Effects of earthquake and related environmental factors on relationship of posttraumatic stress disorder with LDLR rs5925

Abstract

To test the relationship not yet explored before among earthquake and related environmental factors, low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the genetic variation of LDLR rs5925 was selected and PTSD was examined by PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCLC) in adolescents with different genotypes of LDLR rs5925 longitudinally at 6, 12 and 18 months after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. The C allele carriers were observed to have higher PTSD prevalence than the TT homozygotes in the male subjects, and higher PTSD prevalence and PCL-C scores in the female subjects only at 6 months. When compared to that at 12 months, decreased PTSD prevalence was observed at 18 months only in the female C allele carriers, but not in the female TT homozygotes or the male subjects. The potential risk factors of PTSD and predictors of PCL-C scores were different during the follow-up. LDLR rs5925 was one of the predictors for PCL-C scores at 6 and 12 months, and one of the potential factors for PTSD prevalence at 6 months. These results suggest that interactions may occur between earthquakes and other related environmental factors, which could affect the relationship of LDLR rs5925 with PTSD and be considered for individualized treatment.