Neuronal nitric oxide synthase polymorphisms in obsessive-compulsive disorder.

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Nordic Journal of Psychiatry is the property of Taylor & Francis Ltd and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)