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Hoskins I, Rao S, Tante C, Cenik C. Integrated multiplexed assays of variant effect reveal determinants of catechol-O-methyltransferase gene expression. Mol Syst Biol 2024; 20:481-505. [PMID: 38355921 PMCID: PMC11066095 DOI: 10.1038/s44320-024-00018-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/16/2024] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiplexed assays of variant effect are powerful methods to profile the consequences of rare variants on gene expression and organismal fitness. Yet, few studies have integrated several multiplexed assays to map variant effects on gene expression in coding sequences. Here, we pioneered a multiplexed assay based on polysome profiling to measure variant effects on translation at scale, uncovering single-nucleotide variants that increase or decrease ribosome load. By combining high-throughput ribosome load data with multiplexed mRNA and protein abundance readouts, we mapped the cis-regulatory landscape of thousands of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) variants from RNA to protein and found numerous coding variants that alter COMT expression. Finally, we trained machine learning models to map signatures of variant effects on COMT gene expression and uncovered both directional and divergent impacts across expression layers. Our analyses reveal expression phenotypes for thousands of variants in COMT and highlight variant effects on both single and multiple layers of expression. Our findings prompt future studies that integrate several multiplexed assays for the readout of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Hoskins
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Shilpa Rao
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Charisma Tante
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Can Cenik
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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Hoskins I, Rao S, Tante C, Cenik C. Integrated multiplexed assays of variant effect reveal cis-regulatory determinants of catechol- O-methyltransferase gene expression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.02.551517. [PMID: 38014045 PMCID: PMC10680568 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.02.551517] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Multiplexed assays of variant effect are powerful methods to profile the consequences of rare variants on gene expression and organismal fitness. Yet, few studies have integrated several multiplexed assays to map variant effects on gene expression in coding sequences. Here, we pioneered a multiplexed assay based on polysome profiling to measure variant effects on translation at scale, uncovering single-nucleotide variants that increase and decrease ribosome load. By combining high-throughput ribosome load data with multiplexed mRNA and protein abundance readouts, we mapped the cis-regulatory landscape of thousands of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) variants from RNA to protein and found numerous coding variants that alter COMT expression. Finally, we trained machine learning models to map signatures of variant effects on COMT gene expression and uncovered both directional and divergent impacts across expression layers. Our analyses reveal expression phenotypes for thousands of variants in COMT and highlight variant effects on both single and multiple layers of expression. Our findings prompt future studies that integrate several multiplexed assays for the readout of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ian Hoskins
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Shilpa Rao
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Charisma Tante
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
| | - Can Cenik
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX 78712, USA
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Carland M, Pedersen H, Bose M, Novković B, Manson C, Lahan S, Pavlenko A, Yazdi PG, Grabherr MG. EZTraits: A programmable tool to evaluate multi-site deterministic traits. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0259327. [PMID: 35533190 PMCID: PMC9084532 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0259327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The vast majority of human traits, including many disease phenotypes, are affected by alleles at numerous genomic loci. With a continually increasing set of variants with published clinical disease or biomarker associations, an easy-to-use tool for non-programmers to rapidly screen VCF files for risk alleles is needed. We have developed EZTraits as a tool to quickly evaluate genotype data against a set of rules defined by the user. These rules can be defined directly in the scripting language Lua, for genotype calls using variant ID (RS number) or chromosomal position. Alternatively, EZTraits can parse simple and intuitive text including concepts like 'any' or 'all'. Thus, EZTraits is designed to support rapid genetic analysis and hypothesis-testing by researchers, regardless of programming experience or technical background. The software is implemented in C++ and compiles and runs on Linux and MacOS. The source code is available under the MIT license from https://github.com/selfdecode/rd-eztraits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matt Carland
- SelfDecode.com, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Haley Pedersen
- SelfDecode.com, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | | | | | - Charles Manson
- SelfDecode.com, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Shany Lahan
- SelfDecode.com, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Alex Pavlenko
- SelfDecode.com, Miami, Florida, United States of America
| | - Puya G. Yazdi
- SelfDecode.com, Miami, Florida, United States of America
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Pinto Fiamengui LMS, Furquim BD, De la Torre Canales G, Fonseca Carvalho Soares F, Poluha RL, Palanch Repeke CE, Bonjardim LR, Garlet GP, Rodrigues Conti PC. Role of inflammatory and pain genes polymorphisms in temporomandibular disorder and pressure pain sensitivity. Arch Oral Biol 2020; 118:104854. [PMID: 32763472 DOI: 10.1016/j.archoralbio.2020.104854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess the correlation of inflammatory and pain genes polymorphisms with the presence of temporomandibular disorder (TMD) patients and with pressure pain sensitivity. DESIGN Data was collected from 268 consecutive subjects at Bauru School of Dentistry. Subjects aged younger than 20 years, with dental and neuropathic pain, sinusitis, cognitive and neurologic disorder were excluded. Included subjects were evaluated using the Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular disorders and divided into two groups: TMD cases and healthy controls. Groups were submitted to pressure pain threshold (PPT) test for the temporomandibular joint, anterior temporalis and masseter muscles and genotyped for Val158Met, IL6-174, IL-1β-3954 and TNFA-308. Student's t-test and Pearson chi-square test were used to comparisons between groups. A linear multiple regression was used to evaluate the influence of genetics variables on the PPT and a bivariate analysis was used to assesses the influence of genetics variables on pain sensitivity below the PPT cut off of the structures in TMD group. RESULTS TMD group showed significantly lower PPT values for all structures when compared with control group (p < 0.001). SNP IL6-174 predicted higher pain sensitivity in the temporomandibular joint (p < 0.005) and in anterior temporalis muscle (p < 0.044) and SNP Val158Met in the masseter muscle (p < 0.038); when TMD group was divided according to PPT cut-off values the SNP Val158Met influenced increase pain sensibility in the masseter muscle. CONCLUSION TNFA-308 was associated with TMD and SNP IL6-174 and SNP Val158Met influenced pain sensitivity of patients with TMD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bruno D'Aurea Furquim
- Bauru Orofacial Pain Group, Department of Prosthodontics, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Giancarlo De la Torre Canales
- Bauru Orofacial Pain Group, Department of Prosthodontics, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Flávia Fonseca Carvalho Soares
- Bauru Orofacial Pain Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | - Rodrigo Lorenzi Poluha
- Bauru Orofacial Pain Group, Department of Prosthodontics, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Leonardo Rigoldi Bonjardim
- Bauru Orofacial Pain Group, Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Paulo César Rodrigues Conti
- Bauru Orofacial Pain Group, Department of Prosthodontics, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Kang HJ, Kim KT, Yoo KH, Park Y, Kim JW, Kim SW, Shin IS, Kim JH, Kim JM. Genetic Markers for Later Remission in Response to Early Improvement of Antidepressants. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21144884. [PMID: 32664413 PMCID: PMC7402334 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21144884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Planning subsequent treatment strategies based on early responses rather than waiting for delayed antidepressant action can be helpful. We identified genetic markers for later non-remission in patients exhibiting poor early improvement using whole-exome sequencing data of depressive patients treated in a naturalistic manner. Among 1000 patients, early improvement at 2 weeks (reduction in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale [HAM-D] score ≥ 20%) and remission at 12 weeks (HAM-D score ≤ 7) were evaluated. Gene- and variant-level analyses were conducted to compare patients who did not exhibit early improvement and did not eventually achieve remission (n = 126) with those who exhibited early improvement and achieved remission (n = 385). Genes predicting final non-remission in patients who exhibited poor early improvement (COMT, PRNP, BRPF3, SLC25A40, and CGREF1 in males; PPFIBPI, LZTS3, MEPCE, MAP1A, and PFAS in females; ST3GAL5 in the total population) were determined. Among the significant genes, variants in the PRNP (rs1800014), COMT (rs6267), BRPF3 (rs200565609), and SLC25A40 genes (rs3213633) were identified. However, interpretations should be made cautiously, as complex pharmacotherapy involves various genes and pathways. Early detection of poor early improvement and final non-remission based on genetic risk would be helpful for decision-making in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hee-Ju Kang
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, Korea; (H.-J.K.); (J.-W.K.); (S.-W.K.); (I.-S.S.)
| | - Ki-Tae Kim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Korea University Anam Hospital, Seoul 02841, Korea;
| | - Kyung-Hun Yoo
- Seoul National University Biomedical Informatics (SNUBI), Division of Biomedical Informatics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 151-742, Korea; (K.-H.Y.); (Y.P.)
| | - Yoomi Park
- Seoul National University Biomedical Informatics (SNUBI), Division of Biomedical Informatics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 151-742, Korea; (K.-H.Y.); (Y.P.)
| | - Ju-Wan Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, Korea; (H.-J.K.); (J.-W.K.); (S.-W.K.); (I.-S.S.)
| | - Sung-Wan Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, Korea; (H.-J.K.); (J.-W.K.); (S.-W.K.); (I.-S.S.)
| | - Il-Seon Shin
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, Korea; (H.-J.K.); (J.-W.K.); (S.-W.K.); (I.-S.S.)
| | - Ju Han Kim
- Seoul National University Biomedical Informatics (SNUBI), Division of Biomedical Informatics, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seoul 151-742, Korea; (K.-H.Y.); (Y.P.)
