Biomarkers of Neurodegeneration in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a chronic psychiatric disorder that occurs following exposure to traumatic events. Recent evidence suggests that PTSD may be a risk factor for the development of subsequent neurodegenerative disorders, including Alzheimer’s dementia and Parkinson’s disease. Identification of biomarkers known to be associated with neurodegeneration in patients with PTSD would shed light on the pathophysiological mechanisms linking these disorders and would also help in the development of preventive strategies for neurodegenerative disorders in PTSD. With this background, the PubMed and Scopus databases were searched for studies designed to identify biomarkers that could be associated with an increased risk of neurodegenerative disorders in patients with PTSD. Out of a total of 342 citations retrieved, 29 studies were identified for inclusion in the review. The results of these studies suggest that biomarkers such as cerebral cortical thinning, disrupted white matter integrity, specific genetic polymorphisms, immune-inflammatory alterations, vitamin D deficiency, metabolic syndrome, and objectively documented parasomnias are significantly associated with PTSD and may predict an increased risk of subsequent neurodegenerative disorders. The biological mechanisms underlying these changes, and the interactions between them, are also explored. Though requiring replication, these findings highlight a number of biological pathways that plausibly link PTSD with neurodegenerative disorders and suggest potentially valuable avenues for prevention and early intervention.

Neural Correlates and Molecular Mechanisms of Memory and Learning

“…Preclinical models aid in translating laboratory findings to clinical cognitive impairment and shed light on their underlying abnormal functions according to translational research [ 67 , 68 , 69 , 70 , 71 , 72 , 73 , 74 ]. Furthermore, by allowing the use of tailored treatments for memory-related disorders, this approach will contribute to the advancement of personalized medicine [ 71 , 75 , 76 , 77 , 78 , 79 , 80 , 81 ]. It also enables the investigation of structural changes in the brain and advances imaging techniques for clinical use [ 82 , 83 ].…”

The Impact of C-3 Side Chain Modifications on Kynurenic Acid: A Behavioral Analysis of Its Analogs in the Motor Domain

“…This study showed that the incorporation of the C-3 side chain elicits subtle differences in curiosity and emotion in animal models of motor function. Ongoing clinical studies have advanced our understanding of the behavioral domains in neuropsychiatric conditions and have sought their potential management [ 184 , 191 , 192 , 193 , 194 , 195 , 196 , 197 , 198 , 199 ]. Furthermore, computational strategies accelerate our advancement in comprehending their pathology, as well as in developing novel strategies for the management of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including neurotropic computer-assisted drug design [ 200 , 201 , 202 , 203 , 204 , 205 , 206 , 207 , 208 ].…”

Neurodegeneration in Cognitive Impairment and Mood Disorders for Experimental, Clinical and Translational Neuropsychiatry

“…Characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, reduced interest, diminished self-worth, and various physical and mental symptoms, it often co-occurs with other conditions, such as anxiety, chronic pain, and neurodegenerative diseases [ 80 , 81 , 82 , 83 ]. In this special issue, three articles explored different approaches for diagnosing and treating depression and its comorbidities [ 84 , 85 , 86 ]. The first article assessed the neuroprotective and swiftly acting antidepressant-like properties of 20 essential oils in mice.…”

“…In the third article, Rajkumar examines biomarkers associated with neurodegeneration in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a condition that has the potential to initiate or exacerbate depressive symptom. The author conducted a comprehensive review of the relationship between PTSD and neurodegenerative diseases, including AD and Parkinson’s disease [ 86 ]. According to the review, a range of biomarkers, such as brain structure, genetics, inflammation, metabolism, and sleep, are linked to both PTSD and neurodegenerative disorders.…”