Biological Signature of an Immunomodulatory Probiotic Intervention for Veterans with Mild TBI & PTSD
Section snippets
Research Objectives
United States military Veterans from recent conflicts are coping with symptoms related to mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI), persistent post concussive (PPC) symptoms, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). One potential common underlying feature of both mTBI and PTSD is exaggerated inflammation, both peripherally and in the central nervous system, which is thought to play an important role in the vulnerability to, aggravation of, and perpetuation of adverse consequences of these
Design
Randomized controlled trial.
Setting
Urban VA Medical Center.
Participants
Veterans ages 18 to 50 with a history of mTBI, PPC symptoms, and PTSD.
Interventions
Lactobacillus reuteri, a commensal organism that colonizes the human gut mucosa, suppresses mucosal inflammation via inhibition of the production of proinflammatory cytokines, and is the probiotic of interest.
Main Outcome Measure(s)
Feasibility and safety was measured by the Adult AIDS Clinical Trials Group, Modified Morisky Medication-Taking Adherence Scale, and Probiotics Usage Log. Acceptability was measures using the Credibility and Expectancy Scales and Modified Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire. Tolerability and safety was measured by the Generic Assessment of Side Effects, and Irritable Bowel Severity Scoring System.
Results
Data collection is underway.
Conclusions
The link between inflammation, TBI, and negative outcomes have been under explored. Preliminary data regarding acceptability and feasibility will be presented along with results associated with inflammatory markers among those with TBI and PTSD. Results from this study are expected to provide key information necessary to develop interventions aimed at reducing inflammation among those with co-occurring symptoms.
Key Words
Traumatic Brain Injury, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Probiotics, Veterans
Disclosures
None.