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Correlation between interferon γ and interleukin 6 with PTSD and resilience
Dagmar Bruenig1, Divya Mehta2, Charles P Morris3
1Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation (IHBI) and School of Biomedical Sciences, 60 Musk Avenue, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, Queensland 4059, Australia; Gallipoli Medical Research Institute, Greenslopes Private Hospital, Newdegate Street, Greenslopes, Queensland 4120, Australia.
Psychiatry Research
|December 5, 2017
Summary
This study found that Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) severity correlated with lower levels of interleukin-6 and interferon-gamma. Resilience, however, was linked to higher levels of these inflammatory markers in veterans.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry and Immunology
- Neuroscience
- Trauma Studies
Background:
- Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a significant mental health condition associated with poor health outcomes and increased mortality.
- Inflammation is a proposed link between PTSD and common medical comorbidities, but its precise role remains unclear.
- Previous studies show inconsistent associations between individual inflammatory markers and PTSD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between serum cytokine levels (interleukin-6 and interferon-gamma) and PTSD severity.
- To examine the correlation between these cytokines and resilience in a cohort of combat veterans.
- To explore how PTSD sub-symptoms relate to cytokine levels.
Main Methods:
- Serum cytokine levels (interleukin-6, interferon-gamma) were measured in 299 Caucasian Vietnam combat veterans.
- PTSD severity and resilience were assessed.
- Statistical analyses, including correction for multiple testing, were performed to identify correlations.
Main Results:
- PTSD severity showed a significant negative correlation with serum levels of interleukin-6 (p = 0.004) and interferon-gamma (p = 0.013).
- Resilience was significantly positively correlated with higher levels of interleukin-6 (p = 0.023) and interferon-gamma (p = 0.007).
- Mood and arousal symptoms of PTSD were most strongly associated with variations in interleukin-6 and interferon-gamma levels.
Conclusions:
- Cytokine levels, specifically interleukin-6 and interferon-gamma, are differentially associated with PTSD severity and resilience in combat veterans.
- The findings suggest a complex interplay between inflammation, PTSD symptomatology, and resilience.
- Further research is needed to understand the underlying biological mechanisms and improve trauma response knowledge.
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