Correlating Kynurenine Pathway and Heart Rate Variability: A Novel Method to Assess Blood-Brain Barrier Dysfunction in Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder With and Without Alcohol Use Disorder

Abstract

Increased binge alcohol intake is reported among United States veterans suffering with Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that can occur following exposure to a traumatic incident in which grave physical harm occurred or was perceived. PTSD is marked by clear biological changes as well as psychological symptoms. In addition to debilitating physical and psychological health declines, PTSD is associated with increased rates of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD). It is important to understand the molecular mechanism behind this pathology to target novel treatment. Severe psychological trauma can activate corticotrophin releasing factor (CRF) in the brain. We hypothesize PTSD and AUD is associated with low High Frequency-Heart Rate Variability (HF-HRV) and upregulation of AQP4 in astrocytes, subsequently leads to BBB dysfunction (BBBD).