No associations between five polymorphisms in COMT gene and migraine

Influences of Genetic and Environmental Factors on Chronic Migraine: A Narrative Review

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

In this narrative review, we aim to summarize recent insights into the complex interplay between environmental and genetic factors affecting the etiology, development, and progression of chronic migraine (CM).

RECENT FINDINGS

Environmental factors such as stress, sleep dysfunction, fasting, hormonal changes, weather patterns, dietary compounds, and sensory stimuli are critical triggers that can contribute to the evolution of episodic migraine into CM. These triggers are particularly influential in genetically predisposed individuals. Concurrently, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have revealed over 100 genetic loci linked to migraine, emphasizing a significant genetic basis for migraine susceptibility. In CM, environmental and genetic factors are of equal importance and contribute to the pathophysiology of the condition. Understanding the bidirectional interactions between these elements is crucial for advancing therapeutic approaches and preventive strategies. This balanced perspective encourages continued research into the complex gene-environment nexus to improve our understanding and management of CM.

Genetic overlap between temporomandibular disorders and primary headaches: A systematic review

Primary headache disorders (PHD), specifically migraine, are strongly associated with temporomandibular disorders (TMD), sharing some patterns of orofacial pain. Both disorders have significant genetic contributions already studied. PRISMA guidelines were followed to conduct this systematic review, which comprehensively summarize and discuss the genetic overlap between TMD and PHD to aid future research in potential therapy targets. This review included eight original articles published between 2015 and 2020, written in English and related to either TMD and/or PHD. The genes simultaneously assessed in PHD and TMD studies were COMT, MTHFR, and ESR1. COMT was proved to play a critical role in TMD pathogenesis, as all studies have concluded about its impact on the occurrence of the disease, although no association with PHD was found. No proof on the impact of MTHFR gene regulation on either TMD or PHD was found. The most robust results are concerning the ESR1 gene, which is present in the genetic profile of both clinical conditions. This novel systematic review highlights not only the need for a clear understanding of the role of ESR1 and COMT genes in pain pathogenesis, but it also evaluates their potential as a promising therapeutic target to treat both pathologies.

Sex hormone-related polymorphisms in endometriosis and migraine: A narrative review

Some evidence indicates endometriosis and migraine have a common genetic predisposition in sex-hormone genes, which could have important implications for the treatment of these two heterogenous conditions. To date, the genes responsibility remains unknown. Based on the biological hypothesis that polymorphisms of genes involved in sex-hormone pathways may influence estrogen levels and phenotypes of both disorders, we did a literature search for candidate sex-hormone genes and genes involved in the metabolism of estradiol. The aim was to review the evidence for shared sex-hormone-related polymorphisms between endometriosis and migraine and provide an exhaustive overview of the current literature. We included case-control studies investigating associations between candidate sex-hormone-related genes and the disorders endometriosis and migraine, respectively. Results showed three overlapping sex-hormone-associated polymorphisms in estrogen receptor genes that are associated with both conditions. To confirm possible associations with other sex-hormone genes, larger studies are needed.

Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) rs4680 Val158Met Polymorphism is Associated With Widespread Pressure Pain Sensitivity and Depression in Women With Chronic, but not Episodic, Tension-Type Headache

OBJECTIVES

The aims of this study were: (1) to investigate the association between the rs4680 Val158Met polymorphism in frequent episodic tension-type headache (FETTH) and chronic tension-type headache (CTTH); and (2) to analyze the association between the rs4680 Val158Met polymorphism with clinical, psychological, or psychophysical variables.

METHODS

In total, 50 women with FETTH, 50 with CTTH, and 50 matched headache-free women participated. After amplifying Val158Met polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction, the genotype frequencies and allele distributions based on restriction fragment length polymorphism were assessed. Participants were classified according to the Val158Met polymorphism rs4680 genotype (Val/Val, Val/Met, or Met/Met). A headache diary collected clinical features. Disability (Headache Disability Inventory), sleep quality (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index), and depression/anxiety levels (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale) were also assessed. Pressure pain thresholds were assessed bilaterally over the temporalis, upper trapezius, second metacarpal, and tibialis anterior by a blinded assessor.

RESULTS

The distribution of rs4680 Val158Met genotype was not significantly different between women with/without headache (P=0.796). No differences in headache features, disability, anxiety, or sleep quality were observed depending on the rs4680 Val158Met genotype. Women with CTTH, but not FETTH, carrying the Met/Met genotype had lower widespread pressure pain thresholds and higher depressive symptoms than those with Val/Val or Val/Met genotype (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

The Val158Met polymorphism (rs4680) does not appear to be involved in predisposition to tension-type headache; however, this genetic factor may be involved in the pathogenesis expression of CTTH, as greater pressure pain sensitivity and higher depressive levels were found in CTTH carrying the Met/Met genotype.

Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Val158Met Polymorphism Is Associated with Anxiety, Depression, and Widespread Pressure Pain Sensitivity in Women with Chronic, but Not Episodic, Migraine

OBJECTIVES

To analyze the association between the rs4680 catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphism and to determine the association of this polymorphism with clinical, psychological, and pain sensitivity variables in women with episodic or chronic migraine.

METHODS

Fifty women with episodic migraine, 50 with chronic migraine, and 50 matched healthy women participated. After amplifying the Val158Met polymorphism by polymerase chain reaction, we assessed genotype frequencies and allele distributions. Participants were classified according to the Val158Met polymorphism genotype into Val/Val, Val/Met, or Met/Met. A headache diary was used for collecting migraine pain features. Disability was assessed with the Migraine Disability Assessment Scale, trait/state anxiety levels with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and depression/anxiety with the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Pressure pain thresholds (PPTs) were bilaterally assessed over the temporalis, the upper trapezius, the second metacarpal, and the tibialis anterior.

RESULTS

The distribution of the rs4680 Val158Met genotype was not significantly different between women with and without migraine (P = 0.157). No differences in migraine features were found to be dependent on the Val158Met genotype. Women with the Met/Met genotype showed higher migraine-related disability than those with the Val/Val or Val/Met genotype in both migraine groups (P < 0.01). Women with chronic, but not episodic, migraine with the Met/Met genotype exhibited higher depressive and anxiety levels and lower PPTs than those with the Val/Val or Val/Met genotype.

CONCLUSIONS

The Val158Met rs4680 polymorphism does not appear to be involved in predisposition to suffer from migraine; however, this genetic factor may be involved in the phenotypic expression of chronic migraine, as anxiety, depression, and widespread pressure pain sensitivity were greater in those women with chronic, but not episodic, migraine with the Met/Met genotype.

The Role of Genetic Polymorphisms in Chronic Pain Patients

It is estimated that the total annual financial cost for pain management in the U.S. exceeds 100 billion dollars. However, when indirect costs are included, such as functional disability and reduction in working hours, the cost can reach more than 300 billion dollars. In chronic pain patients, the role of pharmacogenetics is determined by genetic effects on various pain types, as well as the genetic effect on drug safety and efficacy. In this review article, we discuss genetic polymorphisms present in different types of chronic pain, such as fibromyalgia, low back pain, migraine, painful peripheral diabetic neuropathy and trigeminal neuralgia. Furthermore, we discuss the role of CYP450 enzymes involved in metabolism of drugs, which have been used for treatment of chronic pain (amitriptyline, duloxetine, opioids, etc.). We also discuss how pharmacogenetics can be applied towards improving drug efficacy, shortening the time required to achieve therapeutic outcomes, reducing risks of side effects, and reducing medical costs and reliance upon polypharmacy.

Genetic Variants in SDC3 Gene are Significantly Associated with Growth Traits in Two Chinese Beef Cattle Breeds

Identification of the genes and polymorphisms underlying quantitative traits, and understanding these genes and polymorphisms affect economic growth traits, are important for successful marker-assisted selection and more efficient management strategies in commercial cattle (Bos taurus) population. Syndecan-3 (SDC3), a member of the syndecan family of type I transmembrane heparan sulfate proteoglycans is a novel regulator of feeding behavior and body weight. The aim of this study is to examine the association of the SDC3 polymorphism with growth traits in Chinese Jiaxian and Qinchuan cattle breeds (). Four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs: 1-4) were detected in 555 cows from three Chinese native cattle breeds by means of sequencing pooled DNA samples and polymerase chain reaction-single stranded conformational polymorphism (PCR-SSCP) methods. We found one SNP (g.28362A > G) in intron and three SNPs (g.30742T > G, g.30821C > T and 33418 A > G) in exons. The statistical analyses indicated that these SNPs of SDC3 gene were associated with bovine body height, body length, chest circumference, and circumference of cannon bone (P < 0.05). The mutant-type variant was superior for growth traits; the heterozygote was associated with higher growth traits compared to wild-type homozygote. Our result confirms the polymorphisms in the SDC3 gene are associated with growth traits that may be used for marker-assisted selection in beef cattle breeding programs.