Could Transforming Growth Factor Beta and Target MicroRNA Dysregulation Serve as Biomarkers of Symptom Severity in Patients With Obsessive‐Compulsive Disorder?

ABSTRACT Introduction This study investigated the regulation of miRNA‐132‐3p on TGF‐β levels and its association with OCD severity. We hypothesized that miRNA‐132‐3p and TGF‐β influence OCD aetiology and severity, with their levels correlating with disease severity. Methods The study included 48 OCD patients diagnosed via SCID‐5‐CV per DSM‐V and 48 matched healthy controls. Blood samples were analysed for miRNA‐132‐3p and TGF‐β using RT‐PCR and ELISA. Participants completed Y‐BOCS, symptom list, HAMA, HAMD, consent and sociodemographic forms. Results OCD patients had significantly lower TGF‐β levels ( p = 0.008), negatively correlating with Y‐BOCS scores (r s = −0.220, p = 0.045) and disease duration (r s = −0.473, p = 0.002). miRNA‐132‐3p levels were 1.92 times higher in OCD patients ( p = 0.003), positively correlating with Y‐BOCS scores (r s = 0.208, p = 0.045). Conclusions Altered TGF‐β and miRNA‐132‐3p levels may contribute to OCD pathophysiology by affecting BDNF regulation, inflammatory responses (Th1/Th2, Th17/Treg balance) and synaptic plasticity‐related genes.