Meeting abstract

https://doi.org/10.24869/spsih.2026.242

Association of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, the Gut Microbiome, and Cardiometabolic Risk Among Croatian War Veterans

Leon Serdarević ; University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia *
Dolores Britvić ; University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia; School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia
Joško Božić ; School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia
Roko Šantić ; School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia
Nikola Pavlović ; School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia
Ivana Irma Lerotić ; University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia
Ivica Šamanić ; Faculty of Science, University of Split, Ruđera Boškovića 33, 21000 Split, Croatia
Tina Tičinović Kurir ; University Hospital of Split, Spinčićeva 1, 21000 Split, Croatia; School of Medicine, University of Split, Šoltanska 2A, 21000 Split, Croatia

* Corresponding author.

Abstract

Aim of the study: To examine the composition of
the gut microbiome and its association with cardiovascular
risk in war veterans with post-traumatic
stress disorder (PTSD) and type 2 diabetes
mellitus (T2DM). Materials and methods: The
study will include war veterans diagnosed with
PTSD and T2DM, as well as war veterans diagnosed
with PTSD without T2DM as a control
group. Validated questionnaires on adherence
to the Mediterranean diet (MDSS) will be administered,
psychological stress will be assessed
using the CAPS and ITQ questionnaires, anthropometric
parameters and body composition will
be measured, and laboratory parameters will be analyzed. Cardiovascular risk parameters will be
determined, including AGEs (advanced glycation
end-products), ABI (ankle-brachial index), and
serum markers of endothelial dysfunction. From
stool samples, 16S rRNA gene sequencing using
NGS technology and WGS (shotgun whole-genome
sequencing) analyses will be performed to
assess the composition and functional potential
of the gut microbiome in the study groups. Statistical
analysis: Multivariate analysis will enable
a comprehensive approach to identifying shared
genetic variants of the gut microbiome and potential
functional pathways associated with PTSD
and T2DM. A machine learning model will also
be developed to predict type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular
risk based on gut microbiome composition,
dietary habits, and level of psychological
stress. Results: It is hypothesized that chronic
psychological stress alters the composition of the
gut microbiome and increases cardiovascular risk
in individuals with PTSD, which would represent
an important scientific contribution. Analysis of
the gut microbiome, anthropometric parameters,
body composition, laboratory parameters, and
cardiovascular risk indicators could contribute
to a better understanding of the role of chronic
psychological stress in the pathogenesis of T2DM
and increased cardiovascular risk in war veterans.
Conclusion: A comprehensive analysis of the composition
and functional role of the gut microbiome
may contribute to a better understanding
of its role in diabetes and cardiovascular risk in
patients with PTSD and open up possibilities for
personalized microbiome-targeted therapeutic
approaches aimed at improving care and quality
of life in patients with PTSD.

Keywords

PTSD; diabetes; microbiome

Hrčak ID:

352906

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/352906

Publication date:

15.6.2026.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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