Abstract
Background: Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe problem among soldiers with combating experience difficult to treat. The pathogenesis is still not fully understood at the psychological level. Therefore, genetic research became a focus of interest. The identification of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may help to predict, which persons are at high risk to develop PTSD as a starting point to develop novel targeted drugs for treatment.
Methods: We conducted a systematic review on SNPs in genes related to PTSD pathology and development of targeted pharmacological treatment options based on PubMed database searches. We focused on clinical trials with military personnel. Results: SNPs in 22 human genes have been linked to PTSD. These genes encode proteins acting as neurotransmitters and receptors, downstream signal transducers and metabolizing enzymes. Pharmacological inhibitors may serve as drug candidates for PTSD treatment, e.g. β2 adrenoreceptor antagonists, dopamine antagonists, partial dopamine D2 receptor agonists, dopamine β hydroxylase inhibitors, fatty acid amid hydrolase antagonists, glucocorticoid receptor agonists, tropomyosin receptor kinase B agonists, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors, gamma-amino butyric acid receptor agonists, glutamate receptor inhibitors, monoaminoxidase B inhibitors, N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonists. Conclusion: The combination of genetic and pharmacological research may lead to novel targetbased drug developments with improved specificity and efficacy to treat PTSD. Specific SNPs may be identified as reliable biomarkers to assess individual disease risk. Focusing on soldiers suffering from PTSD will not only help to improve treatment options for this specific group, but for all PTSD patients and the general population.Keywords: DNA, genetics, mental diseases, pharmacology, single nucleotide polymorphisms, gene-environment interactions.
Graphical Abstract
Call for Papers in Thematic Issues
Advances in Neuroinflammation and Neuroprotection: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Frontiers
It offers a comprehensive exploration of neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective pathways that play central roles in a range of neurological disorders, including stroke, traumatic brain injury, and neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s. This issue invites research on the cellular and molecular mechanisms driving neuroinflammation, such as the roles of ...read more
Advances in paediatric and adult brain cancers: emerging targets and treatments
Brain tumors are the most common solid tumors affecting children and adolescents, with up to 5,000 children diagnosed per year. Pediatric brain tumors, because of their location, are often untreatable and their clinical management can cause significant long-term impairment to intellectual and neurological function with epilepsy and neurodegeneration. Other than ...read more
Emotion (Dys)regulation: An integration of Pharmacological, Neurobiological, and Psychological Frameworks
Emotion regulation is a critical aspect of mental well-being and interpersonal relationships. To fully understand and effectively address emotion regulation, an integrative approach that considers pharmacological, neurobiological, and psychological frameworks is essential. Pharmacological interventions, such as medications targeting neurotransmitter imbalances, can play a significant role in managing emotional dysregulation. Understanding ...read more
Intercellular Communications in Cerebral Ischemia
Cerebral ischemia, a condition in which there is inadequate blood supply to the brain, ranks as one of the leading causes of disability and mortality globally. Despite its prevalence and severity, efficacious treatment options for this debilitating disorder remain limited. Recent scientific explorations have delved deeply into the pathological mechanisms ...read more
Related Journals
Anti-Cancer Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Anti-Inflammatory & Anti-Allergy Agents in Medicinal Chemistry
Current Bioactive Compounds
Current Cancer Drug Targets
Combinatorial Chemistry & High Throughput Screening
Current Cancer Therapy Reviews
Current Diabetes Reviews
Current Drug Safety
Current Drug Targets
Current Drug Therapy
Related Books
Anthocyanins: Pharmacology and Nutraceutical Importance
The Roles and Responsibilities of Clinical Pharmacists in Hospital Settings
Interventional Pain Surgery
Endoscopy and Fetoscopy Techniques for the Brain and Neuroaxis
Bioactive Compounds from Medicinal Plants for Cancer Therapy and Chemoprevention
Regenerative Medicine & Peripheral Nerve Endoscopy
Advances in Diagnostics and Immunotherapeutics for Neurodegenerative Diseases
Drug Addiction Mechanisms in the Brain
Software and Programming Tools in Pharmaceutical Research
Objective Pharmaceutics: A Comprehensive Compilation of Questions and Answers for Pharmaceutics Exam Prep
59
4
2