- Correspondence: (J.H.K.); (J.-M.K.)
| | - Jae-Min Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju 61469, Korea; (H.-J.K.); (J.-W.K.); (S.-W.K.); (I.-S.S.)
- Correspondence: (J.H.K.); (J.-M.K.)
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Komatsu R, Ando K, Flood PD. Factors associated with persistent pain after childbirth: a narrative review. Br J Anaesth 2020; 124:e117-e130. [PMID: 31955857 PMCID: PMC7187795 DOI: 10.1016/j.bja.2019.12.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2018] [Revised: 12/26/2019] [Accepted: 12/28/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies that reported risk factors for persistent pain after childbirth. Many studies have sought to identify risk factors for post-delivery pain in different populations, using different methodologies and different outcome variables. Studies of several different but interrelated post-partum pain syndromes have been conducted. Factors strongly and specifically associated with persistent incisional scar pain after Caesarean delivery include a coexisting persistent pain problem in another part of the body and severe acute postoperative pain. For persistent vaginal and perineal pain, operative vaginal delivery and the magnitude of perineal trauma have been consistently linked. History of pregnancy-related and pre-pregnancy back pain and heavier body weight are robust risk factors for persistent back pain after pregnancy. Unfortunately, limitations, particularly small samples and lack of a priori sample size calculation designed to detect specific effect sizes for risk of persistent pain outcomes, preclude definitive conclusions about many other predictors and the strength of outcome associations. In future studies, assessments of specific phenotypes using a rigorous analysis with appropriate predetermined sample sizes and validated instruments are needed to allow elucidation of stronger and reliable associations. Interventional studies targeting the most robustly associated, modifiable risk factors, such as acute post-partum pain, may lead to solutions for the prevention and treatment of these common problems that impact a large population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryu Komatsu
- Department of Anaesthesiology and Pain Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Kazuo Ando
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Pamela D Flood
- Department of Anaesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
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The Investigation of Functional Genetic Variation in COMT Gene Promoter (rs2020917 & rs2075507) With Breast Cancer Among Iranian Patients. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF CANCER MANAGEMENT 2019. [DOI: 10.5812/ijcm.92008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Esmaiel NN, Ashaat EA, Mosaad R, Fayez A, Ibrahim M, Abdallah ZY, Issa MY, Salem S, Ramadan A, El Wakeel MA, Ashaat NA, Zaki MS, Ismail S. The potential impact of COMT gene variants on dopamine regulation and phenotypic traits of ASD patients. Behav Brain Res 2019; 378:112272. [PMID: 31586564 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbr.2019.112272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2019] [Revised: 08/27/2019] [Accepted: 10/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) enzyme has a major role in the adjustment of catechol-dependent functions, for example, cognition, cardiac function, and pain processing. The pathogenesis of autism may be related to dysfunction in the midbrain dopaminergic system. Therefore, we aimed to clarify how COMT gene variants affect dopamine level, and its potential impact on phenotype traits of autistic patients. 52 autistic patients were subjected to comprehensive clinical investigation, sequencing of exon 4 of the COMT gene by direct Sanger Sequencing, and measuring of dopamine levels. The clinical presentations of autistic subjects were correlated with detected COMT variants and dopamine level. Our molecular results revealed that three COMT variants were found: rs8192488 [C > T], rs4680 (Val158Met) and rs4818 [C > G]. Within autistic subjects, Val158Met rs4680 carriers were significantly distributed (71.2% P = 0.014) accompanied with abnormal dopamine, abnormal Electroencephalogram (EEG) and increasing the severity of autistic behaviour. As regards the haplotypes, CC/VM/CG block was significantly distributed among the autistic subjects (30.8%) presented with low mean dopamine level (15.8 ± 4.7 pg/ml, p = 0.05), while CC/MM/CC were presented with high mean level (77.8 ± 8.6 pg/ml, p = 0.05). Evidence is currently limited and preliminary, further studies are necessary in order to set up a coherent dopaminergic model of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), which would further pave the way for an adequate treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nora N Esmaiel
- Molecular Genetics and Enzymology, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, P.O. 12622, Egypt
| | - Engy A Ashaat
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, P.O. 12622, Egypt.
| | - Rehab Mosaad
- Molecular Genetics and Enzymology, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, P.O. 12622, Egypt
| | - Alaaeldin Fayez
- Molecular Genetics and Enzymology, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, P.O. 12622, Egypt
| | - Mona Ibrahim
- Biochemical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, P.O. 12622, Egypt
| | - Zeinab Y Abdallah
- Biochemical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, P.O. 12622, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Y Issa
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, P.O. 12622, Egypt
| | - Sohair Salem
- Molecular Genetics and Enzymology, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, P.O. 12622, Egypt
| | - Abeer Ramadan
- Molecular Genetics and Enzymology, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, P.O. 12622, Egypt
| | - Maged A El Wakeel
- Child Health Department, Medical division, National Research Centre, Cairo, P.O. 12622, Egypt
| | - Neveen A Ashaat
- Faculty of Women for Science, Ain Shams University, Cairo, P.O. 11757, Egypt
| | - Maha S Zaki
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, P.O. 12622, Egypt
| | - Samira Ismail
- Clinical Genetics Department, Human Genetics and Genome Research Division, National Research Centre, Cairo, P.O. 12622, Egypt
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Hall KT, Loscalzo J, Kaptchuk TJ. Systems pharmacogenomics - gene, disease, drug and placebo interactions: a case study in COMT. Pharmacogenomics 2019; 20:529-551. [PMID: 31124409 PMCID: PMC6563236 DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2019-0001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Disease, drugs and the placebos used as comparators are inextricably linked in the methodology of the double-blind, randomized controlled trial. Nonetheless, pharmacogenomics, the study of how individuals respond to drugs based on genetic substrate, focuses primarily on the link between genes and drugs, while the link between genes and disease is often overlooked and the link between genes and placebos is largely ignored. Herein, we use the example of the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase to examine the hypothesis that genes can function as pharmacogenomic hubs across system-wide regulatory processes that, if perturbed in andomized controlled trials, can have primary and combinatorial effects on drug and placebo responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn T Hall
- Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Division of Preventive Medicine, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02215, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joseph Loscalzo
- Department of Medicine, Brigham & Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ted J Kaptchuk
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Program in Placebo Studies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Depression and Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) genetic variants are associated with pain in Parkinson's disease. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6306. [PMID: 28740224 PMCID: PMC5524945 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06782-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2017] [Accepted: 06/16/2017] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pain is a distressing symptom of Parkinson disease (PD). We aim to determine whether the genetic variants of chronic pain-related genes contribute to pain in PD patients. We included 418 PD patients and evaluated pain severity on King’s PD pain scale. We genotyped rs6267, rs6269, rs4633, rs4818 and rs4680 of COMT, rs6746030 of SCN9A, and rs1799971 of OPRM1. In total, 193 participants (46.2%) experienced pain. Compared to pain-free PD patients, PD patients with pain had an earlier age of onset, longer disease duration, and higher depression and motor severity (P < 0.01). The frequencies of COMT rs4680 “A” allele were higher in PD patients with pain than those without pain (46.1% vs. 31.1%, P < 0.01). Pain severity was significantly associated with disease duration (P = 0.02), and COMT rs6267 T allele (P < 0.01). We stratified PD by status of depression and the association between COMT rs6267 “GT” genotype and pain severity remained significant (P < 0.01). Furthermore, pain severity was significantly higher in participants having COMT rs4680 “GG” and “GA” genpotypes than those having “AA” genotype (P = 0.04). We concluded that depression and COMT rs4680 “GG” and “GA” genotypes and COMT rs6267 “GT” genotype contribute to pain in PD patients.
