Background An autoimmune hypothesis has been suggested for a subtype of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with childhood onset: obsessions, compulsions and/or tics would result from anti-streptococcal antibodies that cross-react with basal ganglia tissue based on molecular mimicry. Consistent with this hypothesis anti-brain antibodies were detected in sera of children with OCD and/or Tourette's syndrome. In the present study, we tested whether adults with OCD have anti-brain antibodies or other antibodies that serve as markers of autoimmunity. Methods Seventy-four DSM-IV OCD (YBOCS ≥ 16) subjects were recruited and compared to 44 controls with a current Major Depressive Episode for neurological symptoms, ALSO titres, anti-tissue and anti-thyroid antibodies. Anti-brain antibodies were tested by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting methods. Results The proportion of subjects with tic comorbidity or positive ASLO titre (> 200 IU/ml) was significantly greater in OCD than in MDE patients (21.6 vs. 2.3% and 16.3 vs. 2.3%, respectively). No other differences in antibody parameters were found. 4/74 OCD patients (5.4%) and none of the controls resulted positive for anti-brain antibodies, with a band around 50–60 kDa at the Western blot analysis. Limitations The methodology used to assess anti-brain antibodies. Conclusions The majority of adult OCD patients do not seem to have autoimmunity disturbances as compared to a control group. However, a greater percentage of subjects with positive ASLO titres were found among OCD patients. For a small proportion of OCD patients, moreover, autoimmune reactions towards neuronal structures are present although further investigations are needed to demonstrate its etiopathogenetic relevance.
Maina G., Albert U., Bogetto F., Borghese C., Cat Berro A., Mutani R., et al. (2009). Anti-brain antibodies in adult patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS, 116, 192-200 [10.1016/j.jad.2008.11.019].
Anti-brain antibodies in adult patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder
Albert U.;
2009
Abstract
Background An autoimmune hypothesis has been suggested for a subtype of Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with childhood onset: obsessions, compulsions and/or tics would result from anti-streptococcal antibodies that cross-react with basal ganglia tissue based on molecular mimicry. Consistent with this hypothesis anti-brain antibodies were detected in sera of children with OCD and/or Tourette's syndrome. In the present study, we tested whether adults with OCD have anti-brain antibodies or other antibodies that serve as markers of autoimmunity. Methods Seventy-four DSM-IV OCD (YBOCS ≥ 16) subjects were recruited and compared to 44 controls with a current Major Depressive Episode for neurological symptoms, ALSO titres, anti-tissue and anti-thyroid antibodies. Anti-brain antibodies were tested by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting methods. Results The proportion of subjects with tic comorbidity or positive ASLO titre (> 200 IU/ml) was significantly greater in OCD than in MDE patients (21.6 vs. 2.3% and 16.3 vs. 2.3%, respectively). No other differences in antibody parameters were found. 4/74 OCD patients (5.4%) and none of the controls resulted positive for anti-brain antibodies, with a band around 50–60 kDa at the Western blot analysis. Limitations The methodology used to assess anti-brain antibodies. Conclusions The majority of adult OCD patients do not seem to have autoimmunity disturbances as compared to a control group. However, a greater percentage of subjects with positive ASLO titres were found among OCD patients. For a small proportion of OCD patients, moreover, autoimmune reactions towards neuronal structures are present although further investigations are needed to demonstrate its etiopathogenetic relevance.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
