Translational Medicine Friday

Childhood Trauma, PANS & PANDAS --- Understanding brain disorders as Neuro-immune disorders

2/3/2026

Neuroscience News
Childhood Trauma Rewires the Brain and the Immune System (2025)

PANDAS Network
Looking at the Brains of PANDAS and PANS Children
(2023)

Understanding a wide range of brain disorders as "Neuro-Immune Disorders" ---- starts to make sense of an extremely complicated
array.

Special Focus

PANS (Pediatric Acute-Onset Neuro-Psychiatric Syndrome)
- "This broader category includes any sudden-onset neuropsychiatric symptoms that can arise from various infections (not just strep) or other triggers, such as environmental factors or stress. PANS encompasses a wider range of symptoms and potential causes, including infections like Lyme disease and influenza." -- Copilot

PANDAS (Pediatric Auto-Immune Neuro-Psychiatric Disorders) is associated with Streptoccal Infections)

History of PANDAS/PANS and
PANDAS Network

Aspire Care

Psych Scene with Dr. Sanil Rege --- How Psychiatric Disorders Overlap with Autoimmune Disorders

1/30/2026

Val's Take/Conjecture

So one of the things that has happened is the recognition of a Neuro-Developmental --- Psychiatric Continuum --- those DISTINCT DIAGNOSES in the DSM often don't match neatly to "REALITY."

One of the biggest SEEMING CONTRADICTIONS is that we recognize Neuro-Developmental Disorders much more in MEN and Psychiatric Disorders --- much more in women. Hmmm . . .

There are sex differences.

The next step has been recognizing there is a lot of overlap between other illnesses and diseases and Neuro-Developmental and Psychiatric Disorders.

Stanford Medicine-led study shows why women are at greater risk of autoimmune disease (2024)

"Research throws light on the mystery of why women are much more prone to autoimmune disorders: A molecule made by one X chromosome in every female cell can generate antibodies to a woman's own tissues."

Cancer & Neuro-Diversity: The Crying Need for an Integrated Physical & Mental Health Care System

Neuro-Diversity and Its relation not only to Psychiatric Disorders but also Metabolic Disorders, Cancer & Autoimmune Diseases

The Academy by Psych Scene
Dr. Sanil Rege

How Psychiatric Disorders Overlap with Autoimmune Disorders (2026)

Why are brain tumors more common in men? (2014)

"The reason why brain tumors occur more frequently in males and are often more harmful than single tumors in females has been further explained by new research from Washington University School of Medicine in St Louis (MO, USA).

"Glioblastomas, which are the most common malignant brain tumors, for example, are diagnosed twice as often in males and result in greater cognitive impairments than when occurring in females; male patients also do not survive as long.

"A protein known to reduce cancer risk termed retinoblastoma protein (RB) was demonstrated by the researchers to be significantly less active in male brain cells than in female brain cells."

Astrocytes from People with schizophrenia induce "DYSTROPHIC" Microglia-like Cells

1/5/2026

hiPSC-Derived Astrocytes From Individuals With Schizophrenia

Induce a Dystrophic Phenotype in Microglial-Like Cells (2026)

University of Kentucky's Institutional Repository
Theses & Dissertations -- Neuroscience

The Role of Dystrophic Microglia in Aging and Disease (2024)

Traditionally, microglial subtypes characterized physiologically as “reactive” or “activated” have been linked with disease and injury in the brain.

However, morphologically, a recently described microglia category known as “dystrophic,” characterized structurally by fragmented processes and cytoplasmic decay is believed to be more strongly associated with aging and neurodegeneration.

Affiliations
1Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
2Department of Genetics, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
3D'or Institute for Research and Education (IDOR), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
4Molecular Carcinogenesis Program, Research Coordination, Instituto Nacional do Câncer (INCA), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
5Vice-Presidency of Research and Biological Collections (VPPCB), Fundação Oswaldo Cruz (FIOCRUZ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
6Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biological Sciences (ICB), Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
7Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais (UFMG), Belo Horizonte, Brazil.
8Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA.
9Department of Genetics, Institute of Biology, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ), Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Microglia, Autism & Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

12/30/2025

Microglia

Microglia and the Brain's Immune System

Navigating AWEtism with Theresa Lyons, PhD

Microglia and Autism - Part 1
(2023)

Neuroanatomy, Freiburg
Institute of Anatomy & Cell Biology

Microglia - a potential target for rTMS-based interventions (2023)

Inter-Generational trauma, Pre-Natal Exposure to violence and accelerated epigenetic aging

12/9/2025

Val's Take/Conjecture

The modern malaise of Isolation, Alienation and Disconnection is giving way to a much more profound Integration and connection of life and reality.
It is not necessarily any more comforting at the present moment --- but it is pointing to where our energies should be invested.
The Enlightenment of the 18th Century and the American Founding Fathers believed that the pursuit of happiness was the pursuit of LEARNING.

