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Alterations of cellular aging markers in obsessive--compulsive disorder: mitochondrial DNA copy number and telomere length
- Source :
- Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience. July-August, 2021, Vol. 46 Issue 4, pE451, 8 p.
- Publication Year :
- 2021
-
Abstract
- Background: The present study examined whether mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and telomere length--key markers of cellular aging--were altered in male and female participants with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) compared to healthy controls. We also tested for associations between these alterations and OCD-related clinical features and inflammatory index. Methods: A total of 235 patients with OCD (38.7% female) and 234 healthy controls (41.5% female) were included. We quantified whole-blood mtDNAcn and leukocyte telomere length using quantitative polymerase chain reaction. We also calculated the neutrophil-to- lymphocyte ratio from complete blood cell counts. Results: Multivariate analysis of covariance showed that OCD status had a significant overall effect on cellular aging markers in men (Wilks [lambda] = 0.889, [F.sub.2,275] = 17.13, p < 0.001) and women (Wilks [lambda] = 0.742, [F.sub.2,182] = 31.61, p < 0.001) after controlling for age, body mass index and childhood trauma. In post-hoc comparisons, men with OCD had lower mtDNAcn than controls (p < 0.001), but we found no between-group difference for telomere length (p = 0.55). Women with OCD had a significantly lower mtDNAcn (p < 0.001) and shortened telomere length (p = 0.023) compared to controls. Moreover, the lower mtDNAcn shown in the OCD group was significantly correlated with an increase in systemic inflammation for both sexes, as measured by neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio. Limitations: The present cross-sectional design did not allow us to infer a causal relationship between OCD disease status and cellular aging markers. Conclusion: The present study is, to our knowledge, the first to demonstrate alterations in mtDNAcn and telomere shortening in OCD. These results suggest that aging-associated molecular mechanisms may be important in the pathophysiology of OCD.<br />Introduction Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic neuropsychiatrie disorder characterized by repetitive, intrusive and time-consuming thoughts (obsessions) and irresistible irrational behaviours or rituals (compulsions), which can cause severe distress to [...]
- Subjects :
- Cells -- Aging
Obsessive-compulsive disorder -- Genetic aspects -- Physiological aspects
Telomeres -- Physiological aspects
Mitochondrial DNA -- Health aspects -- Psychological aspects
Copy number variations -- Psychological aspects -- Health aspects
Health
Psychology and mental health
Subjects
Details
- Language :
- English
- ISSN :
- 11804882
- Volume :
- 46
- Issue :
- 4
- Database :
- Gale General OneFile
- Journal :
- Journal of Psychiatry and Neuroscience
- Publication Type :
- Academic Journal
- Accession number :
- edsgcl.674229558
- Full Text :
- https://doi.org/10.1503/jpn.200238