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The influence of Val158Met COMT on physiological stress responsivity
Jose Martinez Serrano1, Jonathan B Banks1, Thomas J Fagan1
1a Department of Psychology and Neuroscience , Nova Southeastern University , Ft Lauderdale , FL , USA.
Stress (Amsterdam, Netherlands)
|January 11, 2019
Summary
The COMT Val158Met polymorphism influences stress response. Methionine allele carriers show a higher salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) stress response compared to valine homozygotes, supporting the warrior/worrier model.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychology
Background:
- The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism is a common genetic variation.
- Previous research suggests a link between COMT genotype, stress response, and anxiety.
- The COMT warrior/worrier model posits differential behavioral responses to stress based on genotype.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between the COMT Val158Met polymorphism and physiological/psychological stress responses.
- To examine differences in pain perception, anxiety, cortisol, and salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) based on COMT genotype.
- To test the validity of the COMT warrior/worrier model.
Main Methods:
- Assessed participants on pain perception and state/trait anxiety.
- Measured salivary alpha-amylase (sAA) and cortisol levels.
- Utilized a cold pressor stress test to induce a physiological stress response.
- Genotyped participants for the COMT Val158Met polymorphism (rs4680).
Main Results:
- Methionine (Met) allele carriers exhibited a significantly stronger sAA response to stress compared to valine (Val) homozygotes.
- Val homozygotes showed correlations between sAA levels and trait anxiety, differing in directionality post-stress.
- State and trait anxiety were significantly correlated in Met allele carriers.
- No significant differences were found in cortisol levels between genotypes.
Conclusions:
- Findings support the COMT warrior/worrier model, indicating differential stress reactivity based on genotype.
- COMT genotype influences the physiological (sAA) and psychological (anxiety) responses to acute stress.
- The Val/Val genotype (warrior) may confer an advantage in managing stress responses compared to Met allele carriers (worrier).
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