[Early markers of endothelial dysfunction posttraumatic stress disorder. Role in atherogenesis]

There is a strong association between cardiovascular diseases, thromboembolism, and atherosclerosis with endothelial dysfunction. The relationship of the latter with neuropsychiatric diseases such as the post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) stands as a risk factor for the development of atherosclerotic phenomena.

To disclose a meaningful association between PTSD and higher values of endothelial dysfunction molecules like e-Selectin, s-ICAM-1 and v-CAM-1, in comparison with healthy subjects without PTSD.

24 patients with PTSD and 24 healthy subjects were selected e-Selectin, v-CAM-1 e soluble ICAM-1 levels were measured in plasma. The PTSD severity symptoms scale and the Trauma Symptom Checklist were administered to both samples.

A meaningful and robust correlation between endothelial dysfunction markers e-Selectin, s-ICAM-1 y v-CAM-1 plasma levels and the severity of the PTSD was disclosed.

There is a continual relationship between PTSD symptoms severity and plasmatic levels of endothelial dysfunction markers. This relationship can explain the probability of developing cardiovascular diseases and atherogenesis and traumatic life events which ends up as PTSD at common grounds with inflammatory vascular response.