Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2024 Feb 23;51(1):325.
doi: 10.1007/s11033-024-09276-0.

Prominent genetic variants and epigenetic changes in post-traumatic stress disorder among combat veterans

Ahmadali Baghaei  1 , Mojtaba Yousefi Zoshk  1 , Mohsen Hosseini  2 , Hossein Fasihi  3 , Ehsan Nassireslami  4   5 , Sevda Shayesteh  6 , Reza Laripour  7 , Aynaz Eslami Amoli  1 , Reza Heidari  8   9 , Mohsen Chamanara  10   11
Affiliations
Review

Prominent genetic variants and epigenetic changes in post-traumatic stress disorder among combat veterans

Ahmadali Baghaei et al. Mol Biol Rep. .

Abstract

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most widespread and disabling psychiatric disorders among combat veterans. Substantial interindividual variability in susceptibility to PTSD suggests the presence of different risk factors for this disorder. Twin and family studies confirm genetic factors as important risk factors for PTSD. In addition to genetic factors, epigenetic factors, especially DNA methylation, can be considered as a potential mechanism in changing the risk of PTSD. So far, many genetic and epigenetic association studies have been conducted in relation to PTSD. In genetic studies, many single nucleotide polymorphisms have been identified as PTSD risk factors. Meanwhile, the variations in catecholamines-related genes, serotonin transporter and receptors, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, inflammatory factors, and apolipoprotein E are the most prominent candidates. CpG methylation in the upstream regions of many genes is also considered a PTSD risk factor. Accurate identification of genetic and epigenetic changes associated with PTSD can lead to the presentation of suitable biomarkers for susceptible individuals to this disorder. This study aimed to delineate prominent genetic variations and epigenetic changes associated with post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans who have experienced combat, focusing on genetic and epigenetic association studies.

Keywords: DNA methylation; Epigenetic; Genetic polymorphism; Post-traumatic stress disorder.

PubMed Disclaimer

Similar articles

See all similar articles

References

    1. Javidi H, Yadollahie M (2012) Post-traumatic stress disorder. Int J Occup Environ Med 3(1):2–9 - PubMed
    1. van der Kolk B (2000) Posttraumatic stress disorder and the nature of trauma. Dialog Clin Neurosci 2(1):7–22. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2000.2.1/bvdkolk - DOI
    1. Kessler RC, Wang PS (2008) The descriptive epidemiology of commonly occurring mental disorders in the United States. Annu Rev Public Health 29:115–129. https://doi.org/10.1146/annurev.publhealth.29.020907.090847 - DOI - PubMed
    1. Michopoulos V, Rothbaum AO, Jovanovic T, Almli LM, Bradley B, Rothbaum BO et al (2015) Association of CRP genetic variation and CRP level with elevated PTSD symptoms and physiological responses in a civilian population with high levels of trauma. Am J Psychiatry 172(4):353–362. https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ajp.2014.14020263 - DOI - PubMed
    1. Lohr JB, Palmer BW, Eidt CA, Aailaboyina S, Mausbach BT, Wolkowitz OM et al (2015) Is post-traumatic stress disorder Associated with premature senescence? A review of the literature. Am J Geriatric Psychiatry: Official J Am Association Geriatric Psychiatry 23(7):709–725. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jagp.2015.04.001 - DOI

MeSH terms

LinkOut - more resources