Relationship between gene-environment interaction and obsessive-compulsive disorder: A systematic review

Gene-environment interaction (G × E) refers to the change of genetic effects under the participation of environmental factors resulting in differences in genetic expression. G × E has been studied in the occurrence and development of many neuropsychiatric disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

A systematic review was conducted to investigate the role of G × E plays in OCD. This review explored the relationship between G × E and the susceptibility to OCD occurrence, disease progression, and treatment response.

This systematic literature search was performed using Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, and CNKI. Seven studies were selected, which included seven genes (BDNF, COMT, MAO, 5-HTT, SMAD4, PGRN, and SLC1A1) polymorphisms, polygenic risk score (PRS), and two environmental factors (childhood trauma and stressful life events).

Information from this systematic review indicated that G × E increased the susceptibility to OCD, played a crucial role in the clinical characteristics, and had an inconsistent impact on treatment response of OCD.

The multi-omics studies and the inclusion of G × E in future GWAS studies of OCD should be drawn more attention, which may contribute to a deeper understanding of the etiology of OCD as well as guide therapeutic interventions for the disease.