PTSD and complex PTSD differ significantly in plasma levels of IL2 and MMP9: patterns associated with traumatic brain injury.

Post-traumatic stress disorder(PTSD) and complex PTSD (CPTSD) are associated with distinct neurobiological alterations, yet the role of inflammatory and extracellular matrix remodeling markers remains unclear. This study investigates the plasma levels of IL-1, IL-1RA, IL-2, IL-9, FGF2, PAI1, PAI2, GM-CSF, MMP-2, MMP-9, and MMP-12 in PTSD and CPTSD patients, with a particular focus on the impact of traumatic brain injury (TBI). Our results demonstrate that IL-2 and MMP-9 levels differ significantly between PTSD and CPTSD groups, suggesting distinct immune and neuroplasticity-related mechanisms. Moreover, the presence of TBI further modulates these distinctions, indicating a potential interplay between neuroinflammation and trauma-related psychopathology. These findings provide new insights into the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress syndromes and highlight potential biomarkers for differential diagnosis and targeted interventions.