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

Background: Gene-environment interaction (G x E) refers to the change of genetic effects under the participation of environmental factors resulting in differences in genetic expression. G x E has been studied in the occurrence and development of many neuropsychiatric disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).Aim: A systematic review was conducted to investigate the role of G x E plays in OCD. This review explored the relationship between G x E and the susceptibility to OCD occurrence, disease progression, and treatment response. Methods: 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).Results: Information from this systematic review indicated that G x E increased the susceptibility to OCD, played a crucial role in the clinical characteristics, and had an inconsistent impact on treatment response of OCD.Future directions: The multi-omics studies and the inclusion of G x 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.

Automated summary

This systematic review investigates the role of gene-environment interaction (G x E) in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). The study examines the relationship between G x E and the susceptibility to OCD occurrence, disease progression, and treatment response. The findings suggest that G x E increases the susceptibility to OCD, plays a crucial role in clinical characteristics, and has an inconsistent impact on treatment response.