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

Background: 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).

Aim: 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.

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 × 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 × 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.