Causal relationship between inflammatory cytokines and posttraumatic stress disorder: a Mendelian randomization study and potential mechanism analysis

Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition linked to inflammation. The causality between inflammatory cytokines and PTSD risk remains unclear.Methods: We conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study using genome-wide association study (GWAS) d...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Yingchong Li, Bangliang Xu, Zhitao Chen
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Taylor & Francis Group 2025-12-01
Series:European Journal of Psychotraumatology
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Online Access:https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/10.1080/20008066.2025.2494480
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Summary:Background: Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a complex condition linked to inflammation. The causality between inflammatory cytokines and PTSD risk remains unclear.Methods: We conducted a bidirectional two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) study using genome-wide association study (GWAS) data from 41 inflammatory cytokines and PTSD. Additional analyses included differential gene expression, protein–protein interaction, and functional enrichment to explore underlying mechanisms.Results: MR analysis indicated that higher levels of stem cell factor (SCF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4) are associated with a reduced risk of PTSD. Genes POGZ and LRIG2 were identified as mediators, implicated in the TGF-beta signalling pathway.Conclusion: Our findings suggest a protective role of certain cytokines against PTSD and highlight potential molecular mediators. This knowledge could inform future therapeutic strategies for PTSD.
ISSN:2000-8066