Inter-Generational Trauma

Inter-Generational Trauma: Confirming the Wisdom of indigenous People to consider our Impact on the People for 7 Generations

Epigenetic signatures of intergenerational exposure to violence in three generations of Syrian refugees (2025)

*US and Jordan

Abstract

Maternal trauma influences infant and adult health outcomes and may impact future generations through epigenetic modifications such as DNA methylation (DNAm).

Based on an epigenome-wide association study (EWAS), we identified differentially methylated regions (DMPs): 14 were associated with germline and 21 with direct exposure to violence. . . .

Most DMPs showed the same directionality in DNAm change across germline, prenatal, and direct exposures, suggesting a common epigenetic response to violence.

Additionally, we identified epigenetic age acceleration in association with prenatal exposure to violence in children, highlighting the critical period of in utero development.

This is the first report of an intergenerational epigenetic signature of violence, which has important implications for understanding the inheritance of trauma.

More corroboration of Psychiatric Disorders as Multi-System Disorders

11/27/2025

WHAT'S THE POINT: Psychiatric Disorders are not only brain disorders, they are MULTI-SYSTEM DISORDERS. THAT MATTERS.

New Understandings Matter

Grasping Posttraumatic Stress Disorder From the Perspective of Psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology:

Etiopathogenic Mechanisms and Relevance for Integrative Management (Nov. 2025)

*Spain

Brain = Structure + Function + Energy (ATP)

11/20/2025

Val's Take: We're undergoing a BIOLOGICAL REVOLUTION of UNDERSTANDING [ENLIGHTENMENT] in the 21st Century, largely led by BIO-SCIENTISTS around the world.

These BIO-SCIENTISTS are not only going deep in their understanding of particular systems, they are going deep in their analysis and integration of common mechanisms of HEALTH and DISEASE.

MITOCHONDRIA are not the only pieces to the puzzle --- BUT they are a huge piece and understanding their role in NEURO-DEVELOPMENTAL and PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS as well as other DISORDERS and DISEASES ---

CHANGES THE EQUATION.

BRAIN = STRUCTURE + FUNCTION + ENERGY (ATP)

SCBA --- Society of Chinese Bioscientists in America
DC-Baltimore

Mitochondrial transport and energy metabolism in neuronal regeneration (2022)

Neuro-immunology and Neuro-Inflammation Clusters --- Dr. Tarek Samad, Head of Global Research at Lundbeck

11/16/2025

Val's Take

The TERMINOLOGY with regard to NEURO-IMMUNOLOGY is NOT STANDARDIZED.
Dr. Samad appears to be attempting to Standardize it.
This distinction between diseases and disorders more closely associated with the ADAPTIVE IMMUNE SYSTEM, and those more closely associated with the INNATE IMMUNE SYSTEM is important.
- That THERAPEUTIC IMMUNE TARGET may look different.

Dr. Samad notes that most AUTO-IMMUNE DISEASES involve ADAPTIVE IMMUNITY.

Neuro-Developmental and Psychiatric Disorders are often associated with dysregulation of MICROGLIA --- the Brain's Innate Immune Cells.
But MICROGLIA seem to have some ADAPTIVE IMMUNE FUNCTION as well.

So it is important to be able to differentiate between AUTO-IMMUNE ENCEPHALITIS and SCHIZOPHRENIA.

Dr. Tarek Samad
Senior Vice President & Head of Global Research at Lundbeck

Neuroimmunology and neuroinflammation cluster (2022)

Additionally, there is noticeable OVERLAP between AUTO-IMMUNE DISORDERS and PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS.

It is INDIVIDUAL --- and these INSIGHTS among many others are driving the need for PRECISION MEDICINE and PRECISION PSYCHIATRY.

Medical Researcher Kirolos Eskandar from Helwan University in Egypt: Bridging the gap in Translational Psychiatry Research

11/16/2025

From Theory to Practice: Bridging the Gap in Translational Psychiatry Research (2023)

* Helwan University, Egypt

Abstract

According to the World Health Organization, psychiatric disorders affect a significant portion of the global population, with an estimated one in four individuals experiencing a mental health condition at some point in their lives.

