Week 7
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Fanshawe College *
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4212
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Health Science
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Nov 24, 2024
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docx
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University of the People
HS 4212-01 - AY2024-T1
Week Seven
Gautam Krishnan (Instructor)
October 20th, 2023.
INTRODUCTION
The complex condition known as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects people who have
experienced a variety of stressful situations and is characterized by mental and emotional
suffering. It is essential to stress that PTSD affects a wide range of people who have suffered
severe trauma, not just members of the armed forces. The growing evidence that a considerable
gene-environment (VGXE) component plays a significant role in the onset and consequences of
the condition is one of the key factors advancing our understanding of PTSD.
The development and consequences of PTSD are influenced by a number of interactions between
the genome and the environment, and these connections are well supported by scientific
research:
Genetic Propensity:
According to research, several genetic traits are linked to a higher risk of
developing PTSD. These genetic changes might be viewed as the genome's initial point of
contact with the environmental stressor. People with these genetic predispositions may be more
prone to acquiring the illness if they are exposed to traumatic circumstances.
In a study on genetic risk factors for autism, Chaste and Leboyer (2012) focused on the
interaction between particular genetic markers and environmental factors. Their research brought
to light the interaction between environmental and genetic elements that might lead to the
emergence of complex situations.
Epigenetic Modifications:
VGXE interactions in PTSD depend critically on epigenetic
processes. Extreme stress or trauma can have an impact on the epigenome, which is made up of
chemical alterations to DNA and related proteins. Particularly in genes associated with stress
control, these modifications may cause long-lasting changes in gene expression and function.
In a study published in 2014, Tordjman and colleagues examined the significance of epigenetic
processes in gene-environment interactions in autism spectrum disorders. Their findings shed
light on how the environment can alter the epigenome, which in turn affects gene expression and
adds to the complexity of disorders like autism.
Neurotransmitter Function:
Differences in genes linked to neurotransmitter systems, such as
serotonin and dopamine control, can have a big impact on how someone reacts to trauma and
how likely they are to develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These genetic variants
influence an individual's emotional and stress response by interacting with the environmental
exposure to traumatic experiences.
Cannon and Greenamyre's (2013) study on gene-environment interactions in Parkinson's disease
focused into the role of neurotransmitters in VGXE interactions. Their findings show the
interconnectivity of genetic and environmental factors by demonstrating particular gene-
environment interactions in the setting of neurodegenerative disorders.
The ramifications of VGXE interactions for PTSD are significant and far-reaching:
Treatment Implications:
Creating more individualized treatment plans requires an understanding
of the VGXE component of PTSD. Treatment plans that are specifically designed for each
patient in light of their genetic makeup and environmental influences are more likely to be
successful. An improved response to a particular therapeutic intervention, for instance, may be
indicated by certain genetic markers.
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Prevention:
Recognizing people who are more likely to experience VGXE interactions can help
lower the likelihood of PTSD in such people. With this information, preventive actions can be
implemented, possibly involving early interventions for people with a genetic tendency to lessen
the effects of traumatic experiences.
Impact Reduction:
Understanding VGXE interactions may help develop tactics for lessening the
severity of PTSD in those who are afflicted. Targeted therapies that take into account a person's
genetic makeup and environmental circumstances may help lessen the disorder's long-term
impact.
Gaining a thorough knowledge of VGXE interactions in PTSD requires more study. This entails
looking into additional genetic markers, studying epigenetic mechanisms in more detail, and
comprehending the intricate interactions amongst neurotransmitter systems. Additionally,
thorough research is required to determine how these VGXE interactions might be used to create
better preventative and treatment plans as well as lessen the long-term effects of PTSD.
Conclusion
A fascinating area of study that gives hope for understanding the condition is the VGXE
component of PTSD. The intricate interplay between heredity and environment offer the
possibility to improve PTSD therapy, prevent it, and lessen its severe effects. The answer to
addressing and reducing the condition's wide-ranging impacts lies in further research in this area.
References
Baker, C. (2004). Behavioral genetics. American Association for the Advancement of Science.
Retrieved from https://www.aaas.org/sites/default/files/Intro.pdf
Cannon, J. R., & Greenamyre, J. T. (2013). Gene-environment interactions in Parkinson’s
disease: Specific evidence in humans and mammalian models. Neurobiology of Disease, 57, 10.
Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3815566/
Chaste, P., & Leboyer, M. (2012). Autism risk factors: Genes, environment, and gene-
environment interactions. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 14(3), 281–292. Retrieved
from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3513682/
Tordjman, S., Somogyi, E., Coulon, N., Kermarrec, S., Cohen, D., Bronsard, G., … Xavier, J.
(2014). Gene × environment interactions in Autism Spectrum Disorders: Role of epigenetic
mechanisms. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 5, 53. http://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2014.00053. Retrieved
from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4120683/