The Prevalence of Diamine Oxidase Polymorphisms and Their Association with Histamine Intolerance Symptomatology in...

Exogenous histamine obtained from the intake of histamine-rich food is mainly metabolized by the diamine oxidase enzyme (DAO). Histamine intolerance (HIT) is an alteration mainly caused by DAO deficiency, which is commonly associated with gastrointestinal, respiratory, cardiovascular, central nervous system, muscular, skeletal, and skin symptoms. Despite four single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) being mainly associated with DAO deficiency, the probability of inheriting these variants and their relationship with HIT in the Mexican population remain unknown. Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of these SNPs and their relationships with HIT in the Mexican population, including both individual volunteers and family groups. Methods: Four SNPs related to DAO deficiency were detected in 112 volunteers; medical questionnaires were answered. Results: The prevalence of genetic DAO deficiency attributed to at least one risk allele was 78.57% (rs1049793 was the main SNP). Fifteen DAO SNP combinations were detected (the main rs2052129, rs10156191, rs1049742 (wild-type homozygotes), and rs1049793 (heterozygote), 31.25%). A total of 41.07% of the volunteers presented at least three symptoms in different systems related to HIT, of whom 84.78% presented at least one SNP. The DAO deficiency genetic risk score varied among individual volunteers and families. The highest probability of having a mutated homozygote was 11.8% (rs1049793). HIT symptoms varied among relatives sharing identical genotypes. Conclusions: The prevalence of SNPs related to DAO deficiency in the Mexican population correlates with globally reported data; however, further analysis with volunteers distributed throughout the country would be desirable. Although genetic predisposition was common, the presence of SNPs alone did not predict specific HIT symptoms. Multiple SNPs may increase the presence of HIT symptoms, regardless of the type of allele. These findings highlight the multifactorial nature of HIT and underscore the need for standardized diagnostic criteria.