Humanistic Studies and Social Researches

Abstract Objective: This review aims to integrate and critically evaluate the existing neurobiological evidence concerning Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD). It synthesizes findings from neuroimaging, genetic, and neuropsychological studies to propose a distinct etiological model that differentiates OCPD from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across PubMed, PsycINFO, and Google Scholar for studies published between 1990 and 2025. Keywords included “obsessive-compulsive personality disorder,” “neurobiology,” “neuroimaging,” “genetics,” and related terms. Studies were included if they provided original empirical data on the neurobiology of OCPD or its core traits. Data were narratively synthesized due to methodological diversity.
Results: Fifty-six studies met the inclusion criteria. Structural MRI findings indicate increased grey matter volume in the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) and anterior cingulate cortex (ACC). Functional MRI studies reveal hyperactivation in the DLPFC, dorsal ACC, and fronto-parietal network during tasks of cognitive control and error monitoring, alongside reduced connectivity with limbic regions. Neurochemical evidence points to dysregulation in serotonin and dopamine systems. Genetic studies show high heritability (approximately 50–78%) and potential associations with genes such as SLC6A4, COMT, and DRD3. Neuropsychological profiles reflect intact planning abilities but impairments in cognitive flexibility and heightened error sensitivity.
Conclusion: OCPD is associated with a unique neurobiological profile characterized by overactive prefrontal cognitive control systems and diminished integration with emotional processing regions, rather than the fear-based circuitry typical of OCD. This “hyper-executive” model accounts for core OCPD traits such as perfectionism, rigidity, and excessive need for order. Future research should prioritize well-defined OCPD cohorts to validate this model and develop targeted, biologically informed interventions.
 

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the impact of key lifestyle factors on liver function in patients with liver cancer receiving radiotherapy, integrating both conventional clinical evidence and Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) perspectives.

Methods: A systematic review of literature published between January 2000 and March 2024 was conducted using PubMed, CNKI, Wanfang, Web of Science, and Scopus. Inclusion criteria focused on studies assessing the effect of lifestyle factors such as stress, diet, sleep, and exercise on liver function in the context of liver cancer and radiotherapy.

Results: A total of 47 studies were included (18 RCTs, 22 observational studies, 7 systematic reviews). Emotional stress was significantly associated with worsened liver function during radiotherapy (OR = 2.87; 95% CI: 2.14–3.84; p < 0.001). High-fat diets increased the risk of hepatic steatosis and impaired liver function (RR = 1.94; 95% CI: 1.67–2.25; p < 0.001), while plant-based diets were protective (OR = 0.68; 95% CI: 0.57–0.81; p < 0.001). Poor sleep quality correlated with liver enzyme elevation (r = 0.62; 95% CI: 0.54–0.69; p < 0.001). Moderate exercise, including TCM-based practices like Tai Chi, was linked to improved liver function and reduced radiation-induced toxicity (SMD = 0.82; 95% CI: 0.67–0.97; p < 0.001).

Conclusion: Lifestyle factors significantly influence liver function in liver cancer patients undergoing radiotherapy. Interventions targeting emotional regulation, diet optimization, sleep hygiene, and physical activity—especially when aligned with TCM principles—may enhance hepatic resilience and therapeutic outcomes. These insights support integrative, lifestyle-centered care in oncology settings.