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Articles by Benjamin Luft
Integrated proteomic and metabolomic analyses implicate redox-metabolic pathways in PTSD-associated multisystem disease and accelerated aging
Abstract Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is associated with increased risk of chronic disease and premature aging, yet underlying molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We performed plasma proteomics (SomaScan; 9404 proteins) and targeted metabolomics (145 metabolites) in 393 World Trade Center responders (232 with PTSD, 161 trauma-exposed controls). A total of 114 proteins and seven metabolites were differentially expressed in PTSD. Top proteins included NCAN, BCAN, NCAM1, and GDF15.
Mechanistic signatures of comorbid PTSD with cognitive impairment implicate cortisol-induced neural toxicity - Neuropsychopharmacology
Abstract The men and women who worked in rescue and recovery operations at the 9/11 World Trade Center site are developing cognitive impairment (CI) at mid-life, decades before CI is usually detected. To date, one of the most consistent risk factors for CI in this population is symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, little is known about the mechanistic cascade that drives stress-related neurological changes to accelerate cognitive decline in the human brain.
Increased phosphorylated tau (pTau-181) is associated with neurological post-acute sequelae of coronavirus disease in essential workers: a prospective cohort study before and after COVID-19 onset
Keywords Phosphorylated Tau-181 Neurological biomarkers Post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 Coronavirus disease Evidence before this study A systematic literature review suggested that individuals reporting neurological post-acute sequelae (PASC) after coronavirus disease (COVID-19) have evidence of neuroinflammation and cognitive decline, while autopsy studies report evidence of vascular disease and cerebral tauopathy absent amyloidosis in non-survivors.
MRI signature of brain age underlying post-traumatic stress disorder in World Trade Center responders - Translational Psychiatry
Abstract Approximately 23% of the men and women who participated in rescue and recovery efforts at the 9/11 World Trade Center (WTC) site experience persistent, clinically significant post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Recent structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies demonstrate significant neural differences between WTC responders with and without PTSD.
Polygenic Risk and Exposure Severity Predict Trajectories of PTSD: A Prospective Cohort Study - Molecular Psychiatry
Abstract Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is persistent over time, thus identifying risk factors for chronic PTSD is crucial for clinical research. Trauma exposure severity and polygenic liability are two established predictors of PTSD onset and severity, but their contributions to the long-term course of PTSD remain largely unknown.
A 20-year longitudinal cohort study of post-traumatic stress disorder in World Trade Center responders - Nature Mental Health
Abstract Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a debilitating condition with serious implications for mental and physical health. Although previous studies have documented PTSD prevalence and short-term trajectories, detailed examination of long-term symptom patterns remains limited, especially in large cohorts. This study investigates 20-year PTSD symptom trajectories in World Trade Center responders, constituting one of the largest and longest studies of PTSD to date.
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in the World Trade Center Health Program General Responder Cohort
Background People participating in the rescue, recovery, and clean-up effort after the September 11, 2001 attack on the World Trade Center (WTC) were exposed to a complex mix of noxious substances and subsequently experienced elevated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) incidence, the second-most-common WTC-related condition.
Functional changes in neural mechanisms underlying post-traumatic stress disorder in World Trade Center responders - Translational Psychiatry
Abstract World Trade Center (WTC) responders exposed to traumatic and environmental stressors during rescue and recovery efforts have a high prevalence of chronic WTC-related post-traumatic stress disorder (WTC-PTSD). We investigated neural mechanisms underlying WTC-PTSD by applying eigenvector centrality (EC) metrics and data-driven methods on resting state functional magnetic resonance (fMRI). We identified how EC differences relate to WTC-exposure and behavioral symptoms.
Ebola outbreak: Are we failing our medical heroes?
Upon returning to the United States from Liberia early last month, physician and anthropologist Paul Farmer described the shallow response in the West to the current Ebola outbreak as a "terrorism of poverty." Since then, Harvard University -- where Farmer works -- and other organizations have imposed tough travel restrictions from the United States to any West African nation displaying evidence of the disease.
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