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Patanwala IY, Lamvu G, Ledger WJ, Witzeman K, Marvel R, Rapkin A, Bongiovanni AM, Feranec J, Witkin SS. Catechol-O-methyltransferase gene polymorphism and vulvar pain in women with vulvodynia. Am J Obstet Gynecol 2017; 216:395.e1-395.e6. [PMID: 27780702 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajog.2016.10.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The underlying causes of vulvar pain in women with vulvodynia remain poorly understood. Catechol-O-methyltransferase, an enzyme that metabolizes catecholamines, is a neuromodulator that is involved with perception and sensitivity to pain. The catechol-O-methyltransferase gene is polymorphic, and a single nucleotide polymorphism is associated with low activity and heightened pain sensitivity. The variant allele that encodes this polymorphism commonly is called the "L allele" because of its low enzyme activity as opposed to the normal H (high activity) allele. OBJECTIVE The methionine-containing catechol-O-methyltransferase protein coded by the L allele results in elevated catecholamine levels, reduced inactivation of the dopaminergic and adrenergic systems, and increased sensitivity to pain. This polymorphism not only may decrease the pain threshold in response to acute pain but also may facilitate the development of chronic pain. Therefore, the objective of our study was to assess whether a variation in the catechol-O-methyltransferase genotype is involved in increased pain sensitivity in women with vulvodynia. STUDY DESIGN We conducted a prospective cohort study. METHODS Buccal swabs were collected from 167 white women with vulvodynia and 107 control subjects; the DNA was tested for a single nucleotide polymorphism at position 158 (rs4680) in the catechol-O-methyltransferase gene. RESULTS Women with vulvodynia had a marginally increased, yet not significant, prevalence of the catechol-O-methyltransferase genotype that is associated with high activity of the coded protein: 32.9% in the women with vulvodynia, as opposed to 21.5% in the control subjects (odds ratio, 1.80; 95% confidence interval, 1.02-3.15). Subgrouping the cases based on pain frequency revealed that the elevated occurrence of this catechol-O-methyltransferase genotype was present in 40.6% of the subset of women who experienced pain only with sexual intercourse vs only 21.5% of control subjects (odds ratio, 2.50; 95% confidence interval, 1.27-4.93). Also, women with primary vulvodynia had a significantly higher prevalence of the H allele than did the control subjects (62.9% vs 48.1%; odds ratio, 1.82; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-3.17). CONCLUSION Increased pain sensitivity in women with vulvodynia is not due to a genetically determined low catechol-O-methyltransferase enzyme activity. Other mechanisms may account for alterations in catechol-O-methyltransferase activity in women with pain that is limited to intercourse or primary vulvodynia that contributes to pain sensitivity.
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Zumárraga M, Arrúe A, Basterreche N, Macías I, Catalán A, Madrazo A, Bustamante S, Zamalloa MI, Erkoreka L, Gordo E, Arnaiz A, Olivas O, Arroita A, Marín E, González-Torres MA. COMT haplotypes, catecholamine metabolites in plasma and clinical response in schizophrenic and bipolar patients. Pharmacogenomics 2016; 17:837-51. [DOI: 10.2217/pgs-2016-0022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim: We examined the association of COMT haplotypes and plasma metabolites of catecholamines in relation to the clinical response to antipsychotics in schizophrenic and bipolar patients. Patients & methods: We studied 165 patients before and after four weeks of treatment, and 163 healthy controls. We assessed four COMT haplotypes and the plasma concentrations of HVA, DOPAC and MHPG. Results: Bipolar patients: haplotypes are associated with age at onset and clinical evolution. In schizophrenic patients, an haplotype previously associated with increased risk, is related to better response of negative symptoms. Conclusion: Haplotypes would be good indicators of the clinical status and the treatment response in bipolar and schizophrenic patients. Larger studies are required to elucidate the clinical usefulness of these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Zumárraga
- Departamento de Investigación Neuroquímica, Hospital de Zamudio, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, Arteaga Auzoa 45, 48170 Zamudio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Aurora Arrúe
- Departamento de Investigación Neuroquímica, Hospital de Zamudio, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, Arteaga Auzoa 45, 48170 Zamudio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Nieves Basterreche
- Unidad de Hospitalización de Corta Estancia, Hospital de Zamudio, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, Arteaga Auzoa 45, 48170 Zamudio, Bizkaia, Spain
- Departamento de Psiquiatría y Psicología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del País Vasco, Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Isabel Macías
- Unidad de Salud Laboral, Hospital de Zamudio, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, Arteaga Auzoa 45, 48170 Zamudio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ana Catalán
- Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital de Basurto, Osakidetza, Avenida de Montevideo 18, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Arantza Madrazo
- Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital de Basurto, Osakidetza, Avenida de Montevideo 18, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - Sonia Bustamante
- Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital de Basurto, Osakidetza, Avenida de Montevideo 18, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
| | - María I Zamalloa
- Departamento de Investigación Neuroquímica, Hospital de Zamudio, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, Arteaga Auzoa 45, 48170 Zamudio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Leire Erkoreka
- Departamento de Psiquiatría y Psicología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del País Vasco, Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Centro de Salud Mental de Barakaldo, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, La Felicidad 9, 3. 48901 Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Estibaliz Gordo
- Unidad de Hospitalización de Corta Estancia, Hospital de Zamudio, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, Arteaga Auzoa 45, 48170 Zamudio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ainara Arnaiz
- Unidad de Hospitalización de Corta Estancia, Hospital de Zamudio, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, Arteaga Auzoa 45, 48170 Zamudio, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Olga Olivas
- Centro de Salud Mental de Gernika, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, San Juan 1, 48300 Gernika, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Ariane Arroita
- Centro de Salud Mental de Barakaldo, Red de Salud Mental de Bizkaia, Osakidetza, La Felicidad 9, 3. 48901 Barakaldo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Elena Marín
- Hospital Psiquiátrico de Bermeo, Tonpoi Bidea s/n. 48370, Bermeo, Bizkaia, Spain
| | - Miguel A González-Torres
- Departamento de Psiquiatría y Psicología Médica, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad del País Vasco, Barrio Sarriena s/n, 48940 Leioa, Bizkaia, Spain
- Servicio de Psiquiatría, Hospital de Basurto, Osakidetza, Avenida de Montevideo 18, 48013 Bilbao, Spain
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Pertegal M, Fenoy FJ, Hernández M, Mendiola J, Delgado JL, Bonacasa B, Corno A, López B, Bosch V, Hernández I. Fetal Val108/158Met catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) polymorphism and placental COMT activity are associated with the development of preeclampsia. Fertil Steril 2015; 105:134-43.e1-3. [PMID: 26450530 DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2015.09.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2015] [Revised: 09/13/2015] [Accepted: 09/15/2015] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between fetal and maternal catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met and methyl tetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) C677T functional polymorphisms and preeclampsia, examining its influence on placental COMT and in maternal 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME) plasma levels. DESIGN Prospective case-control study. SETTING University hospital. PATIENT(S) A total of 53 preeclamptic and 72 normal pregnant women. INTERVENTION(S) Maternal and cord blood samples and placental tissue samples were obtained. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) Maternal and fetal COMT and MTHFR polymorphisms were genotyped. Maternal plasma 2-ME and homocysteine levels, and expression and activity of placental COMT were measured. RESULT(S) The odds ratio for the risk of preeclampsia for fetal COMT Met/Met was 3.22, and it increased to 8.65 when associated with fetal MTHFR TT. Placental COMT activity and expression were influenced by genotype, but COMT activity in preeclamptic placentas did not differ from control pregnancies. There was no association between any genotypes and maternal 2-ME. Homocysteine levels were higher in women with preeclampsia than in normal pregnancies, and were inversely correlated with 2-ME plasma levels, indicating that its altered metabolism may lower COMT activity in vivo. CONCLUSION(S) Fetal Met-Met COMT genotype reduces COMT placental expression and activity in vitro and increases preeclampsia, risk but it does not explain the difference in maternal 2-ME levels between preeclamptic and normal pregnancies. However, the preeclamptic patients had elevated homocysteine levels that correlated inversely with 2-ME, indicating that an altered methionine-homocysteine metabolism may contribute to reduce COMT activity in vivo and explain the decreased levels of 2-ME in preeclamptic women.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam Pertegal
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, "Virgen de la Arrixaca" Clinical University Hospital, El Palmar, Spain
| | - Francisco J Fenoy
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Espinardo, Spain.
