1. Differences in intestinal bacteria in traumatic injury survivors with and without probable posttraumatic stress disorder.
- Author
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Geier TJ, Atkinson SN, Pan AY, Mantz-Wichman M, Jazinski-Chambers K, Hillard CJ, and deRoon-Cassini TA
- Subjects
- Humans, Male, Female, Adult, Middle Aged, RNA, Ribosomal, 16S genetics, Wounds and Injuries psychology, Wounds and Injuries microbiology, Wounds and Injuries complications, Case-Control Studies, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic microbiology, Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic psychology, Gastrointestinal Microbiome, Survivors psychology
- Abstract
Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common consequence of traumatic injury, yet certain biological factors contributing to PTSD are poorly understood. The gut microbiome may influence mental health outcomes, but its role in heterogeneous PTSD presentations requires elucidation., Methods: Bacterial composition was examined in adults 2-4 years post-trauma with probable PTSD (n = 24) versus trauma-exposed controls without probable PTSD (n = 24). 16S rRNA sequencing and bioinformatic tools assessed microbial diversity and abundance. Relationships between taxa and PTSD symptom clusters were evaluated., Results: No differences were found in overall microbial community structure between groups. The probable PTSD group exhibited significantly reduced Actinobacteriota and increased Verrucomicrobiota phylum abundance compared to controls. Specific taxa showed notable inverse associations with negative mood/cognition versus hyperarousal symptoms. Prevotella and Ruminococcaceae were negatively associated with negative mood but positively associated with hyperarousal., Conclusions: Results demonstrate microbial signatures of probable PTSD subtypes, highlighting the microbiome as a potential mediator of heterogeneous trauma psychopathology. Definition of PTSD microbial correlates provides a foundation for personalized psychobiotic interventions targeting predominant symptom profiles., Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest This research was supported by a Medical College of Wisconsin Neuroscience Research Center Imagine More grant (PI: deRoon-Cassini). The authors have no other relevant financial or non-financial interests to disclose., (Copyright © 2024 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.)
- Published
- 2024
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