Sex Differences in Stress-Related Cardiometabolic Risk in PTSD
Abstract
Post-traumatic stress (PTS) has been associated with biological changes in the hormonal stress response, arteries, and immune system that may increase risk for cardiovascular disease. PTS increases risk for cardiovascular disease, particularly for women compared to men. Little research has examined biological mechanisms of cardiovascular disease risk that result from PTS in women, particularly in relation to reproductive hormones that fluctuate as a result of changes in the natural menstrual cycle in younger women. However, studying premenopausal women may provide insight into how certain reproductive hormones and their products could either decrease or exacerbate the stress-related cardiovascular risks associated with PTS. The goal of this project is to identify biological mechanisms that may explain the relationship between PTS and cardiovascular risk in men and women with PTSD by examining biological changes in PTS that affects risk for cardiovascular disease in women. This study will use a recently developed laboratory technique called "metabolomics" that can identify circulating small molecules that affect cell and physiological function. This approach is broad and allows for a comprehensive examination of multiple physiological pathways at the same time that may be missed with traditional, more targeted approaches. A metabolomic analysis examining lipids and reproductive hormones will be performed on stored blood samples that were obtained from premenopausal women and men of similar ages with and without PTS in order to address two specific aims: Aim 1. To examine lipid metabolites that associate with CVD risk and PTS in women (across the menstrual cycle) relative to men. Aim 2. To examine which sex steroids modulate the relationship between CVD risk, PTS and lipid metabolism in women relative to men.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2022
- Accession Number
- AD1169482
Entities
People
- Sabra Inslicht
Organizations
- Northern California Institute for Research and Education