title: Interfering with the reconsolidation of traumatic memory: sirolimus as a novel agent for treating veterans with posttraumatic stress disorder.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Development of novel treatment approaches for combat-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is critical, given the increasing prevalence of PTSD in veterans returning from war zone deployment. Established preclinical research using protein synthesis inhibitors (such as sirolimus) to interfere with fear memory reconsolidation provides a compelling rationale for investigation in humans.
  
  
  METHODS
  This double-blind, placebo-controlled translational pilot study examined the effects of pairing reactivation of a trauma memory with a single administration of sirolimus on the frequency and intensity of PTSD symptoms in male combat veterans.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Primary analyses found no significant differences between treatment groups on any of the clinical or physiologic outcome measures. In an exploratory analysis of a subsample of post-Vietnam-era veterans who had more recent combat trauma, PTSD symptom scores fell significantly more in these veterans than in controls.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The post-Vietnam-era veteran findings suggest that further investigation of this pairing of sirolimus with traumatic memory reactivation may be warranted. Theoretically, interference with the reconsolidation of fear memories could ameliorate military-related psychological trauma symptoms. Future research should focus on veterans of more recent eras whose traumatic memories may be less entrenched and more amenable to pharmacologic modification within this procedure.
authors: VA North Texas Health Care System, Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, USA. Alina.Suris@va.gov
authors: Alina
authors: A
authors: Surís
authors: Julia
authors: J
authors: Smith
authors: Craig
authors: C
authors: Powell
authors: Carol S
authors: CS
authors: North
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D003130:Combat Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy / Q000379:methods; D003710:Demography; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D016903:Drug Monitoring; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D061212:Memory, Episodic; D057567:Memory, Long-Term / Q000187:drug effects*; D011939:Mental Recall / Q000187:drug effects*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D020123:Sirolimus / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014728:Veterans / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D020123:Sirolimus
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