Publication

Circulating levels of hormones, lipids, and immune mediators in post-traumatic stress disorder - a 3-month follow-up study

Downloadable Content

Persistent URL
Last modified
  • 02/20/2025
Type of Material
Authors
    Mladen Jergovic, University of ZagrebKrešo Bendelja, University of ZagrebAna Savić Mlakar, University of ZagrebValerija Vojvoda, University of ZagrebNeda Aberle, Dr Josip Bencevic General HospitalTanja Jovanovic, Emory UniversitySabina Rabatic, Institute of ImmunologyAnte Sabioncello, Institute of ImmunologyAnđelko Vidovic, University Hospital Dubrava
Language
  • English
Date
  • 2015-04-14
Publisher
  • Frontiers Media
Publication Version
Copyright Statement
  • © 2015 Jergovic, Bendelja, Savic_mlakar, Vojvoda, Aberle, Jovanovic, Rabatic, Sabioncello and Vidovic.
License
Final Published Version (URL)
Title of Journal or Parent Work
ISSN
  • 1664-0640
Volume
  • 6
Issue
  • MAR
Start Page
  • 49
End Page
  • 49
Grant/Funding Information
  • The study was supported by a grant from the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports of the Republic of Croatia (021-0212432-2434 to AS).
Abstract
  • A number of peripheral blood analytes have been proposed as potential biomarkers of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few studies have investigated whether observed changes in biomarkers persist over time. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of combat-related chronic PTSD with a wide array of putative PTSD biomarkers and to determine reliability of the measurements, i.e. correlations over time. Croatian combat veterans with chronic PTSD (n=69) and age-matched healthy controls (n=32), all men, were assessed at two time points separated by three months. Serum levels of lipids, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), prolactin, and CRP were determined. Multiplex assay was used for the simultaneous assessment of 13 analytes in sera: cytokines (IFN-γ, IL-1ß, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-α), adhesion molecules (sPECAM-1, sICAM-1), chemokines (IL-8 and MIP-1a), sCD40L, NGF, and leptin. Group differences and changes over time were tested by parametric or nonparametric tests, including repeated measures analysis of covariance. Reliability estimates (intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and kappa) were also calculated. Robust associations of PTSD with higher levels of DHEA-S (F(1,75)= 8.14, p=0.006)) and lower levels of prolactin (F(1,75)=5.40, p=0.023) were found. Measurements showed good to excellent reproducibility (DHEA-S, ICC=0.50; prolactin, ICC=0.79). Serum lipids did not differ between groups but significant increase of LDL-C after three months was observed in the PTSD group (t=6.87, p<0.001). IL-8 was lower in the PTSD group (t=4.37, p<0.001) but assessments showed poor reproducibility (ICC=-0.08). Stable DHEA-S and prolactin changes highlight their potential to be reliable markers of PTSD. Change in lipid profiles after three months suggests that PTSD patients may be more prone to hyperlipidemia. High intra-individual variability in some variables emphasizes the importance of longitudinal studies in investigations of PTSD biomarkers.
Author Notes
  • Correspondence: Anđelko Vidović, Department of Psychiatry, Referral Centre for the Stress-related Disorders, University Hospital Dubrava, Avenija Gojka Šuška 6, Zagreb HR-10000, Croatia e-mail: avidovic@gmail.com
Keywords
Research Categories
  • Psychology, Psychobiology
  • Health Sciences, Immunology

Tools

Relations

In Collection:

Items

Thumbnail Title File Description Date Uploaded Visibility Actions
file details Publication File - rxmf8.pdf Primary Content 2025-02-18 Public Download