vets w/PTSD -vs- exercise……
“The Met allele of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) Val66Met polymorphism is associated with reduced levels of BDNF release, heightened hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis reactivity, and impaired fear extinction.”
“As a result, Met allele carriers may be at risk for greater severity of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms.”
“In this study, we examined the relationship between the brain-derived neurotrophic factor Val66Met polymorphism and PTSD symptoms in two nationally representative samples of European American U.S. military veterans (main sample, n = 1386; replication sample, n = 509).”
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“Results revealed that…..Met allele carriers reported greater severity of lifetime and current PTSD symptoms, specifically re-experiencing symptoms.”
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“Met allele carriers with high trauma burden also reported greater severity of lifetime and past-month PTSD symptoms.”
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“Greater engagement in physical exercise moderated this gene-by-environment interaction.”
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“Specifically, among veterans with high lifetime trauma burden, Met allele carriers who exercised had significantly lower severity of PTSD symptoms compared to those who did not exercise.”
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“These findings suggest that interventions designed to bolster engagement in physical exercise may help mitigate PTSD symptoms in veterans who are Met allele carriers and highly exposed to trauma.”
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B.L.Pitts, et al
BDNF Val66Met polymorphism and posttraumatic stress symptoms in U.S. military veterans: Protective effect of physical exercise
Psychoneuroendocrinology — Volume 100 — January 2019 — page 198