Changes in Genes Expression Associated with Cell Stress in the Patient with Chronic Perseverative Stuttering

The aim of this study was to assess the expression of genes associated with cell stress response in the patient with chronic stuttering. We examined genes expression in a 26-year-old patient (D.K.) with chronic perseverative stuttering (CPS) syndrome, the symptoms of which intensified after repeated failure to find a job and break-up with his fiancée. The symptoms of stuttering were tested using standard neurologopedic tools and the patient met Diagnostics and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) criteria for CPS. RNA was isolated from 2 ml of blood collected from radial vein according to methods described by Chomczyński and Sachi (1987). Gene expression was determined by real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) (Applied Biosystem Step One, Lifetechnologies, Department Poland). To calculate gene expression, the ∆∆Ct method described by Schmittgen and Livak was used (Schmittgen & Livak, 2008). Results of standard neurologopedic testing confirmed the severity of speech hesitancy and symptoms of logophobia. Clinical findings were consistent with the genetic findings. A lower level of expression of stress-related genes was observed in the patient’s leukocytes compared to a control group. It is possible that cellular protection under stress conditions was reduced in this patient with chronic stuttering. Low cellular tolerance to stressors does not provide sufficient protection to cells. In our opinion, such findings may be related to the exacerbation of chronic perseverative stuttering (CPS) syndrome.