| | - Moisés Hernández
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Espinardo, Spain
| | - Jaime Mendiola
- Division of Preventive Medicine and Public Health, Department of Health and Social Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Espinardo, Spain
| | - Juan L Delgado
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, "Virgen de la Arrixaca" Clinical University Hospital, El Palmar, Spain
| | - Bárbara Bonacasa
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Espinardo, Spain
| | | | - Bernardo López
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Espinardo, Spain
| | - Vicente Bosch
- Department of Pediatrics, "Virgen de la Arrixaca" Clinical University Hospital, El Palmar, Spain
| | - Isabel Hernández
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, University of Murcia, IMIB-Arrixaca, Espinardo, Spain
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15
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Dauvilliers Y, Tafti M, Landolt HP. Catechol-O-methyltransferase, dopamine, and sleep-wake regulation. Sleep Med Rev 2015; 22:47-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.smrv.2014.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2014] [Revised: 10/16/2014] [Accepted: 10/20/2014] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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16
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Flood P, Clark D. Genetic variability in the activity of monoamines: a window into the complexity of pain. Anesth Analg 2015; 119:1032-8. [PMID: 25329022 DOI: 10.1213/ane.0000000000000447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Pamela Flood
- From the Department of Anesthesiology, Perioperative and Pain Medicine, Stanford University, Palo Alto, California
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17
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Pandolfo G, Gugliandolo A, Gangemi C, Arrigo R, Currò M, La Ciura G, Muscatello MRA, Bruno A, Zoccali R, Caccamo D. Association of the COMT synonymous polymorphism Leu136Leu and missense variant Val158Met with mood disorders. J Affect Disord 2015; 177:108-13. [PMID: 25766270 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2015.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2014] [Revised: 02/16/2015] [Accepted: 02/18/2015] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Major depressive disorder (MDD) and bipolar disorder (BD) are the two most common mood disorders. Given the recognized involvement of catecholamines in depression, genetic research focused on the evaluation of polymorphisms in genes coding for proteins that regulate neurotransmitter release, transport and degradation. Here we aimed at evaluating the distribution of two genetic variants of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), namely the well characterized missense polymorphism G1947A (Val158Met) and the recently reported synonymous polymorphism C1886G (Leu136Leu), in MDD and BD patients compared with healthy subjects. METHODS Genotyping for COMT polymorphisms was carried out by DNA direct sequencing in 112 patients (54 MDD and 58 BD) and 58 healthy subjects. RESULTS We did not find significant differences in the Val158Met variant distribution between patients and controls. Instead, we found that the C1886 major allele and the CC1886 wild-type genotype frequencies were significantly higher in controls than in both groups of patients. On the contrary, the G1886 minor allele and the heterozygous CG1886 genotype were significantly more present in both MDD and BD patients than in healthy subjects. When looking at combined polymorphisms, we found a significantly higher frequency of the double heterozygous diplotype CG/GAVal/Met158 in both MDD and BD patients than in controls. Instead, the diplotype CC/GAVal/Met158 showed a significantly higher frequency in controls than in BD patients. LIMITATIONS The small size of our study cohort may limit the generalizability of the present findings. CONCLUSIONS This work first showed the association of combined Leu136Leu and Val158Met variants of COMT gene with MDD and BD.
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Affiliation(s)
- G Pandolfo
- Department of Neurosciences, Polyclinic University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - A Gugliandolo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, Polyclinic University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - C Gangemi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, Polyclinic University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - R Arrigo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, Polyclinic University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - M Currò
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, Polyclinic University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - G La Ciura
- Department of Neurosciences, Polyclinic University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - M R A Muscatello
- Department of Neurosciences, Polyclinic University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - A Bruno
- Department of Neurosciences, Polyclinic University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - R Zoccali
- Department of Neurosciences, Polyclinic University of Messina, Messina, Italy
| | - D Caccamo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Morpho-functional Imaging, Polyclinic University of Messina, Messina, Italy.
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18
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Woods JS, Heyer NJ, Russo JE, Martin MD, Farin FM. Genetic polymorphisms affecting susceptibility to mercury neurotoxicity in children: summary findings from the Casa Pia Children's Amalgam clinical trial. Neurotoxicology 2014; 44:288-302. [PMID: 25109824 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuro.2014.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2014] [Revised: 07/29/2014] [Accepted: 07/30/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is neurotoxic, and children may be particularly susceptible to this effect. A current major challenge is identification of children who may be uniquely susceptible to Hg toxicity because of genetic predisposition. We examined the possibility that common genetic variants that are known to affect neurologic functions or Hg handling in adults would modify the adverse neurobehavioral effects of Hg exposure in children. Three hundred thirty subjects who participated as children in the recently completed Casa Pia Clinical Trial of Dental Amalgams in Children were genotyped for 27 variants of 13 genes that are reported to affect neurologic functions and/or Hg disposition in adults. Urinary Hg concentrations, reflecting Hg exposure from any source, served as the Hg exposure index. Regression modeling strategies were employed to evaluate potential associations between allelic status for individual genes or combinations of genes, Hg exposure, and neurobehavioral test outcomes assessed at baseline and for 7 subsequent years during the clinical trial. Among boys, significant modification of Hg effects on neurobehavioral outcomes over a broad range of neurologic domains was observed with variant genotypes for 4 of 13 genes evaluated. Modification of Hg effects on a more limited number of neurobehavioral outcomes was also observed for variants of another 8 genes. Cluster analyses suggested some genes interacting in common processes to affect Hg neurotoxicity. In contrast, significant modification of Hg effects on neurobehavioral functions among girls with the same genotypes was substantially more limited. These observations suggest increased susceptibility to the adverse neurobehavioral effects of Hg among children, particularly boys, with genetic variants that are relatively common to the general human population. These findings advance public health goals to identify factors underlying susceptibility to Hg toxicity and may contribute to strategies for preventing adverse health risks associated with Hg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S Woods
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Nicholas J Heyer
- Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Joan E Russo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Michael D Martin
- Departments of Oral Medicine and Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Federico M Farin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
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19
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Lorenz M, Paul F, Moobed M, Baumann G, Zimmermann BF, Stangl K, Stangl V. The activity of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is not impaired by high doses of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in vivo. Eur J Pharmacol 2014; 740:645-51. [PMID: 24972245 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2014.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Revised: 06/12/2014] [Accepted: 06/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) inactivates many endogenous and exogenous compounds by O-methylation. Therefore, it represents a major enzyme of the metabolic pathway with important biological functions in hormonal and drug metabolism. The tea catechin epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is known to inhibit COMT enzymatic activity in vitro. Based on beneficial in vitro results, EGCG is extensively used in human intervention studies in a variety of human diseases. Owing to its low bioavailability, rather high doses of EGCG are frequently applied that may impair COMT activity in vivo. Enzymatic activities of four functional COMT single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were determined in red blood cells (RBCs) in 24 healthy human volunteers (14 women, 10 men). The subjects were supplemented with 750 mg of EGCG and EGCG plasma levels and COMT enzyme activities in erythrocytes were measured before and 2 h after intervention. The homozygous Val→Met substitution in the SNP rs4680 resulted in significantly decreased COMT activity. Enzymatic COMT activities in RBCs were also affected by the other three COMT polymorphisms. EGCG plasma levels significantly increased after intervention. They were not influenced by any of the COMT SNPs and different enzyme activities. Ingestion of 750 mg EGCG did not result in impairment of COMT activity. However, COMT activity was significantly increased by 24% after EGCG consumption. These results indicate that supplementation with a high dose of EGCG does not impair the activity of COMT. Consequently, it may not interfere with COMT-mediated metabolism and elimination of exogenous and endogenous COMT substrates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Lorenz
- Medizinische Klinik für Kardiologie und Angiologie, Campus Mitte, Charite - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Schumannstr. 20-21, 10117 Berlin, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany
| | - Friedemann Paul
- NeuroCure Clinical Research Center and Clinical and Experimental Multiple Sclerosis Research Center, Department of Neurology, Charité University Medicine Berlin, Germany
| | - Minoo Moobed
- Medizinische Klinik für Kardiologie und Angiologie, Campus Mitte, Charite - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Schumannstr. 20-21, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Gert Baumann
- Medizinische Klinik für Kardiologie und Angiologie, Campus Mitte, Charite - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Schumannstr. 20-21, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Benno F Zimmermann
- Institute of Nutrition and Food Sciences, University of Bonn, Germany; Institut Prof. Dr. Georg Kurz GmbH, Köln, Germany
| | - Karl Stangl
- Medizinische Klinik für Kardiologie und Angiologie, Campus Mitte, Charite - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Schumannstr. 20-21, 10117 Berlin, Germany
| | - Verena Stangl
- Medizinische Klinik für Kardiologie und Angiologie, Campus Mitte, Charite - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Schumannstr. 20-21, 10117 Berlin, Germany; DZHK (German Centre for Cardiovascular Research), Berlin, Germany.
