Genetic Polymorphisms of Catechol-O-Methyltransferase: Association with Temporomandibular Disorders and Postoperative Pain

Abstract

AA genotype of rs165774 could be a significant risk factor for the development of TMD and TMD pain, while AA genotype of rs6269 presents less postoperative chronic TMD pain and acute pain at a dental extraction site.

The association of genetic polymorphisms in serotonin transporter and catechol‐O‐methyltransferase on temporomandibular disorders and anxiety in adolescents

“…Although 5HTT and COMT have been previously studied and associated with TMD in adults, to the best of our knowledge, this is the first study of these genes in adolescents. We also observed that individuals with TMD signs and symptoms had a higher anxiety level, and polymorphisms in COMT and 5HTT contributed for both conditions; however, we did not investigate aetiologic factors that could be triggering anxiety in the adolescents.…”

“…Polymorphism selection in both genes was based on their previous association with trauma, stress and anxiety events reported in other studies and on studies that have already associated them with TMD pathophysiology . Also, the polymorphisms were selected based on their global minor allele frequencies that should be ≥ higher than 30%.…”

“…In this scenario, two specific genes are candidates to be studied once they have been suggested to contribute to anxiety disorders, stress, 17,18 painful conditions [19][20][21][22][23] and TMD 12,24 : serotonin transporter gene (5HTT) and catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). Both genes encode proteins that are present in the synaptic cleft and are involved in the reuptake of neurotransmitters.…”

“…The influence of psychological factors on TMD development is unknown, but there is a possibility that genetic polymorphisms previously associated with stress and depression could be involved as mediating factors in the relationship between anxiety and TMD. In this scenario, two specific genes are candidates to be studied once they have been suggested to contribute to anxiety disorders, stress, painful conditions and TMD: serotonin transporter gene ( 5HTT ) and catechol‐O‐methyltransferase ( COMT ). Both genes encode proteins that are present in the synaptic cleft and are involved in the reuptake of neurotransmitters.…”

“…Both genes encode proteins that are present in the synaptic cleft and are involved in the reuptake of neurotransmitters. 5HTT encodes the serotonin receptor protein and COMT encodes an enzyme that is responsible for the uptake of catecholamines, including dopamine and adrenaline, responsible for several physiological processes, including analgesic mechanism …”