Epigenomics

Epigenetic changes linked to trauma and coping in people living with HIV

Updated

Abstract

Higher at one site of the serotonin transporter gene () is associated with lower levels of anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms in people living with HIV.

  • Elevated DNA methylation at SLC6A4 correlates with reduced anxiety (B = -0.62), depression (B = -0.06), and PTSD symptoms (B = -0.03) at baseline.
  • DNA methylation at is negatively associated with anxiety (B = -0.30) and depression symptoms (B = -0.20).
  • Coping strategies, including self-blame and substance use, show associations with DNA methylation in both genes over time.
  • The study involved a random sample of 70 individuals living with HIV, with follow-up data from 51 participants.

Simplified

Key numbers

0.62
Decrease in Anxiety Symptoms
Regression coefficient for anxiety at baseline.
0.35
Decrease in Depression Symptoms
Regression coefficient for depression at baseline.
0.03
Decrease in PTSD Symptoms
Regression coefficient for PTSD symptoms at baseline.

Full Text

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