Cells, Biomarkers, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: Evidence for Peripheral Involvement in a Central Disease.

摘要

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious disease that involves many different factors. Recently, studies have increasingly pointed toward the development of diagnostic assays for PTSD, and some of potential biomarkers are reviewed here. Additionally, the hypothesis that peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) exacerbate PTSD is investigated and a mechanism is proposed. PBMCs include monocytes, macrophages, and lymphocytes, and their actions are complex, acting in concert with many factors to exert their effects. Several experimental animal models have described associations between neurological damage and PBMC activity. Data discussed from these models suggest that inflammatory activity may be increased in the central nervous system (CNS) during chronic stress, and some of these actions are mediated by PBMCs. Ironically, some aspects of PBMC function appear to protect against the symptoms of PTSD, so care should be taken when proposing to alter their activity. In conclusion, several biomarkers, including some cytokines and Gs- alpha, appear to associate with disease states and PTSD. Neuropeptide-Y, a sympathetic co-transmitter and hormone, may exacerbate CNS tissue atrophy associated with PTSD, while providing beneficial anxiolytic effects. Further experimentation may offer therapeutic tools based on the connection between stress, PBMC function, and PTSD.