EXCLI Journal : Experimental and Clinical Sciences (Sep 2023)

Metabolic and immune dysfunctions in post-traumatic stress disorder

  • Oleh Lushchak,
  • Marco Orru,
  • Olha Strilbytska,
  • Vladyslav Berezovskyi,
  • Andriy Cherkas,
  • Kenneth B. Storey,
  • Maria Bayliak

DOI
https://doi.org/10.17179/excli2023-6391
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 22
pp. 928 – 945

Abstract

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Highly stressful experiences such as terrorist attacks, domestic and sexual violence may lead to persistent pathological symptoms such as those seen in posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). There is growing evidence of multiple metabolic and immune disorders underlying the etiology and maintenance of PTSD. However, changes in the functioning of various systems and organs associated with PTSD are not well understood. Studies of reliable animal models is one of the effective scientific tools that can be used to gain insight into the role of metabolism and immunity in the comorbidity associated with PTSD. Since much progress has been made using animal models to understand mechanisms of PTSD, we summarized metabolic and immune dysfunction in mice and humans to compare certain outcomes associated with PTSD. The systemic effects of PTSD include chronic activation of the sympathetic nervous system (psycho-emotional stress), that leads to impairment of the function of the immune system, increased release of stress hormones, and metabolic changes. We discuss PTSD as a multisystem disease with its neurological, immunological, and metabolic components.

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