STATEMENT OF THE RESEARCH PROBLEM The increased number and length of deployments unique to Operation Enduring Freedom, Iraqi Freedom, and New Dawn (OEF/OIF/OND) Veterans places them at risk for the development of PTSD. While the impact of combat exposure, ongoing stress, lack of social support, and childhood adversity on PTSD is relatively well- established, there is substantial variability in Veterans'response to these stressors that may be due to differences in genetic susceptibility. Moreover, the specific genes that contribute to the development of PTSD remain largely unknown, as does the manner in which these genes might interact with each other and environmental factors to produce and maintain this debilitating condition. Lack of such knowledge is an important problem because it limits our ability to prevent and treat PTSD among returning Veterans. RESEARCH OBJECTIVES The long range goal of the proposed research is to identify the manner in which genes interact with each other and the environment to produce and maintain psychiatric disorders among Veterans. The proposed study will contribute to this goal by using genetic modeling procedures (including haplotype analyses) to examine the effects of two promising candidate genes-the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) and the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) gene on PTSD. While previous research with civilians suggests the importance of studying these genes in relation to PTSD, the interactions among SLC6A4, BDNF, and environmental stressors like combat exposure have not been tested among Veterans.
The specific aims of the proposed research are to: (1) Examine the direct effects of combat exposure, ongoing stress, social support, and childhood adversity on PTSD;(2) Examine the direct effects of SLC6A4 and BDNF on PTSD;and (3) Examine whether the effects of combat exposure, ongoing stress, lack of social support, and childhood adversity on PTSD are moderated by SLC6A4 and BDNF variation. To achieve the proposed objectives, a sample of 300 male OEF/OIF/OND Veterans with and without PTSD will be recruited. Standardized clinical interview and self-report data will be collected to assess Veterans'diagnostic status and symptom severity. Combat exposure, stressful life events, social support, and childhood adversity will be assessed via self-report. Blood samples will be collected so that participants can be genotyped for SLC6A4 and BDNF variation. A panel of 24 short tandem repeat loci will also be genotyped to assess and control for potential population stratification. Genetic modeling procedures and latent moderated structural equations will be used to test the hypotheses. TRAINING OBJECTIVES The proposed CDA will provide Dr. Kimbrel with mentored research time so that he can achieve his goal of becoming an independent VA Scientist. Dr. Kimbrel is particularly interested in studying the etiology of PTSD, which is of high relevance to Veterans and the VA research mission. The proposed CDA will provide him with advanced training in psychiatric genetics, statistical genetics, PTSD research methods, ethics, and research administration. In turn, this training will enable him to develop and implement a programmatic line of G x E and G x G research focused on the etiology of PTSD among Veterans.

Public Health Relevance

PTSD represents one of the greatest mental health challenges currently faced by returning Veterans. The proposed research has the potential to positively impact Veterans'health by identifying the combinations of genes and environmental stressors that are most likely to lead to the development of this disabling disorder. In turn, this information can be used to inform prevention and treatment efforts. For example, identification of biological substrates is imperative for the development of novel pharmacological interventions for PTSD. In addition, genetic markers could be used to develop tailored medication regimens for Veterans diagnosed with PTSD based on their genetic profile, resulting in improved treatment outcomes. Genetic markers could also be used to inform preventative practices, such as prescribing medications to high-risk Veterans in a prophylactic manner prior to traumatic exposure (e.g., prior to deployments). Identification of biological markers has the potential to significantly reduce suffering among both Veterans and their loved ones.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
Veterans Affairs (VA)
Type
Veterans Administration (IK2)
Project #
1IK2CX000525-01A1
Application #
8244878
Study Section
Mental Health and Behavioral Science A (MHBA)
Project Start
2012-01-01
Project End
2016-12-31
Budget Start
2012-01-01
Budget End
2012-12-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2012
Total Cost
Indirect Cost
Name
Olin Teague Veterans Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
029847394
City
Temple
State
TX
Country
United States
Zip Code
76504
Wilson, Sarah M; Newins, Amie R; Medenblik, Alyssa M et al. (2018) Contingency Management Versus Psychotherapy for Prenatal Smoking Cessation: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Womens Health Issues 28:514-523
Calhoun, Patrick S; Schry, Amie R; Dennis, Paul A et al. (2018) The Association Between Military Sexual Trauma and Use of VA and Non-VA Health Care Services Among Female Veterans With Military Service in Iraq or Afghanistan. J Interpers Violence 33:2439-2464
Kimbrel, Nathan A; Garrett, Melanie E; Dennis, Michelle F et al. (2018) A genome-wide association study of suicide attempts and suicidal ideation in U.S. military veterans. Psychiatry Res 269:64-69
Kimbrel, Nathan A; Meyer, Eric C; DeBeer, Bryann B et al. (2018) The Impact of Cannabis Use Disorder on Suicidal and Nonsuicidal Self-Injury in Iraq/Afghanistan-Era Veterans with and without Mental Health Disorders. Suicide Life Threat Behav 48:140-148
Van Voorhees, Elizabeth E; Moore, Daniel A; Kimbrel, Nathan A et al. (2018) Association of posttraumatic stress disorder and traumatic brain injury with aggressive driving in Iraq and Afghanistan combat veterans. Rehabil Psychol 63:160-166
Wolf, Erika J; Maniates, Hannah; Nugent, Nicole et al. (2018) Traumatic stress and accelerated DNA methylation age: A meta-analysis. Psychoneuroendocrinology 92:123-134
Elbogen, Eric B; Wagner, H Ryan; Kimbrel, Nathan A et al. (2018) Risk factors for concurrent suicidal ideation and violent impulses in military veterans. Psychol Assess 30:425-435
Elliott, Timothy R; Hsiao, Yu-Yu; Kimbrel, Nathan A et al. (2017) Resilience and Traumatic Brain Injury Among Iraq/Afghanistan War Veterans: Differential Patterns of Adjustment and Quality of Life. J Clin Psychol 73:1160-1178
DeBeer, Bryann B; Kimbrel, Nathan A; Mendoza, Corina et al. (2017) Traumatic Brain Injury, Sleep Quality, and Suicidal Ideation in Iraq/Afghanistan Era Veterans. J Nerv Ment Dis 205:512-516
Kimbrel, Nathan A; Wilson, Laura C; Mitchell, John T et al. (2017) ADHD and nonsuicidal self-injury in male veterans with and without PTSD. Psychiatry Res 252:161-163

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