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Genetic influences on testosterone and PTSD.

Shannon E Cusack1, Adam X Maihofer2, Daniel Bustamante1

  • 1Virginia Institute of Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA.

Journal of Psychiatric Research
|April 10, 2024
PubMed
Summary

This study found a genetic link between testosterone and PTSD in males, but not females. Testosterone levels were more heritable in males, with a negative genetic correlation to PTSD risk in males, suggesting sex-specific genetic influences.

Keywords:
GWASGenome-wide association studyLDSCLinkage disequilibrium score regressionMolecular geneticsPTSDPost-traumatic stress disorderPosttraumatic stress disorderSex differencesSex hormonesTestosterone

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Area of Science:

  • Psychiatry
  • Genetics
  • Endocrinology

Background:

  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is diagnosed twice as often in females compared to males.
  • Biological factors, such as sex hormones like testosterone, may explain these prevalence differences.
  • The genetic underpinnings of the relationship between testosterone and PTSD remain largely unknown.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the genetic correlation between testosterone and PTSD.
  • To examine potential causal relationships between testosterone and PTSD using Mendelian randomization.
  • To explore sex-specific genetic influences on PTSD risk.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized summary statistics from large genetic consortia.
  • Employed linkage disequilibrium score regression to estimate genetic correlations.
  • Conducted bi-directional Mendelian randomization to assess causality.

Main Results:

  • Testosterone heritability was significantly higher in males than females.
  • A significant negative genetic correlation was observed between testosterone and PTSD in males (rg = -0.11).
  • No significant genetic correlation or causal relationship was found between testosterone and PTSD in females.

Conclusions:

  • Findings suggest a sex-specific genetic relationship between testosterone and PTSD.
  • The study provides preliminary genotypic evidence for a link between testosterone and PTSD.
  • Further research is needed to understand sex disparities in PTSD.