Catechol-O-methyltransferase polymorphism Val158Met is associated with distal neuropathic pain in HIV-associated sensory neuropathy.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Many of those aging with HIV suffer from distal neuropathic pain (DNP) due to HIV-associated sensory neuropathy (HIV-SN). Prior studies have linked chronic pain conditions to a variant of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), ValMet. This variant confers reduced enzymatic activity and results in higher synaptic dopamine levels. Here we examined the role of ValMet as a predictor of DNP in HIV-SN.

Methods

In 1044 HIV-infected individuals enrolled in CNS HIV Antiretroviral Therapy Effects Research, an observational study across six US institutions, we characterized the relationship between ValMet and DNP in HIV-SN. Participants underwent neurologic examination and genotyping. Stratification into genetic ancestry groups was employed to eliminate bias due to genetic

SUBMITTER: Xu J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7380251 | biostudies-literature | 2019 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature