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Published on: October 10, 2012
Genetic associations between post-traumatic stress disorder and REM-sleep behavior disorder
Morvarid Ghamgosar Shahkhali1,2, Lang Liu1,2,3, Mohammad H Ghamgosar Shahkhali4
1The Neuro (Montreal Neurological Institute-Hospital), McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada.
Individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) show a higher genetic risk for isolated rapid-eye movement sleep behavior disorder (iRBD). This suggests a potential link between PTSD and neurodegenerative conditions like Parkinson's disease.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Isolated/idiopathic rapid-eye movement (REM) sleep behavior disorder (iRBD) often precedes synucleinopathies like Parkinson's disease.
- Clinical observations indicate a higher prevalence of iRBD in individuals with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate potential genetic and causal associations between PTSD and iRBD.
- To explore the relationship using genetic analyses and neuroimaging.
Main Methods:
- Polygenic risk score (PRS) analysis.
- Genetic correlation and Mendelian randomization analyses.
- Dopamine transporter (DaT) imaging in iRBD patients with and without PTSD.
Main Results:
- Significant genetic association found between PTSD and iRBD.
- No causal relationship was supported by the analyses.
- Exploratory imaging showed consistency with genetic findings.
Conclusions:
- Genetic predisposition to PTSD may increase the risk for developing iRBD.
- Further research into iRBD in PTSD patients could inform neurodegenerative risk assessment.
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