n/a
Abstract Title:

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder is Associated with Altered Gut Microbiota that Modulates Cognitive Performance in Veterans with Cirrhosis.

Abstract Source:

Am J Physiol Gastrointest Liver Physiol. 2019 Aug 28. Epub 2019 Aug 28. PMID: 31460790

Abstract Author(s):

Jasmohan Singh Bajaj, Masoumeh Sikaroodi, Andrew Fagan, Douglas M Heuman, Ho Chong Gilles, Edith A Gavis, Michael Fuchs, Javier Gonzalez-Maeso, Shahzor Nizam, Patrick M Gillevet, James B Wade

Article Affiliation:

Jasmohan Singh Bajaj

Abstract:

Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) is associated with cirrhosis in Veterans and therapeutic results are suboptimal. An altered gut-liver-brain axis exists in cirrhosis due to hepatic encephalopathy(HE), but the added impact of PTSD is unclear. Aim: Define linkages between gut microbiota and cognition in cirrhosis with/without PTSD. Cirrhotic Veterans (with/without prior HE) underwent cognitive testing (PHES, inhibitory control test,ICT and block design BDT), serum lipopolysaccharide-binding protein(LBP) and stool collection for 16SrRNA microbiota composition and predicted function analysis(PiCRUST). PTSD was diagnosed using DSM-V criteria. Correlation networks between microbiota and cognition were created. Patients with/without PTSD and with/without HE were compared. 93 combat-exposed male Veterans [(58 years, MELD 11, 34% HE, 31% Combat-PTSD (42 no HE/PTSD,19 PTSD-only,22 HE-only,10 PTSD+HE)] were included. PTSD patients had similar demographics, alcohol history, MELD but worse ICT/BDT, higher antidepressant use and LBP levels. Microbial diversity was lower in PTSD (2.1±0.5 vs 2.5±0.5,p=0.03) but unaffected by alcohol/antidepressant use. PTSD(p=0.02) and MELD(p<0.001) predicted diversity on regression. PTSD patients showed higher pathobionts (Enterococcus and Escherichia/Shigella) and lower autochthonous genera belonging to Lachnospiraceaeae and Ruminococcaceae regardless of HE. Enterococcus was correlated with poor cognition, while the opposite was true for autochthonous taxa regardless of PTSD/HE. Escherichia/Shigella were only linked with poor cognition in PTSD. Gut-brain axis-associated microbiota functionality was altered in PTSD. Conclusions: In male cirrhotic Veterans, combat-related PTSD is associated with cognitive impairment, lower microbial diversity, higher pathobionts and lower autochthonous taxa composition and altered gut-brain axis functionality. Cognition was differentially linked to gut microbiota, which could represent a new therapeutic target.

Study Type : Human Study

Print Options


This website is for information purposes only. By providing the information contained herein we are not diagnosing, treating, curing, mitigating, or preventing any type of disease or medical condition. Before beginning any type of natural, integrative or conventional treatment regimen, it is advisable to seek the advice of a licensed healthcare professional.

© Copyright 2008-2024 GreenMedInfo.com, Journal Articles copyright of original owners, MeSH copyright NLM.