In light of this pressing need, this comprehensive literature review delves into the field of translational psychiatry, examining the challenges, advancements, and future directions in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

It explores various subtopics, including neurobiological research, biomarkers, interventions, precision psychiatry, implementation science, and ethical considerations, to shed light on the progress and limitations in translating fundamental insights into innovative diagnostic tools, novel treatments, and personalized approaches for psychiatric disorders.

By critically analyzing recent research findings, this review aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations to accelerate the translation of research findings into effective clinical interventions, ultimately striving to improve mental healthcare delivery and outcomes for individuals affected by psychiatric disorders.

New Understandings MatterPictureFrom Theory to Practice: Bridging the Gap in Translational Psychiatry Research (2023)
* Helwan University, Egypt
Abstract
According to the World Health Organization, psychiatric disorders affect a significant portion of the global population, with an estimated one in four individuals experiencing a mental health condition at some point in their lives. In light of this pressing need, this comprehensive literature review delves into the field of translational psychiatry, examining the challenges, advancements, and future directions in bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application.

It explores various subtopics, including neurobiological research, biomarkers, interventions, precision psychiatry, implementation science, and ethical considerations, to shed light on the progress and limitations in translating fundamental insights into innovative diagnostic tools, novel treatments, and personalized approaches for psychiatric disorders.
By critically analyzing recent research findings, this review aims to provide valuable insights and recommendations to accelerate the translation of research findings into effective clinical interventions, ultimately striving to improve mental healthcare delivery and outcomes for individuals affected by psychiatric disorders.

PTSD & LIMITS

11/13/2025

Val's Take: There is considerable CO-MORBIDITY among PTSD and ADHD, Autism, Schizophrenia,
Bipolar Disorder, and other Neuro-Developmental & Psychiatric Disorders.

Dr. Nevia --- talks about people hitting a limit. YouTuber Paul MiCallef with Autism from the Inside says many people with Autism are living close to their limits ALL THE TIME.

There's also much more of a recognition of CHRONOLOGICAL AGE vs. BIOLOGICAL AGE. A lot of that is attributed to "LIFESTYLE CHOICES" --- and the fact is LIFESTYLE CHOICES ARE IMPORTANT.

BUT .. . . If we're not recognizing not only huge impacts of ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCES, but also the IMPACT OF PARENTAL IMMUNE ACTIVATION prior to birth we're missing a lot.

Psych Hub
Columbia University's
Dr. Yuval Neria

Why Do You Have PTSD?

It seems the INFLAMMATION and DYSREGULATIONS we experience IN UTERO can result in people who are much closer to their limits than someone who doesn't have that DEVELOPMENTAL INFLAMMATION AND DYSREGULATIONS ACROSS MULTIPLE SYSTEMS OF THE BODY.

"Yuval Neria is Professor of Clinical Medical Psychology at Columbia University, Departments of Psychiatry and Epidemiology, and Director of Trauma and PTSD at the New York State Psychiatric Institute. Neria's body of work was deeply influenced by his extensive war experiences.

"He was injured in the Yom Kippur 1973 War and at the age of 22 was awarded the Medal of Valor, the highest decoration for combat bravery in Israel, comparable to the US Medal of Honor. Dr. Neria joined Columbia University Medical Center in 2002, and since then has led and collaborated on numerous studies in trauma and PTSD.

"He studied prisoners of war and war veterans, victims of terrorism and disasters, and people affected by large scale pandemics.

"In addition to his epidemiological and treatment studies, Neria’s lab is focused on translational studies aiming to identify brain markers for trauma, PTSD, and resilience.

"By using advanced brain imaging approaches, his lab has been a leader in characterizing brain markers of PTSD, specific PTSD biotypes, and the pursuit for reliable biomarkers of clinical improvement in patients responding to a range of therapeutic approaches.

"Dr. Neria is highly committed to the mental health care for veterans and their family members. In an effort to address key gaps in availability and expertise of mental health care for large number of US service members who are not eligible, or interested in services provided in VA Centers, he founded the Columbia-NYP Military Family Wellness Center in 2016, where both veterans and family members can receive free evidence-based care to address their PTSD, depression and anxiety problems."

"Neria’s research is supported by NIMH, philanthropy, and private foundations since 2004. He has authored more than 250 articles and book chapters, and edited four textbooks focusing on the nature and treatment of the mental health consequences of trauma."

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