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20
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Pain in Parkinson's disease associated with COMT gene polymorphisms. Behav Neurol 2014; 2014:304203. [PMID: 24825955 PMCID: PMC4006622 DOI: 10.1155/2014/304203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2013] [Accepted: 02/07/2014] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background. PD patients present high incidence of pain with unknown pathogenesis. Objective. We investigated the relation of COMT polymorphisms rs4633 and rs6267 with PD pain. Subjects and Methods. One hundred PD patients and 105 controls were evaluated with simplified Mc GILL pain scale and VAS scale. PD patients were assessed with H&Y grade, UPDRS score, and HAMD scale. Polymorphisms rs4633 and rs6267 were detected by PCR and direct sequencing. Results. Fifty-seven percent of PD patients experienced pain, consisting of PD-related pain (64.91%) (the majority was dystonia pain) and non-PD-related pain (35.09%) (psychogenic pain was most frequent). The frequency of rs6267 genotype “GT/TT” and allele “T” was higher in PD pain. No difference was observed in frequencies of rs4633 between PD pain and without pain. UPDRS and depression score were higher in PD pain. The onset age was earlier in PD-related pain (57.43 ± 19.71) than non-PD-related pain (63.36 ± 6.88). Conclusion. PD patients possess a high prevalence of pain. Dystonia pain was the most frequent type of PD-related pain. COMT gene rs6267 allele “T” associated with PD pain. PD pain was influenced by disease severity and depression. PD onsets earlier in patients with PD-related pain than non-PD-related pain.
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21
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Life-threatening adverse events following therapeutic opioid administration in adults: is pharmacogenetic analysis useful? Pain Res Manag 2014; 18:133-6. [PMID: 23748253 DOI: 10.1155/2013/518012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Systemic approaches are needed to understand how variations in the genes associated with opioid pharmacokinetics and response can be used to predict patient outcome. The application of pharmacogenetic analysis to two cases of life-threatening opioid-induced respiratory depression is presented. The usefulness of genotyping in the context of these cases is discussed. METHODS A panel of 20 functional candidate polymorphisms in genes involved in the opioid biotransformation pathway (CYP2D6, UGT2B7, ABCB1, OPRM1, COMT) were genotyped in these two patients using commercially available genotyping assays. RESULTS In case 1, the patient experienced adverse outcomes when administered codeine and morphine, but not hydromorphone. Genetic test results suggested that this differential response may be due to an inherent propensity to generate active metabolites from both codeine and morphine. These active metabolites are not generated with hydromorphone. In case 2, the patient experienced severe respiratory depression during postoperative recovery following standard doses of morphine. The patient was found to carry genetic variations that result in decreased morphine efflux transporter activity at the blood-brain barrier and increased sensitivity to opioids. CONCLUSIONS Knowledge of the relative contribution of pharmacogenetic biomarkers and their influence on opioid response are continually evolving. Pharmacogenetic analysis, together with clinical history, has the potential to provide mechanistic insight into severe respiratory depressive events in patients who receive opioids at therapeutic doses.
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22
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Swift-Scanlan T, Smith CT, Bardowell SA, Boettiger CA. Comprehensive interrogation of CpG island methylation in the gene encoding COMT, a key estrogen and catecholamine regulator. BMC Med Genomics 2014; 7:5. [PMID: 24460628 PMCID: PMC3910242 DOI: 10.1186/1755-8794-7-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2013] [Accepted: 01/14/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) enzyme has been widely studied due to its multiple roles in neurological functioning, estrogen biology, and methylation metabolic pathways. Numerous studies have investigated variation in the large COMT gene, with the majority focusing on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). This body of work has linked COMT genetic variation with a vast array of conditions, including several neurobehavioral disorders, pain sensitivity, and multiple human cancers. Based on COMT's numerous biological roles and recent studies suggesting that methylation of the COMT gene impacts COMT gene expression, we comprehensively interrogated methylation in over 200 CpG dinucleotide sequences spanning the length of the COMT gene. METHODS Using saliva-derived DNA from a non-clinical sample of human subjects, we tested for associations between COMT CpG methylation and factors reported to interact with COMT genetic effects, including demographic factors and alcohol use. Finally, we tested associations between COMT CpG methylation state and COMT gene expression in breast cancer cell lines. We interrogated >200 CpGs in 13 amplicons spanning the 5' UTR to the last exon of the CpG dinucleotide-rich COMT gene in n = 48 subjects, n = 11 cell lines and 1 endogenous 18S rRNA control. RESULTS With the exception of the CpG island in the 5'UTR and 1st exon, all other CpG islands were strongly methylated with typical dynamic ranges between 50-90%. In the saliva samples, methylation of multiple COMT loci was associated with socioeconomic status or ethnicity. We found associations between methylation at numerous loci and genotype at the functional Val158Met SNP (rs4680), and most of the correlations between methylation and demographic and alcohol use factors were Val158Met allele-specific. Methylation at several of these loci also associated with COMT gene expression in breast cancer cell lines. CONCLUSIONS We report the first comprehensive interrogation of COMT methylation. We corroborate previous findings of variation in COMT methylation with gene expression and the Val158Met genotype, and also report novel associations with socioeconomic status (SES) and ethnicity at several methylated loci. These results point to novel mechanisms for COMT regulation, which may have broad therapeutic implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Theresa Swift-Scanlan
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina, Carrington Hall, CB #7460, Chapel Hill, NC, USA,Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, 450 West Drive, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Christopher T Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Davie Hall, CB #3270, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Sabrina A Bardowell
- School of Nursing, University of North Carolina, Carrington Hall, CB #7460, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Charlotte A Boettiger
- Department of Psychology, University of North Carolina, Davie Hall, CB #3270, Chapel Hill, NC, USA,Department of Psychology, Biomedical Research Imaging Center, and Bowles Center for Alcohol Studies, University of North Carolina, Davie Hall, CB #3270, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
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23
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Woods JS, Heyer NJ, Russo JE, Martin MD, Pillai PB, Bammler TK, Farin FM. Genetic polymorphisms of catechol-O-methyltransferase modify the neurobehavioral effects of mercury in children. JOURNAL OF TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH. PART A 2014; 77:293-312. [PMID: 24593143 PMCID: PMC3967503 DOI: 10.1080/15287394.2014.867210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2013] [Accepted: 11/06/2013] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Mercury (Hg) is neurotoxic and children may be particularly susceptible to this effect. A current major challenge is identification of children who may be uniquely susceptible to Hg toxicity because of genetic disposition. This study examined the hypothesis that genetic variants of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) that are reported to alter neurobehavioral functions that are also affected by Hg in adults might modify the adverse neurobehavioral effects of Hg exposure in children. Five hundred and seven children, 8-12 yr of age at baseline, participated in a clinical trial to evaluate the neurobehavioral effects of Hg from dental amalgam tooth fillings. Subjects were evaluated at baseline and at seven subsequent annual intervals for neurobehavioral performance and urinary Hg levels. Following the clinical trial, genotyping assays were performed for single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of COMT rs4680, rs4633, rs4818, and rs6269 on biological samples provided by 330 of the trial participants. Regression-modeling strategies were employed to evaluate associations between allelic status, Hg exposure, and neurobehavioral test outcomes. Similar analysis was performed using haplotypes of COMT SNPs. Among girls, few interactions for Hg exposure and COMT variants were found. In contrast, among boys, numerous gene-Hg interactions were observed between individual COMT SNPs, as well as with a common COMT haplotype affecting multiple domains of neurobehavioral function. These findings suggest increased susceptibility to the adverse neurobehavioral effects of Hg among children with common genetic variants of COMT, and may have important implications for strategies aimed at protecting children from the potential health risks associated with Hg exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- James S. Woods
