Neuronal nitric oxide synthase polymorphisms in obsessive-compulsive disorder

TOPALOGLU M., Tuzun E., GULEC H., Bireller E. S., Cakmakoglu B., Kucukali C. İ.

NORDIC JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY, vol.71, no.2, pp.115-119, 2017 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 71 Issue: 2
  • Publication Date: 2017
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/08039488.2016.1240230
  • Journal Name: NORDIC JOURNAL OF PSYCHIATRY
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Social Sciences Citation Index (SSCI), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.115-119
  • Keywords: Obsessive-compulsive disorder, neuronal nitric oxide synthase, polymorphism, PARKINSONS-DISEASE, C276T POLYMORPHISM, GENE, ASSOCIATION, VALIDITY, SCALE, RELIABILITY, DEPRESSION, ANXIETY, RISK
  • Istanbul University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Background: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disease characterized by recurrent and intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviours that negatively affect the quality-of-life of the patients. Recent studies have implicated the participation of neuronal nitric oxide in OCD pathogenesis as a neurotransmitter modulator.Aims: To identify whether variations in neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) genes may render individuals susceptible to OCD development.Methods: This study examined nNOS polymorphisms in 100 OCD patients and 121 unrelated healthy controls by polymerase chain reaction and restriction enzyme digestion methods.Results: nNOS 276 C+genotype incidence was significantly higher in OCD patients than controls and conferred a 2-fold increased risk for OCD. No significant differences were observed in frequencies of nNOS 84 genotypes between patients and controls.Conclusion: This study shows an association between nNOS gene polymorphism and OCD. Exact mechanisms by which nNOS gene variants contribute to OCD pathogenesis need to be further investigated.