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PTSD Accelerates Biological Aging in Organs
30 Jun
Summary
- PTSD linked to faster biological aging in heart, kidneys, liver, lungs.
- Molecular changes in blood markers observed in responders with PTSD.
- Findings may explain higher chronic disease risk for PTSD sufferers.
A recent study involving World Trade Center responders has revealed that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with significant molecular changes and accelerated biological aging across multiple organs. Approximately 18 years after their exposure, researchers analyzed blood samples from 393 responders. Those diagnosed with PTSD showed distinct differences in 114 proteins and seven metabolites compared to those without the disorder.
These molecular alterations were linked to brain function, immune activity, energy metabolism, and cell repair mechanisms. Notably, signs of faster aging were observed in the heart, kidneys, liver, and lungs of responders with PTSD. This could help explain the increased incidence of chronic conditions such as heart and lung disease in individuals with long-term PTSD.
The research, published in Nature Communications and funded by agencies including the CDC and NIH, underscores that PTSD is a complex, whole-body illness rather than solely a mental health condition. Lead author Benjamin Luft emphasized that traumatic experiences can induce lasting biological changes, persisting for decades and impacting overall health and longevity.
