Registration Number
0226U000339,
(0123U101256)
, R & D reports
Title
Assessment of anxiety in children during wartime and determination of the role of the 5-HTTLPR promoter polymorphism of the serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4 in its formation
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Завершення молекулярно-генетичних досліджень, визначення частоти алелів та розподіл генотипів гена SLC6A4, аналіз можливих зв’язків між активністю гена SLC6A4, дією стресових чинників; ознаками тривожності; антропометричними даними та якістю сну.
Head
Ihor Y. Kolpakov, Доктор медичних наук
Anatolii A. Chumak, Доктор медичних наук
Registration Date
08-01-2026
Organization
State Institution "National Research Center for Radiation Medicine, Hematology and Onkology of the National Academy of Medical Sciences of Ukraine"
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To determine the relationships between stressful life events, 5-HTTLPR promoter polymorphism of the SLC6A4 serotonin transporter gene, and psychological characteristics of children to predict the likelihood of developing anxiety states during wartime.
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The study revealed systemic psychosomatic disturbances in children living under war-related stress and radiation control: health groups III–IV predominated, with frequent gastroenterological, endocrine-metabolic and immune dysfunctions; clinically healthy children were rare. Behavioral analysis identified three response types (“Hyper-reactive,” “Digital Sentinels,” “Ignoring”), differing in emotional profile, self-efficacy and 137Cs incorporation. Behavior was an independent predictor of dose load: anxiety and behavioral control were associated with lower radiocesium incorporation, whereas passivity predicted higher levels.
Genetic analysis (5-HTTLPR) showed SS 19 %, SL 43 %, LL 38 %, with the S-allele associated with higher anxiety, frustration and aggression. A G×E interaction was observed: S-allele carriers showed stronger reactions to war stressors. Girls demonstrated higher anxiety; air-raid frequency correlated with school and trait anxiety (r = 0.20–0.26; p<0.05). Depressive symptoms were present in over half of children; severe forms in 9.1 %. Sleep disturbances (PSQI>5) occurred in 53 %, more often in S-allele carriers.
Anthropometry showed sex and age differences: boys had higher basal metabolism and muscle mass, girls - more adiposity and increasing visceral fat with age. Perceived stress correlated with BMI, WtHR and visceral fat (r = 0.34–0.53; p<0.05) and inversely with muscle mass. Radiation burden had no significant effect on anthropometry.
A machine-learning model for rehabilitation need prediction was developed (accuracy 92.3 %, AUC = 0.967), along with a web interface. A 6-week aquatic program produced reductions in BMI, WtHR, body and fat mass, and improved muscle composition and stress levels, with stronger effects at higher adherence. Findings indicate interconnected psychogenetic, behavioral and metabolic mechanisms of stress reactivity and demonstrate the potential of integrated monitoring and intervention programs to reduce long-term risk
Product Description
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Viktoriia A. Poznysh
Vitaliy Y. Vdovenko
Irina Abramenko
Daniil V. Vdovenko
Mariia V. Hurtavtsova
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2026-01-08
