Can I trust this article from Duke on mice and OCD?

In summary, brain scientists at Duke University have discovered a link between a specific gene, called Sapap3, and the development of OCD-like behavior in lab mice. This gene is responsible for the connection between brain cells and the chemical mGluR5. This finding is significant because it sheds light on the underlying mechanisms of OCD and could potentially lead to new treatments. However, further research is needed to fully understand the role of this gene in OCD.
  • #1
jonjacson
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I found a Duke University article explaining an study they did with mice, related with OCD and I want to know if this is solid science.
If this is true I think it is very interesting and encouraging so, Any expert can help?

https://www.inc.com/john-brandon/brain-scientists-have-made-a-big-discovery-about-ocd.html

https://today.duke.edu/2016/07/ocdreceptor

"Brain scientists at Duke University tested lab mice who were bred with a low level of a brain receptor and found that they would excessively groom themselves. The gene, known as Sapap3, is what creates the connection between brain cells.

It's a remarkable discovery because, during the testing process, the researchers were able to identify the exact chemical, called mGluR5, that encouraged the OCD-like behavior."

-------

In case the article is a piece of crap I ask, What does science know about OCD at June 3rd 2021? Anybody here with a solid knowledge of this topic?

Thank you folks!
 
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  • #3
Freely available version of the article referenced by the OP: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5536332/

You can check on how others have cited the work using Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/scholar?cites=6482082947565345824&as_sdt=2005&sciodt=0,5&hl=en

The striatum is hypothesized to be involved in OCD, partly because it is generally thought to be also involved in the formation of habitual behavior. However, I think it is still mostly in the realm of conjecture. As a starting point for looking up current research, you could use a now quite old, but very informed, review of this conjecture: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11144344/.
 
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  • #4
berkeman said:
A link to the journal article (please always try to post a link to the source article in a peer-reviewed journal):

https://www.biologicalpsychiatryjournal.com/article/S0006-3223(16)32380-0/fulltext

This is all from 2016 -- can you find more recent follow-on research and journal articles?
Ok I will do.

I just found yesterday, I will continue searching and will share in this thread.
atyy said:
Freely available version of the article referenced by the OP: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5536332/

You can check on how others have cited the work using Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/scholar?cites=6482082947565345824&as_sdt=2005&sciodt=0,5&hl=en

The striatum is hypothesized to be involved in OCD, partly because it is generally thought to be also involved in the formation of habitual behavior. However, I think it is still mostly in the realm of conjecture. As a starting point for looking up current research, you could use a now quite old, but very informed, review of this conjecture: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11144344/.

Thanks I didn't know how to use Google Scholar.

Ok I will take a look.
 
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1. Can I trust the findings of this article from Duke on mice and OCD?

Yes, you can trust the findings of this article from Duke on mice and OCD. The study was conducted by reputable researchers at Duke University and has been peer-reviewed and published in a reputable scientific journal.

2. Are the results of this study applicable to humans with OCD?

The results of this study on mice can provide valuable insights into the underlying mechanisms of OCD in humans. However, further research is needed to determine if these findings can be directly applied to humans.

3. How was the study on mice and OCD conducted?

The study on mice and OCD was conducted using experimental methods, where mice were exposed to different stimuli and their behavior was observed and recorded. The researchers also used various techniques to measure brain activity and changes in brain chemistry.

4. What were the limitations of this study on mice and OCD?

Like any scientific study, there are limitations to this research on mice and OCD. One limitation is that mice may not fully represent the complexity of human behavior and brain function. Additionally, the study may not have accounted for all possible variables that could affect the results.

5. How can I use the findings of this study on mice and OCD in my own research?

You can use the findings of this study on mice and OCD as a starting point for your own research. You can build upon the methods and results of this study to further investigate the topic and potentially contribute to the existing body of knowledge on OCD.

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