Alterations in Redox System Parameters in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Introduction: Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic neuropsychiatric condition characterized by intrusive obsessions and repetitive compulsions, significantly impairing daily functioning and the quality of life. Increasing evidence suggests that oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathophysiology of OCD, but the biochemical mechanisms underlying this relationship require further elaboration. This study aims to investigate the oxidant-antioxidant status in OCD patients compared to the healthy controls. Methods: A total of 40 OCD patients diagnosed according to the Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) and 40 age- and sex-matched healthy controls were included in the study. Blood samples were collected from all the participants and a spectrophotometer was used to measure levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and glutathione S-transferase (GST). Results: The results of our study showed that LPO levels increased (p≤0.0001) while SOD and GST activities decreased (p≤0.0001) in OCD patients when compared to the healthy controls. These findings suggest that oxidative stress imbalance may contribute to the neurobiological mechanisms of OCD, supporting the hypothesis that increased oxidative damage and impaired antioxidant defense systems are involved in the disorder’s pathophysiology of OCD. Conclusions:. This study contributes to the growing literature on oxidative stress in psychiatric disorders and highlights the importance of investigating the biochemical pathways that may underline OCD pathogenesis. Understanding these biochemical alterations could provide valuable insights into the molecular basis of OCD and may led to the new approaches for potential therapeutic targets.