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
- Address correspondence to James S. Woods, PhD, MPH, Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, 4225 Roosevelt Way NE, Suite 100, Seattle, WA 98105. E-mail:
| | - Nicholas J. Heyer
- Battelle Centers for Public Health Research and Evaluation, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Joan E. Russo
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Michael D. Martin
- Department of Oral Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | | | - Theodor K. Bammler
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Federico M. Farin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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24
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Yin B, Chen Y, Zhang L. Association Between Catechol-O-Methyltransferase (COMT) Gene Polymorphisms, Parkinson's Disease, and Levodopa Efficacy. Mol Diagn Ther 2013; 18:253-260. [PMID: 24234932 DOI: 10.1007/s40291-013-0066-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES We investigated the association between catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene polymorphisms and Parkinson's disease (PD) susceptibility, severity of disease, and levodopa (L-Dopa) efficacy. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Patients (N = 97) with primary PD and healthy volunteers (N = 102) were recruited. Disease severity was assessed with the Unified Parkinson's Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and Hoehn & Yahr grade at 'On stage'. Genomic DNA was extracted from blood cells. Polymerase chain reaction and sequencing were used to detect COMT mutations. Data were analyzed by SPSS 18.0. False discovery rate (FDR) or Bonferroni correction was used if the result showed P < 0.05. RESULTS Four COMT mutations were detected in 199 subjects: rs74745580 (only in two patients with primary PD), rs4633, rs6267, and rs3838146. There were no statistical differences in frequencies of rs4633, rs6267, and rs3838146 genotypes between PD patients and the control group. The frequency of allele rs4633T was higher in PD patients than in the control group. UPDRS score was lower in rs4633 (CT/TT) carriers and rs3838146 (-C/- -) carriers than in rs4633 (CC) and rs3838146 (CC) carriers. PD patients carrying rs6267 (GT/TT) had higher UPDRS scores than patients with rs6267 (GG) (P < 0.05). The frequencies of the three polymorphisms were not statistically different between patients who did and did not receive L-Dopa; dose and duration of L-Dopa treatment did not differ between genotypes; and there was also no difference in the ratios of loss of efficacy towards levodopa. CONCLUSIONS The polymorphisms rs4633, rs6267, and rs3838146 were associated with severity of PD but were not associated with L-Dopa medication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Yin
- Department of Neurology, Second Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150086, Heilongjiang, People's Republic of China
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Lazrak A, Fu L, Bali V, Bartoszewski R, Rab A, Havasi V, Keiles S, Kappes J, Kumar R, Lefkowitz E, Sorscher EJ, Matalon S, Collawn JF, Bebok Z. The silent codon change I507-ATC->ATT contributes to the severity of the ΔF508 CFTR channel dysfunction. FASEB J 2013; 27:4630-45. [PMID: 23907436 PMCID: PMC4046180 DOI: 10.1096/fj.13-227330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2013] [Accepted: 07/15/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
The most common disease-causing mutation in the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene is the out-of-frame deletion of 3 nucleotides (CTT). This mutation leads to the loss of phenylalanine-508 (ΔF508) and a silent codon change (SCC) for isoleucine-507 (I507-ATC→ATT). ΔF508 CFTR is misfolded and degraded by endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD). We have demonstrated that the I507-ATC→ATT SCC alters ΔF508 CFTR mRNA structure and translation dynamics. By comparing the biochemical and functional properties of the I507-ATT and I507-ATC ΔF508 CFTR, we establish that the I507-ATC→ATT SCC contributes to the cotranslational misfolding, ERAD, and to the functional defects associated with ΔF508 CFTR. We demonstrate that the I507-ATC ΔF508 CFTR is less susceptible to the ER quality-control machinery during translation than the I507-ATT, although 27°C correction is necessary for sufficient cell-surface expression. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings indicate sustained, thermally stable cAMP-activated Cl(-) transport through I507-ATC and unstable function of the I507-ATT ΔF508 CFTR. Single-channel recordings reveal improved gating properties of the I507-ATC compared to I507-ATT ΔF508 CFTR (NPo=0.45±0.037 vs. NPo=0.09±0.002; P<0.001). Our results signify the role of the I507-ATC→ATT SCC in the ΔF508 CFTR defects and support the importance of synonymous codon choices in determining the function of gene products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Lazrak
- 2Department of Cell, Developmental, and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1918 University Blvd., MCLM 350A, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
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Gao F, Ihn HE, Medina MW, Krauss RM. A common polymorphism in the LDL receptor gene has multiple effects on LDL receptor function. Hum Mol Genet 2013; 22:1424-31. [PMID: 23297366 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/dds559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
A common synonymous single nucleotide polymorphism in exon 12 of the low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) gene, rs688, has been associated with increased plasma total and LDL cholesterol in several populations. Using immortalized lymphoblastoid cell lines from a healthy study population, we confirmed an earlier report that the minor allele of rs688 is associated with increased exon 12 alternative splicing (P < 0.05) and showed that this triggered nonsense-mediated decay (NMD) of the alternatively spliced LDLR mRNA. However, since synonymous single nucleotide polymorphisms may influence structure and function of the encoded proteins by co-translational effects, we sought to test whether rs688 was also functional in the full-length mRNA. In HepG2 cells expressing LDLR cDNA constructs engineered to contain the major or minor allele of rs688, the latter was associated with a smaller amount of LDLR protein at the cell surface (-21.8 ± 0.6%, P = 0.012), a higher amount in the lysosome fraction (+25.7 ± 0.3%, P = 0.037) and reduced uptake of fluorescently labeled LDL (-24.3 ± 0.7%, P < 0.01). Moreover, in the presence of exogenous proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9), a protein that reduces cellular LDL uptake by promoting lysosomal degradation of LDLR, the minor allele resulted in reduced capacity of a PCSK9 monoclonal antibody to increase LDL uptake. These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that rs688, which is located in the β-propeller region of LDLR, has effects on LDLR activity beyond its role in alternative splicing due to impairment of LDLR endosomal recycling and/or PCSK9 binding, processes in which the β-propeller is critically involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Gao
- Children’s Hospital Oakland Research Institute, 5700 Martin Luther King Jr. Way, Oakland, CA 94609, USA
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Catechol-O-methyltransferase genotype predicts pain severity in hospitalized burn patients. J Burn Care Res 2012; 33:518-23. [PMID: 22210062 DOI: 10.1097/bcr.0b013e31823746ed] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence suggests that stress system activation after burn injury may contribute to burn-related pain. If this is the case, then genetic variations influencing the function of important stress system components, such as the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), may predict pain severity after thermal burn injury. The authors evaluated the association between COMT genotype and pain intensity in 57 individuals hospitalized after thermal burn injury. Consenting participants at four burn centers were genotyped and completed daily 0 to 10 numeric rating scale pain assessments on 2 consecutive days including evaluation of waking, least, and worst pain. The association between COMT genotype and individual pain outcomes was calculated using a linear mixed model adjusting for sociodemographic and burn injury characteristics. Overall pain (combination of least, worst, and waking pain scores) was significantly higher in patients with a COMT pain vulnerable genotype (6.3 [0.4] vs 5.4 [0.4], P = .037). Individuals with a COMT pain vulnerable genotype also had significantly higher "least pain" scores (3.8 [0.5] vs 2.6 [0.4], P = .017) and significantly higher pain on awakening (6.8 [0.5] vs 5.3 [0.4], P = .004). Differences in worst pain according to genotype group were not significant. COMT pain vulnerable genotype was a stronger predictor of overall pain severity than burn size, burn depth, or time from admission to pain interview assessment. These findings suggest that genetic factors influencing stress system function may have an important influence on pain severity after burn injury. Further studies of genetic predictors of pain after burn injury are needed.
