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Genetic susceptibility factors for multiple chemical sensitivity revisited
Nikolaj Drimer Berg1, Henrik Berg Rasmussen, Allan Linneberg
1The Danish Research Centre for Chemical Sensitivities, Department of Dermato-Allergology, Gentofte Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Gentofte, Denmark. nber0016@glo.regionh.dk
International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health
|February 27, 2010
Summary
Genetic factors for multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) were investigated. While some associations were found, particularly with the cholecystokinin 2 receptor, results suggest genetic variants may be less critical than previously thought for MCS.
Area of Science:
- Environmental Health
- Human Genetics
- Toxicology
Background:
- Multiple chemical sensitivity (MCS) involves adverse reactions to low-level chemical exposures.
- Previous studies suggest genetic links to MCS, particularly involving xenobiotic metabolism genes, but findings are inconsistent.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore genetic susceptibility factors for MCS and self-reported chemical sensitivity.
- To investigate associations between specific gene variants and MCS in a population sample.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of 96 MCS patients and 1,207 controls for variants in CYP2D6, NAT2, PON1, MTHFR, and CCK2R genes.
- Analysis of gene variants in relation to MCS status and chemical sensitivity severity.
Main Results:
- No consistent hypotheses were confirmed across all analyses.
- A weak, non-significant association was observed between CYP2D6 alleles and MCS.
- Fast NAT2 metabolizer status showed a significant association with chemical sensitivity severity in the most affected group (p=0.04).
- The CCK2R 21 CT repeat allele was associated with MCS in post hoc analyses (p=0.02).
- No associations were found for PON1 and MTHFR variants with MCS or chemical sensitivity.
Conclusions:
- Genetic variants in the examined genes appear to have less influence on MCS than previously suggested.
- Inconsistent findings may stem from gene-environment interactions or significant genetic heterogeneity within the MCS population.
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