neuropeptide-y and Obsessive-Compulsive-Disorder

A number of common pathological features have been observed in obsessive‑compulsive disorder (OCD) and eating disorders (EDs). The present study examined the association between OCD and EDs at the genetic level in order to gain an improved understanding of the shared genetic basis of the diseases and identify novel potential risk genes for the two diseases. An integrated analysis using large‑scale disease‑gene association data and gene expression data was conducted. Disease‑gene association data were acquired from the Pathway Studio Mammalian database. Gene expression data were acquired from samples of 133 subjects, including 15 ED cases, 16 OCD cases and 102 normal controls. Genes associated with OCD and ED presented significant overlap (21 genes, P=6.70x10‑34), serving roles within multiple common genetic pathways (top 10 pathway enrichment P<4.30x10‑7) that were implicated in the two diseases. A genetic network of 17 genes was constructed, through which OCD and ED were observed to influence each other. Expression analysis revealed four novel common significant genes for OCD and ED (oxytocin receptor, glutamate decarboxylase 2, neuropeptide Y and glutamate ionotropic receptor kainate type subunit 3). These genes demonstrated a strong functional association with the two diseases. The results of the present study supported the presence of complex genetic associations between OCD and ED. Genes associated with one disease are worthy of further investigation as potential risk factors for the other. The findings of the present study may provide novel insights into the understanding of the pathogenesis of OCD and ED.

Topics: Feeding and Eating Disorders; Gene Expression; Gene Regulatory Networks; Genetic Association Studies; Genetic Predisposition to Disease; Glutamate Decarboxylase; Humans; Neuropeptide Y; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Receptors, Oxytocin

Attention has recently been focused on central nervous system neuropeptides as potential mediators of the symptom profile of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Increased CSF levels of the anxiolytic neuropeptide oxytocin have been reported in OCD. CSF levels of NPY, another anxiolytic neuropeptide, have not been studied.. We measured CSF oxytocin and NPY in 14 OCD patients and 26 healthy normal volunteers.. There were no significant differences between the OCD patients and control subjects in CSF oxytocin or NPY levels. In both the OCD and control groups, women had significantly higher CSF oxytocin levels than men.. These results do not support a prior finding of elevated CSF oxytocin in OCD patients and do not provide any evidence for an abnormality of NPY regulation in OCD.

Topics: Adult; Case-Control Studies; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Neuropeptide Y; Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Oxytocin; Sex Factors