Changes in FKBP5 expression and memory functions during cognitive-behavioral therapy in posttraumatic stress disorder: a preliminary study.
Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is characterized by hyperarousal, flashbacks, avoidance, and memory dysfunctions. Although psychotherapy improves the clinical symptoms, its effect on memory has not been explored. In addition, there is no information about gene expression changes related to hippocampal functions. We assessed PTSD patients (n=20) using the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (WAIS-R) and a paired associates learning (PAL) test, as well as changes in blood FK506 binding protein (FKBP5) mRNA expression before and after cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Results revealed that before CBT PTSD patients were impaired on WAIS-R delayed recall, attention/concentration, and PAL compared with trauma-exposed control subjects (n=20). These memory dysfunctions showed a significant improvement after CBT. Better performance on the PAL test correlated with enhanced blood FKBP5 mRNA expression. These results suggest that elevated FKBP5 expression during CBT is related to improved associative memory linked to the hippocampal formation.
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary; Nyírő Gyula Hospital-National Institute of Psychiatry and Addictions, Budapest, Hungary.
Csilla
C
Szabó
Bács-Kiskun County Hospital, Psychiatry Center, Kecskemét, Hungary.
Oguz
O
Kelemen
Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary; Nyírő Gyula Hospital-National Institute of Psychiatry and Addictions, Budapest, Hungary; Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Department of Cognitive Science, Budapest, Hungary. Electronic address: keri.szabolcs.gyula@med.u-szeged.hu.
Szabolcs
S
Kéri
D000328:Adult; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D008875:Middle Aged; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000097:blood; D013313:Stress Disorders, Post-Traumatic / Q000378:metabolism / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D022021:Tacrolimus Binding Proteins / Q000097:blood*; D000099159:Tacrolimus Binding Protein 5
D012333:RNA, Messenger; D022021:Tacrolimus Binding Proteins; D000099159:Tacrolimus Binding Protein 5
Cognitive behavioral therapy; FKBP5; Memory; Posttraumatic stress disorder