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Schwahn C, Grabe HJ, Meyer zu Schwabedissen H, Teumer A, Schmidt CO, Brinkman C, Kocher T, Nauck M, Völzke H, Biffar R, Bernhardt O. The effect of catechol-O-methyltransferase polymorphisms on pain is modified by depressive symptoms. Eur J Pain 2011; 16:878-89. [PMID: 22337325 DOI: 10.1002/j.1532-2149.2011.00067.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variations within the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene have been associated with pain severity in temporomandibular disorders (TMDs). Psychological factors such as personal conflicts, life stress and depression, are well known to be associated with onset, severity and chronicity of pain disorders. AIM We hypothesized that the relationship between the COMT gene and TMD pain is modified by depressive symptoms. METHODS Cross-sectional data from the population-based Study of Health in Pomerania (SHIP) in Germany were used to estimate additive interactions between depressive symptoms and 22 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the COMT gene and the neighbouring thioredoxin reductase 2 (TXNRD2) gene on TMD pain. All participants were Caucasian subjects from a rural area in Northeast Germany. After exclusion of 79 subjects with antidepressant medication, 29.9% of the remaining 3904 subjects reported lifetime depressive symptoms. TMD pain was assessed by a standardized clinical examination. Among various TMD signs, only those that assessed muscle or joint pain on palpation were used as recommended. RESULTS Six SNPs from the first of three COMT/TXNRD2 haploblocks interacted with depressive symptoms on TMD pain (smallest p-value: 2.7 × 10(-10) ). In subjects without depressive symptoms, rs5993882 was identified as the SNP most likely to be related to TMD pain. In subjects with symptoms of depression, rs1544325 was the corresponding top COMT SNP. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that variants within the COMT gene are associated with pain perception. However, this association is highly moderated by the absence or presence of lifetime depressive symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Schwahn
- Unit of Oral and Systemic Diseases, Department of Prosthodontics, Gerodontology and Dental Materials, Center of Oral Health, University of Greifswald, Greifswald, Germany.
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Genetics and Gene Expression Involving Stress and Distress Pathways in Fibromyalgia with and without Comorbid Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. PAIN RESEARCH AND TREATMENT 2011; 2012:427869. [PMID: 22110941 PMCID: PMC3200121 DOI: 10.1155/2012/427869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2011] [Accepted: 07/08/2011] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
In complex multisymptom disorders like fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS) and chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) that are defined primarily by subjective symptoms, genetic and gene expression profiles can provide very useful objective information. This paper summarizes research on genes that may be linked to increased susceptibility in developing and maintaining these disorders, and research on resting and stressor-evoked changes in leukocyte gene expression, highlighting physiological pathways linked to stress and distress. These include the adrenergic nervous system, the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and serotonergic pathways, and exercise responsive metabolite-detecting ion channels. The findings to date provide some support for both inherited susceptibility and/or physiological dysregulation in all three systems, particularly for catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) genes, the glucocorticoid and the related mineralocorticoid receptors (NR3C1, NR3C2), and the purinergic 2X4 (P2X4) ion channel involved as a sensory receptor for muscle pain and fatigue and also in upregulation of spinal microglia in chronic pain models. Methodological concerns for future research, including potential influences of comorbid clinical depression and antidepressants and other medications, on gene expression are also addressed.
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Xu Z, Zhang Z, Shi Y, Pu M, Yuan Y, Zhang X, Li L. Influence and interaction of genetic polymorphisms in catecholamine neurotransmitter systems and early life stress on antidepressant drug response. J Affect Disord 2011; 133:165-73. [PMID: 21680027 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2011.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2011] [Revised: 04/15/2011] [Accepted: 04/16/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Catecholamine neurotransmission plays an important role in major depression. Variation in genes implicated in the synthesis and signal transduction of catecholamines (norepinephrine and dopamine) may interact with environmental factors to affect the outcome of antidepressant treatment. We aimed to determine how a range of polymorphisms in noradrenergic and dopaminergic genes influence this response to treatment and how they interact with childhood trauma and recent life stress in a Chinese sample. METHODS In a sample of 308 Chinese Han patients with major depressive disorder, 13 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in coding regions of six genes (MAOA, SLC6A2, TH, COMT, DRD2, DRD3) with minor allele frequencies >5% were successfully genotyped from an initial series of 35 SNPs in 11 candidate genes associated with catecholamine neurotransmission. The responses to 6 weeks' treatment with antidepressant drugs was determined by changes in the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD-17) score, and previous stressful events were evaluated by the Life Events Scale (LES) and Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short Form (CTQ-SF). Single SNP and haplotype associations with treatment response were analysed by UNPHASED 3.0.13, gene-gene interactions were analysed by generalized multifactor dimensionality reduction (GMDR) and gene-environment interactions by logistic regression. RESULTS A haplotype in MAOA (rs1137070 and rs6323) was significantly associated with antidepressant response in the total group, the nonSSRI subgroup and the female subgroup. Two haplotypes in COMT (involving rs4633, rs4818 and rs769224) were significantly associated with antidepressant response in the nonSSRI subgroup. The SLC6A2 SNPs interacted with childhood trauma to influence antidepressant response. CONCLUSIONS A haplotype in MAOA and two haplotypes in COMT are found to be associated with antidepressant treatment response in this sample. Stressors in early life may interact with polymorphisms in SLC6A2 to influence response to antidepressant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhi Xu
- Department of Neuropsychiatry, ZhongDa Hospital, Medical School of Southeast University, Nanjing, China
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Abstract
OBJECTIVES In the clinical setting, there is marked intersubject variability in the intensity of pain reported by patients with apparently similar pain states, as well as widely differing analgesic dosing requirements between individuals to produce satisfactory pain relief with tolerable side-effects. Genetic and environmental factors as well as their interaction are implicated, and these are discussed in this review. KEY FINDINGS Pioneering work undertaken in mice more than a decade ago, showed a strong genetic contribution to levels of nociception/hypersensitivity as well as levels of antinociception produced by commonly available analgesic agents. To date more than 300 candidate 'pain' genes have been identified as potentially contributing to heritable differences in pain sensitivity and analgesic responsiveness in animals and humans, with this information available in a publicly accessible database http://www.jbldesign.com/jmogil/enter.html. Since then, many genetic association studies have been conducted in humans to investigate the possibility that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in an individual gene may explain drug inefficacy or excessive toxicity experienced by a small subset of the whole population who have the rare allele for a particular SNP. SUMMARY Despite the fact that SNPs in more than 20 genes that affect pain sensitivity or contribute to interindividual variability in responses to analgesic medications have been identified in the human genome, much of the data is conflicting. Apart from deficiencies in the design and conduct of human genetic association studies, recent research from other fields has implicated epigenetic mechanisms that facilitate dynamic gene-environment communication, as a possible explanation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arjun Muralidharan
- The University of Queensland, Centre for Integrated Preclinical Drug Development and School of Pharmacy, Steele Building, St Lucia Campus, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Roten LT, Fenstad MH, Forsmo S, Johnson MP, Moses EK, Austgulen R, Skorpen F. A low COMT activity haplotype is associated with recurrent preeclampsia in a Norwegian population cohort (HUNT2). Mol Hum Reprod 2011; 17:439-46. [PMID: 21355050 PMCID: PMC3116680 DOI: 10.1093/molehr/gar014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2010] [Revised: 01/23/2011] [Accepted: 02/17/2011] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The etiology of preeclampsia is complex, with susceptibility being attributable to multiple environmental factors and a large genetic component. Although many candidate genes for preeclampsia have been suggested and studied, the specific causative genes still remain to be identified. Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is an enzyme involved in catecholamine and estrogen degradation and has recently been ascribed a role in development of preeclampsia. In the present study, we have examined the COMT gene by genotyping the functional Val108/158Met polymorphism (rs4680) and an additional single-nucleotide polymorphism, rs6269, predicting COMT activity haplotypes in a large Norwegian case/control cohort (n(cases)= 1135, n(controls)= 2262). A low COMT activity haplotype is associated with recurrent preeclampsia in our cohort. This may support the role of redox-regulated signaling and oxidative stress in preeclampsia pathogenesis as suggested by recent studies in a genetic mouse model. The COMT gene might be a genetic risk factor shared between preeclampsia and cardiovascular diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- L T Roten
- Department of Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), Trondheim 7006, Norway.
