Stress hormones can prevent disorders after a traumatic event
Thursday, September 14, 2017 IST
In a recent study, a group of researchers have found that the Ppm1f (Protein phosphatase 1f) gene is altered when exposed to traumatic stress and is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder, depression and anxiety. People who have suffered from traffic accidents, war combat, terrorist attacks and exposure to other traumatic events have an increased likelihood of developing diseases.
These diseases can be psychological and physical, such as heart problems and cancer. The current preventive treatments based on psychological support and drugs are effective in some cases. Unfortunately, these treatments do not work for many individuals. It is also known that the earlier the treatment starts, the better to prevent future negative consequences.
Scientists have discovered in a study with mice and humans that the Ppm1f gene expression is one of the most highly regulated after exposure to traumatic stress. Ppm1f is associated with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety. The main function of Ppm1f is to regulate the activity of the protein Camk2 (Calmodulin-dependent protein kinase 2), which is key in many processes of the human body such as memory, the heart’s functioning and the immune system.
According to Dr. Raül Andero Galí, lead researcher in this study, “Once we discovered the relationship between the Ppm1f gene and different psychological disorders after exposure to traumatic stress, we wanted to find an effective drug to prevent these changes and its negative consequences on the brain.” Thus, the scientists administered the hormone to mice one hour after exposure to stress.
“The results confirmed a decrease in the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and also that this effect is because the Ppm1f gene changes are prevented,” explains Dr. Eric Velasco, researcher at the INc-UAB and co-author of the study. Andero added, “The apparent contradiction that the stress hormone decreases the likelihood of developing diseases after exposure to traumatic stress is one of the greatest paradoxes of current medicine. This study sheds light on this paradox and uncovers a way by which the stress hormone could prevent diseases, at least psychologically, through regulation of the Ppm1f gene.”
Antonio Florido, researcher of the INc-UAB and also co-author of the paper, noted, “Our discovery opens the door to a broader application and to the development of treatments aimed specifically at regulating this gene’s functions.” The study was published in journal Biological Psychiatry
Related Topics
Related News & Articles
Recent studies have shown that emotional and psychological stress play a role in the development of tumours in general...
Recently posted . 937 views . 1 min read
*After a night's sleep, a woman woke up unable to hear all men's voices including that of her boyfriend, The Daily Mail reported last wee...
Recently posted . 809 views . 1 min read
Calcium is important for all babies and children but it is especially important for women. This is because women require calcium more than men as they are more pron...
Recently posted . 783 views . 3 min read
Everyone goes through stress in our daily life, stressing over small issues to traumatic and difficult situations. Just like adults, stress is common in teenagers...
Recently posted . 892 views . 6 min read
Workers in open office seating had less daytime stress and greater daytime activity levels compared to workers in private offices and cubicles, according to new res...
Recently posted . 880 views . 3 min read
Trending News & Articles
Lung cancer is usually not noticeable during the early stages. Most people are diagnosed when the disease is at an advanced stage. According to Cancer.org, it is ...
Recently posted . 7K views . 2 min read
The health benefits of wood apple include [1] relief from constipation, indigestion, peptic ulcer, piles, respiratory problems, diarrhea, and dysentery. It also b...
Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
Bael, also known as the “Wood Apple”, is a species native to India. The bael tree is considered to be sacred to the Hindus. A famous drink known as sh...
Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
Do you know what milia are? Milia is a skin condition which causes the appearance of small white hard bumps on the skin which usually appear on the face, neck or ch...
Recently posted . 4K views . 2 min read
More in Food & Health
In the modern world we all get addicted to internet. This gets simpler with the WiFi use. We surf from any place, regardless conditions.
Recently posted. 878 views . 1 min read
Haircare tips: A healthy diet can help you boost hair health and prevent hair fall. Here are 3 foods easily available in every kitchen that you must add to your die...
Recently posted. 1K views . 1 min read
Polycystic Ovary Syndrome is the most widely recognized hormonal aggravation and ladies with PCOS frequently face novel difficulties with their skin and hair well...
Recently posted. 852 views . 2 min read
Recently posted . 918 views
Recently posted . 897 views
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 1K views
Recently posted . 1K views . 119 min read
Recently posted . 1K views . 117 min read
tandoori chicken was first introduced by Kundan in Peshawar
Recently posted. 1K views . 0 min read
Anemia is the world’s most common blood disorder. It affects about three million people in the US and over 1.6 billion people in the world. Here’s why...
Recently posted. 775 views . 2 min read