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Glucocorticoid receptor polymorphisms and post-traumatic stress disorder
Anthony W Bachmann1, Teresa L Sedgley, Richard V Jackson
1Department of Medicine, University of Queensland, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Brisbane, Qld 4120, Australia.
Psychoneuroendocrinology
|October 30, 2004
Summary
This study found no link between common glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene variants and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in Vietnam veterans. Glucocorticoid sensitivity, measured by the dexamethasone suppression test and dermal vasoconstrictor assay, was similar in PTSD patients and controls.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is sometimes linked to increased glucocorticoid (GC) sensitivity.
- Glucocorticoid receptor (GR) gene polymorphisms, specifically N363S and BclI, may influence GC sensitivity and potentially predispose individuals to PTSD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between GR polymorphisms (N363S and BclI) and GC sensitivity in Vietnam War veterans with PTSD.
- To compare GC sensitivity measures between veterans with and without PTSD.
Main Methods:
- Studied 118 Vietnam veterans with PTSD and 42 combat-exposed controls.
- Assessed GR polymorphisms (N363S, BclI) and GC sensitivity using the low-dose dexamethasone suppression test (LD-DST) and dermal vasoconstrictor assay (DVVA).
- Measured basal plasma cortisol levels and Clinician Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS) scores.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in basal cortisol levels or cortisol suppression via LD-DST were found between PTSD patients and controls.
- The N363S polymorphism was not more prevalent in the PTSD group than in general Caucasian populations.
- While the BclI GG genotype showed a tendency towards increased DVVA response and correlated with higher CAPS scores in PTSD patients, overall GC sensitivity did not differ significantly between groups.
Conclusions:
- The N363S and BclI GR polymorphisms were not found to be more frequent in PTSD patients, and the study group did not exhibit generalized GC hypersensitivity.
- A subset of PTSD patients with the BclI GG genotype showed a negative correlation between CAPS scores and basal cortisol levels, suggesting a complex interaction.