High frequency of the 472AA COMT (Val158) homozygous genotype of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene in children with irritable bowel syndrome

Following the biopsychosocial model of medicine, pathophysiological basis irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) is a combination biological, psychoemotional, and psychosocial factors, contribution each them to development this disorder remains unclear. Psychoemotinal which are involved in pathogenesis IBS, caused not only by environment but also metabolism catecholamines, particularly functional activity catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT). Purpose - determine role Val158Met COMT polymorphism IBS children; identify associations between genotype clinical variant nature provoking factor. Materials methods. The material for molecular genetic study were DNA samples obtained from nuclear cells venous blood 54 patients aged 6-12 years with diagnosed IBS. In 48 practically healthy children same age isolated buccal epithelial cells. Molecular single nucleotide rs4680 gene was performed polymerase chain reaction followed analysis restriction fragment length polymorphism. Microsoft Excel 2016 GraphPad Prism 5 software used statistical analysis. Results. We have revealed significant differences distribution genotypes comparison control group. There established that 472GА more prevalent has protective contrast, homozygous 472GG 472AA, associated changes enzyme COMT, may be considered as risk factors (p≤0.0001). Conclusions. Genotype 472АА mostly detected сhildren stress-associated related dysnociception, disorders cognition, emotional disturbances. higher prevalence 472GA heterozygotes among postinfectious antibiotic therapy indicates less important psychoemotional component nociceptive onset (p=0.03). research carried out accordance principles Helsinki Declaration. protocol approved Local Ethics Committee all participating institutions. informed consent patient conducting studies. No conflict interests declared authors.