Immune (dys)function in obsessive-compulsive disorder

BackgroundIt has been suggested that immune-mediated neuronal damage plays a decisive role in the etiology of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Here we assessed an extensive panel of immune markers in the peripheral blood of two samples of patients with OCD and matched controls, recruited in distinct geographical areas. MethodsParticipants were assessed cross-sectionally for sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. High-sensitivity C-reactive protein, twelve cytokines, anti-nuclear, anti-thyroid peroxidase, anti-thyroglobulin, and anti-basal ganglia antibodies were assessed using ELISA. Cytokine gene expression was assessed in one of the populations using RT-qPCR. ResultsWhile patients had a significantly higher prevalence of self-reported general medical disorders, we consistently found similar systemic immune indicators between patients (n=139) and controls (n=131), across markers and populations. DiscussionOur findings support that, contrary to what has been consistently shown in mood and psychotic disorders, in OCD there are no changes in peripheral immune function, when assess cross-sectionally in symptomatic adults.