Abstract
We tested the hypothesis that single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the catechol-O-methyltransferase
(COMT) gene are associated with baseline pain levels in patients with major depressive
disorder (MDD). Pain levels were quantified using a visual analog scale (VAS) for
pain. Data from 159 female and 93 male self-reported white patients with MDD were
analyzed. The associations between a haplotype previously associated with pain sensitivity
created using COMT SNPs rs6269, rs4633, rs4818, and rs4680, and the proportion of female patients with
“Pain While Awake” and “Overall Pain” at baseline were statistically significant (P < .05). In male patients, no statistically significant associations between COMT haplotypes and baseline pain scores were seen. The rs165599 SNP, which has previously
been associated with response of depressive symptoms to treatment in patients with
MDD, did not impact baseline pain in either gender. In conclusion, baseline pain levels
appear to be associated with the COMT pain sensitivity haplotype in female patients with MDD.
Perspective
This article presents associations of the COMT pain sensitivity haplotype and baseline
pain levels in female patients with MDD. This finding could potentially help clinicians
who seek to assess how genetic polymorphisms may contribute to a patient's pain experience.
Key words
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: June 07, 2010
Accepted:
December 29,
2009
Received in revised form:
December 15,
2009
Received:
August 25,
2009
Identification
Copyright
© 2010 American Pain Society. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