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Lee IW, Kuo PH, Su MT, Kuan LC, Hsu CC, Kuo PL. Quantitative trait analysis suggests polymorphisms of estrogen-related genes regulate human sperm concentrations and motility. Hum Reprod 2011; 26:1585-96. [PMID: 21429951 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/der062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human spermatogenesis is regulated by complex networks, and estrogens are recognized as one of the significant regulators of spermatogenesis. We tested the associations between variants of estrogen-related genes and semen parameters. METHODS We performed genotyping for genetic variants of estrogen-related genes and quantitative trait analysis of fertile and infertile men with well-characterized reproductive phenotypes. Men with known semen parameters (n= 677) were enrolled, including 210 fertile men and 467 infertile men. A total of 17 genetic markers from 10 genes, including 2 estrogen receptors (ER-α, ER-β), 7 estrogen synthesizing/metabolizing genes (CYP19A1, HSD17B1, CYP1A1, CYP1B1, COMT, GSTM1, GSTT1) and 1 transport gene (SHBG) were genotyped. Sperm concentration, motility and morphology were taken as quantitative traits to correlate with genetic variants in the estrogen-related genes. RESULTS Five genes (rs1801132 and rs2228480 of the ER-α gene, rs1256049 and rs4986938 of the ER-β gene, rs605059 of the HSD17B1 gene, rs1799941 of the SHBG gene and rs1048943 and rs4646903 of the CYP1A1 gene) were found to be significantly associated with sperm concentration (P< 0.01), while five genes (rs1801132 of the ER-a gene, rs1256049 of the ER-β gene, rs1048943 of the CYP1A1 gene, rs605059 of the HSD17B1 gene and rs1799941 along with rs6259 of the SHBG gene) were associated with sperm motility (P< 0.01). None of the estrogen-related genes were associated with sperm morphology. With an increasing number of risk alleles, sperm concentration and motility tended to deteriorate and show a loci-dosage effect. CONCLUSIONS Quantitative trait analysis based on a limited number of genetic markers suggests that estrogen-related genes mainly regulate sperm concentration and motility.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-Wen Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, Tainan, Taiwan
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Barbosa FR, Matsuda JB, Mazucato M, de Castro França S, Zingaretti SM, da Silva LM, Martinez-Rossi NM, Júnior MF, Marins M, Fachin AL. Influence of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene polymorphisms in pain sensibility of Brazilian fibromialgia patients. Rheumatol Int 2010; 32:427-30. [PMID: 21120493 DOI: 10.1007/s00296-010-1659-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2010] [Accepted: 11/14/2010] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Fibromyalgia syndrome (FS) is a rheumatic syndrome affecting to 2-3% of individuals of productive age, mainly women. Neuroendocrine and genetic factors may play a significant role in development of the disease which is characterized by diffuse chronic pain and presence of tender points. Several studies have suggested an association between FS, especially pain sensitivity, and polymorphism of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene. The aim of the present study was to characterize the SNPs rs4680 and rs4818 of the COMT gene and assess its influence in pain sensitivity of patients with fibromyalgia screened by the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ). DNA was extracted from peripheral blood of 112 patients with fibromyalgia and 110 healthy individuals and was used as template in PCR for amplification of a 185-bp fragment of the COMT gene. The amplified fragment was sequenced for analyses of the SNPs rs4680 and rs4818. The frequency of mutant genotype AA of SNP rs6860 was 77.67% in patients with FS and 28.18% for the control group. For the SNP rs4818, the frequency of mutant genotype CC was 73.21 and 39.09% for patients with FS and controls, respectively. Moreover, the FIQ score was higher in patients with the homozygous mutant genotype for SNPs rs4680 (87.92 points) and rs4818 (86.14 points). These results suggest that SNPs rs4680 and rs4818 of the COMT gene may be associated with fibromyalgia and pain sensitivity in FS Brazilian patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flávia Regina Barbosa
- Unidade de Biotecnologia, Universidade de Ribeirão Preto, Av: Costábile Romano 2201, Ribeirão Preto, SP 14096-900, Brazil
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Cooper DN, Chen JM, Ball EV, Howells K, Mort M, Phillips AD, Chuzhanova N, Krawczak M, Kehrer-Sawatzki H, Stenson PD. Genes, mutations, and human inherited disease at the dawn of the age of personalized genomics. Hum Mutat 2010; 31:631-55. [PMID: 20506564 DOI: 10.1002/humu.21260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 117] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The number of reported germline mutations in human nuclear genes, either underlying or associated with inherited disease, has now exceeded 100,000 in more than 3,700 different genes. The availability of these data has both revolutionized the study of the morbid anatomy of the human genome and facilitated "personalized genomics." With approximately 300 new "inherited disease genes" (and approximately 10,000 new mutations) being identified annually, it is pertinent to ask how many "inherited disease genes" there are in the human genome, how many mutations reside within them, and where such lesions are likely to be located? To address these questions, it is necessary not only to reconsider how we define human genes but also to explore notions of gene "essentiality" and "dispensability."Answers to these questions are now emerging from recent novel insights into genome structure and function and through complete genome sequence information derived from multiple individual human genomes. However, a change in focus toward screening functional genomic elements as opposed to genes sensu stricto will be required if we are to capitalize fully on recent technical and conceptual advances and identify new types of disease-associated mutation within noncoding regions remote from the genes whose function they disrupt.
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Affiliation(s)
- David N Cooper
- Institute of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Cardiff University, Heath Park, Cardiff CF14 4XN, United Kingdom.
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Shenoy V, Kanasaki K, Kalluri R. Pre-eclampsia: connecting angiogenic and metabolic pathways. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2010; 21:529-36. [PMID: 20646932 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2010.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2010] [Revised: 05/04/2010] [Accepted: 05/06/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia is a hypertensive disease of pregnancy with a worldwide incidence of 5-8%. This review focuses on recent developments in pre-eclampsia research related to angiogenesis and metabolism. We first address the 'angiogenic imbalance' theory, which hypothesizes that pre-eclampsia results from an imbalance of factors that promote or antagonize angiogenesis, such as soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase (sFlt1), 2-methoxyestradiol (2-ME) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). Next, we analyze the association between pre-eclampsia and dysfunctional metabolism of both homocysteine and placental glycogen. We hope that illuminating some of the various connections existing between angiogenesis and metabolism in pre-eclampsia will facilitate the update or reconsideration of old models of pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Shenoy
- Division of Matrix Biology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
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Lötsch J, Geisslinger G. A critical appraisal of human genotyping for pain therapy. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2010; 31:312-7. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2010.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2009] [Revised: 04/07/2010] [Accepted: 04/08/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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The impact of catechol-O-methyltransferase SNPs and haplotypes on treatment response phenotypes in major depressive disorder: a case-control association study. Int Clin Psychopharmacol 2010; 25:218-27. [PMID: 20531207 DOI: 10.1097/yic.0b013e328338b884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) has been suggested to be involved in the pathogenesis and pharmacological treatment of affective disorders. The nonsynonymous single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in exon 4 (Val108/158Met; rs4680) influences the COMT enzyme activity. Inconsistent results were found between Val158Met polymorphism (rs4680) and treatment response phenotypes in genetic association studies. However, the haplotype combinations of alleles at the Val108/158Met SNP with the other synonymous SNPs in the COMT gene region have shown association between enzyme activity/amount and COMT-dependent phenotypes. We carried out this study to define the functional impact of COMT genotypes/haplotypes on susceptibility and on treatment response phenotypes of major depressive disorder (MDD). Three hundred and ninety-six patients with MDD diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition [(DSM)-IV] and 295 healthy controls were recruited for this study and genotyped for the seven COMT SNPs (rs2075507, rs737865, rs6269, rs4633, rs4818, rs4680, and rs165599). This is the first study with all these SNPs to investigate for MDD and treatment response phenotypes. Our results show that none of the seven SNPs, including the rs4680, was significantly associated with MDD after permutation correction in single SNP analyses. Although several haplotype combinations showed significance, the combinations of G-T-G-G haplotype for rs6269, rs4633, rs4818 and rs4680 were only present in the MDD group (G-T 4.5%, corrected sim P=0.0001; G-T-G 3.87%, corrected sim P=0.001; G-T-G-G 3.3% corrected sim P=0.0025). In the treatment response phenotypes, the GG genotype of the rs2075507 SNP (located in the promoter region of MB-COMT) was less common in resistant patients in a single SNP analysis with low corrected sim P=0.052 and power=0.086. However, in the haplotype analysis, the haplotypes of exonic SNPs, rs4633, rs4818, and rs4680, were related to the treatment response phenotypes investigated, especially the phenotype of the response to antidepressant treatment. The C-C-A haplotype of these SNPs was overrepresented (almost four-and eight-fold) in the responders compared with the nonresponders and controls, respectively, after Bonferroni correction (corrected sim P=0.048, 0.0001, respectively). Both nonsynonymous and synonymous SNPs within haplotypes may be more relevant than the single SNP in conferring MDD susceptibility and treatment response phenotypes. Despite the limited power of our analysis, this finding suggests that the polymorphic COMT gene that influences catecholaminergic neurotransmission may play a role in the individual response to antidepressants.
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