Plasma level of the antimicrobial peptide LL37 (Cathelicidin) is negatively associated with alcohol use disorder in US Veterans

Abstract: As suicidal self-directed violence (SSDV) is often challenging to prevent, novel approaches are needed. We reported lower gene expression of LL-37, an antimicrobial peptide and immunomodulator, in the brains of individuals who died by suicide versus nonpsychiatric controls who died by alternative causes. LL-37 is also reduced in individuals with alcohol use disorder (AUD), as is the LL-37 homologue, cathelicidin-related antimicrobial peptide (CRAMP), in animal models of AUD. We hypothesized that plasma LL-37 will be negatively associated with AUD, other suicide risk factors, and SSDV.

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