Association between posttraumatic stress disorder and inflammation: a twin study.

Area of Science:

• Psychiatry
• Cardiovascular Medicine
• Immunology

Background:

• Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with increased cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.
• Inflammation is a proposed mechanism linking PTSD and CVD.
• Shared genetic or familial factors may influence both PTSD and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between PTSD and inflammation markers.
• To determine if familial or genetic factors mediate the PTSD-inflammation link.
• To analyze specific inflammation markers including hs-CRP, IL-6, and ICAM-1.

Main Methods:

• Utilized the Vietnam Era Twins Registry, including 238 male middle-aged twin pairs (476 individuals) free of CVD.
• Assessed lifetime PTSD history using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV.
• Measured inflammation via high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), IL-6, fibrinogen, white blood cells, VCAM-1, and ICAM-1.

Main Results:

• PTSD was associated with significantly higher adjusted mean levels of hsCRP and ICAM-1.
• The association between PTSD and hsCRP became non-significant after adjusting for depression.
• Within-pair analyses suggested shared non-genetic, familial, and environmental factors may confound the observed associations.

Conclusions:

• Elevated hsCRP and ICAM-1 levels are associated with PTSD in male veterans.
• The observed associations may be influenced by shared familial and environmental factors, rather than solely genetic predispositions.
• Further research is needed to elucidate the complex interplay between PTSD, inflammation, and cardiovascular health.