Endorphinergic Enhancement Attenuation of Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) via Activation of Neuro-immunological Function in the Face of a Viral Pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: Polymorphic gene variants, particularly the genetic determinants of low dopamine function (hy-podopaminergia), are known to associate with Substance Use Disorder and a predisposition to PTSD. Addiction research and molecular genetic applied technologies supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have revealed the com-plex functions of brain reward circuitry and its crucial role in addiction and PTSD symptomatology. Discussion: It is noteworthy that Israeli researchers compared mice with a normal immune system with mice lacking adaptive immunity and found that the incidence of PTSD increased several-fold. It is well established that raising endor-phinergic function increases immune response significantly. Along these lines, Blum’s work has shown that D-Phenylalanine (DPA), an enkephalinase inhibitor, increases brain endorphins in animal models and reduces stress in hu-mans. Enkephalinase inhibition with DPA treats Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) by restoring endorphin function. The Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARS) can characterize relevant phenotypes, genetic risk for stress vulnerability vs. resilience. GARS could be used to pre-test military enlistees for adaptive immunity or as part of PTSD management with customized neuronutrient supplementation upon return from deployment. Conclusion: Based on GARS values, with particular emphasis on enhancing immunological function, pro-dopamine regu-lation may restore dopamine homeostasis. Recognition of the immune system as a “sixth sense” and assisting adaptive immunity with Precision Behavioral Management (PBM), accompanied by other supportive interventions and therapies, may shift the paradigm in treating stress disorders.

“Preaddiction” construct and reward deficiency syndrome: genetic link via dopaminergic dysregulation

“…Consequently, the lives of individuals with RDS may be intolerable due to their inability to gain full satisfaction from their accomplishments while overcoming the same challenges as others. As a result, they may turn to addictive substance use, which may temporarily alleviate their RDS symptoms but ultimately worsens their clinical condition and pushes them toward eventual full-blown addiction (34,35), which in turn will increase their stress and psychiatric and medical comorbidities (36)(37)(38).…”