US scientists have discovered that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in 9/11 first responders accelerates biological aging and increases the risk of chronic diseases decades later.
The study was conducted by researchers at Stony Brook University and published in Nature Communications.
The team analyzed blood samples from 393 responders who helped clear the World Trade Center debris. Of these, 232 were diagnosed with PTSD.
Comparative analysis revealed significant differences in 114 proteins and 7 metabolites. These changes affect brain function, immune system, energy metabolism, cell defense, and tissue repair.
Study leader Benjamin Luft said: "We found accelerated biological aging in multiple organs, including heart, lungs, liver, and kidneys in responders with PTSD. This explains why they are more prone to cardiovascular disease, lung dysfunction, cognitive decline, and other age-related illnesses."
The authors emphasize that PTSD is not just a mental health issue but a systemic disease affecting the entire body. Future research will explore whether similar changes occur in people who have experienced other severe traumas.
