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Genetic contribution of catechol-O-methyltransferase polymorphism (Val158Met) in children with chronic tension-type

César Fernández-de-las-Peñas1, Silvia Ambite-Quesada, Inés Rivas-Martínez

  • 1Department of Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Rehabilitation and Physical Medicine, Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, Alcorcón, Madrid 28922, Spain.

Pediatric Research
|June 22, 2011
PubMed

Insights

The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism is not linked to developing chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) in children. However, the Met/Met genotype in children with CTTH correlates with a longer headache history and increased pressure hypersensitivity.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Genetics
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Chronic tension-type headache (CTTH) is a common neurological disorder in children.
  • The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism is a common genetic variation that influences pain perception.
  • Understanding the genetic underpinnings of CTTH in children is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the association between the COMT Val158Met polymorphism and CTTH in children.
  • To explore the relationship between this polymorphism, headache characteristics, and pressure hypersensitivity in pediatric CTTH patients.

Main Methods:

  • A case-control study involving 70 children with CTTH and 70 healthy controls.
  • Genotyping for the COMT Val158Met polymorphism using polymerase chain reactions.
  • Assessment of pressure pain thresholds (PPT) over multiple muscle sites.

Main Results:

  • No significant difference in genotype distribution of COMT Val158Met polymorphism between CTTH patients and controls, or between genders.
  • Children with CTTH and the Met/Met genotype reported a longer headache history compared to Val/Val or Val/Met genotypes.
  • CTTH patients with the Met/Met genotype exhibited lower PPT over the temporalis and upper trapezius muscles, indicating greater pressure hypersensitivity.

Conclusions:

  • The COMT Val158Met polymorphism does not appear to predispose children to CTTH.
  • This genetic polymorphism may influence the phenotypic expression of CTTH, particularly in relation to pain sensitivity and headache duration.
  • Further research is warranted to elucidate the role of COMT in pediatric headache disorders.

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