Research article summary (published 16 Jul 2006):

Genetic polymorphisms in monoamine neurotransmitter systems show only weak association with acute post-surgical pain in humans.

Full Abstract

BACKGROUND: Candidate gene studies on the basis of biological hypotheses have been a practical approach to identify relevant genetic variation in complex traits. Based on previous reports and the roles in pain pathways, we have examined the effects of variations of loci in the genes of monoamine neurotransmitter systems including metabolizing enzymes, receptors and transporters on acute clinical pain responses in humans. RESULTS: Variations in the catecholamine metabolizing enzyme genes (MAOA and COMT) showed significant associations with the maximum post-operative pain rating while the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4) showed association with the onset time of post-operative pain. Analgesic onset time after medication was significantly associated with the norepinephrine transporter gene (SLC6A2). However, the association between COMT genetic variation and pain sensitivity in our study differ from previous studies with small sample sizes, population stratification and pain phenotype derived from combining different types of pain stimuli. Correcting for multiple comparisons did not sustain these genetic associations between monoamine neurotransmitter systems and pain sensitivity even in this large and homogeneous sample. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that the previously reported associations between genetic polymorphisms in the monoamine neurotransmitter systems and the interindividual variability in pain responses cannot be replicated in a clinically relevant pain phenotype.

Author information

Author/s: Kim, Hyungsuk (H); Lee, Hyewon (H); Rowan, Janet (J); Brahim, Jaime (J); Dionne, Raymond A (RA);

Affiliation: National Institute of Nursing Research, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA. kimhy(-atsign-)mail.nih.gov

Journal and publication information

Publication Type: Journal Article; Research Support, N.I.H., Intramural

Journal: Molecular pain (Mol Pain), published in England. (Language: eng)

Reference: 2006-; vol 2 (issue ) : pp 24

Dates: Created 2006/08/15; Completed 2006/10/04; Revised 2008/11/21;

PMID: 16848906, status: MEDLINE (last retrieval date: 2/18/2009, IMS Date: )

Sourced from the National Library of Medicine. Abstract text and other information may be subject to copyright.

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MeSH headings (categories)

This article was linked to the MESH Headings shown below.

Acute Disease Biogenic Monoamines - metabolism Brain Chemistry - genetics Catechol O-Methyltransferase - genetics Catecholamines - metabolism Central Nervous System - metabolism; physiopathology DNA Mutational Analysis Female Gene Frequency - genetics Genetic Predisposition to Disease - genetics Genetic Screening Genetic Variation - genetics

Genotype Humans Male Monoamine Oxidase - genetics Neurotransmitter Agents - metabolism Norepinephrine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins - genetics Pain Threshold Pain, Postoperative - genetics; metabolism; physiopathology Polymorphism, Genetic - genetics Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide - genetics Serotonin - metabolism Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins - genetics

Associated Chemicals: Biogenic Monoamines (0) ; Catecholamines (0) ; Neurotransmitter Agents (0) ; Norepinephrine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins (0) ; Serotonin Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins (0) ; Serotonin (50-67-9) ; Monoamine Oxidase (EC 1.4.3.4) ; Catechol O-Methyltransferase (EC 2.1.1.6)

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