Circulating levels of hormones, lipids, and immune mediators in post-traumatic stress disorder - a 3-month follow-up study

A number of peripheral blood analytes have been proposed as potential biomarkers of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Few studies have investigated whether observed changes in biomarkers persist over time. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of combat-related chronic PTSD with a wide array of putative PTSD biomarkers and to determine reliability of the measurements, i.e., correlations over time. Croatian combat veterans with chronic PTSD (n= 69) and age-matched healthy controls (n= 32), all men, were assessed at two time points separated by 3 months. Serum levels of lipids, cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEA-S), prolactin, and C-reactive protein were determined. Multiplex assay was used for the simultaneous assessment of 13 analytes in sera: cytokines [interferon-gamma, interleukin (IL)-1 beta, IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, TNF-alpha], adhesion molecules (sPECAM-1, sICAM-1), chemokines (IL-8 and MIP-1 alpha), sCD40L, nerve growth factor, and leptin. Group differences and changes over time were tested by parametric or nonparametric tests, including repeated measures analysis of covariance. Reliability estimates [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and kappa] were also calculated. Robust associations of PTSD with higher levels of DHEA-S F(1,75) = 8.14, p= 0.006)] and lower levels of prolactin F(1,75) = 5.40, p = 0.023] were found. Measurements showed good to excellent reproducibility (DHEA-S, ICC = 0.50; prolactin, ICC = 0.79). Serum lipids did not differ between groups but significant increase of LDLC after 3 months was observed in the PTSD group (t = 6.87, p < 0.001). 1158 was lower in the PTSD group (t = 4.37, p < 0.001) but assessments showed poor reproducibility (ICC = -0.08). Stable DHEA-S and prolactin changes highlight their potential to be reliable markers of PTSD. Change in lipid profiles after 3 months suggests that PTSD patients may be more prone to hyperlipidemia. High intraindividual variability in some variables emphasizes the importance of longitudinal studies in investigations of PTSD biomarkers.