Higher pro-inflammatory index levels and IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α were associated with higher PTSD symptoms in males only, while higher IL-10 was associated with higher PTSD symptoms in females only.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Pro-inflammatory levels shortly after traumatic stress are associated with heightened PTSD symptoms, particularly among males. The gene discussed is TNF; the disease is post-traumatic stress disorder.