Epigenetic Patterns of PTSD: DNA Methylation in Serum of OIF/OEF Service Members
Abstract
The molecular mechanisms involved in PTSD are not well characterized; epigenetic factors could offer new insights. Gene expression studies have found differences in cytokine expression signatures between PTSD patients and controls. DNA methylation is intrinsically linked to the regulation of gene expression and is modifiable. We are carrying out a systematic investigation of DNA methylation patterns in cytokines in soldiers prior to OIF or OEF deployment; serum derived DNA is being used. PTSD cases with existing serum samples housed at the Department of Defense Serum Repository (DoDSR) were identified using the criteria of having experienced an OIF/OEF deployment and having an outpatient record with a primary diagnosis of PTSD, based on ICD-9 codes; an appropriate control group was identified. For each PTSD case and each control, AFHSC pulled a pre- and post-deployment serum sample. DNA will be extracted from each serum sample and methylation quantified via pyrosequencing for promoter regions of the following cytokines: IL-8alpha, IGF2, IL-18, IL-16, and EDG1 and in long interspersed nucleotide elements, which represent global genomic methylation. We will make statistical comparisons via t-tests and linear regressions for patterns of DNA methylation between cases and controls and between pre- and post-deployments of each group. We will also measure levels of these specific cytokines using an ELISA approach. At this time we are in the process of extracting the DNA from serum samples of the PTSD cases and controls.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA506346
Entities
People
- Jennifer Rusiecki
Organizations
- Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military Medicine