By: Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues
The Interaction Between Genes, Trauma, and Inflammation
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is often misunderstood, but modern science reveals that it resides at the complex intersection of biology and experience. It is not a behavioral “choice,” but a neurobiological inability to regulate emotions.
The Weight of Genetics and Environment
Hereditary studies indicate that between 40% and 60% of the risk of developing BPD is genetic. However, genes are not destiny in isolation. They create a vulnerability that, when combined with childhood trauma or severe environmental stress, can trigger the disorder. Trauma during brain development causes lasting alterations in the HPA axis (stress response system) and neurotransmitter synthesis.
The Biochemistry of Instability:
The neuroscience of BPD reveals clear biological markers.
Neuroinflammation: Patients exhibit elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (such as TNF-α and IL-6). This inflammatory state impairs the production of serotonin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), which is essential for neuronal resilience.
Genetic Pathways: Specific variants in the HTR2C, TPH2, ANKK1/DRD2, OXTR, and FKBP5 genes alter how the brain processes pleasure, social connection, and stress.
Circadian Rhythm: There is a strong correlation between dysregulation of the biological clock and impulsivity. Delayed sleep stages and insomnia are common and worsen emotional lability.
Identification and Comorbidities
Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is characterized by symptoms such as intense fear of abandonment, unstable relationships, impulsivity, and splitting (viewing people or situations as only “good” or “bad”). It is common for the disorder to be accompanied by anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, or substance abuse, making accurate diagnosis and neuroscientific monitoring essential.
Dr. Fabiano de Abreu Agrela Rodrigues MRSB holds a post-PhD in Neuroscience and is an elected member of Sigma Xi – The Scientific Research Honor Society (more than 200 members of Sigma Xi have received the Nobel Prize), as well as being a member of the Society for Neuroscience in the United States, the Royal Society of Biology and The Royal Society of Medicine in the United Kingdom, the European Society of Human Genetics in Vienna, Austria, and the APA – American Philosophical Association in the United States. He holds a Master’s degree in Psychology and a Bachelor’s degree in History and Biology. He is also a Technologist in Anthropology and Philosophy, with several national and international degrees in Neuroscience and Neuropsychology. Dr. Fabiano is a member of prestigious high IQ societies, including Mensa International, Intertel, ISPE High IQ Society, Triple Nine Society, ISI-Society, and HELLIQ Society High IQ. He is the author of more than 300 scientific studies and 30 books. He is currently a visiting professor at PUCRS in Brazil, UNIFRANZ in Bolivia and Santander in Mexico. He also serves as Director of CPAH – Centro de Pesquisa e Análises Heráclito and is the creator of the GIP project, which estimates IQ through the analysis of genetic intelligence. Dr. Fabiano is also a registered journalist, having his name included in the book of records for achieving four records, one of which is for being the greatest creator of characters in the history of the press.