [Accepted: 05/22/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to psychological trauma (for example, childhood/early life adversity, exposure to violence or assault, combat exposure, accidents or natural disasters) is known to increase one's risk of developing certain chronic medical conditions. Clinical and population studies provide evidence of systemic inflammatory activity in trauma survivors with various psychiatric and nonpsychiatric conditions. This transdiagnostic meta-analysis quantitatively integrates the literature on the relationship of inflammatory biomarkers to trauma exposure and related symptomatology. We conducted random effects meta-analyses relating trauma exposure to log-transformed inflammatory biomarker concentrations, using meta-regression models to test the effects of study quality and psychiatric symptomatology on the inflammatory outcomes. Across k=36 independent samples and n=14,991 participants, trauma exposure was positively associated with C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α (mean rs =0.2455, 0.3067, 0.2890, and 0.2998, respectively). No significant relationships were noted with fibrinogen, IL-2, IL-4, IL-8, or IL-10. In meta-regression models, the presence of psychiatric symptoms was a significant predictor of increased effect sizes for IL-1β and IL-6 (β=1.0175 and 0.3568, respectively), whereas study quality assessment scores were associated with increased effect sizes for IL-6 (β=0.3812). Positive correlations between inflammation and trauma exposure across a range of sample types and diagnoses were found. Although reviewed studies spanned an array of populations, research on any one specific psychiatric diagnosis was generally limited to one or two studies. The results suggest that chronic inflammation likely represents one potential mechanism underlying risk of health problems in trauma survivors.
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Kibler JL, Tursich M, Ma M, Malcolm L, Greenbarg R. Metabolic, autonomic and immune markers for cardiovascular disease in posttraumatic stress disorder. World J Cardiol 2014; 6:455-461. [PMID: 24976918 PMCID: PMC4072836 DOI: 10.4330/wjc.v6.i6.455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2013] [Revised: 02/08/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) has been associated with significantly greater incidence of heart disease. Numerous studies have indicated that health problems for individuals with PTSD occur earlier in life than in the general population. Multiple mechanistic pathways have been suggested to explain cardiovascular disese (CVD) risk in PTSD, including neurochemical, behavioral, and immunological changes. The present paper is a review of recent research that examines cardiovascular and immune risk profiles of individuals with PTSD. First, we address the relatively new evidence that the constellation of risk factors commonly experienced in PTSD fits the profile of metabolic syndrome. Next we examine the findings concerning hypertension/blood pressure in particular. The literature on sympathetic and parasympathetic responsivity in PTSD is reviewed. Last, we discuss recent findings concerning immune functioning in PTSD that may have a bearing on the high rates of CVD and other illnesses. Our primary goal is to synthesize the existing literature by examining factors that overlap mechanistically to increase the risk of developing CVD in PTSD.
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