Association study of the low-activity allele of catechol-O-methyltransferase and alcoholism using a family-based approach

Mol Psychiatry. 2001 Jan;6(1):109-11. doi: 10.1038/sj.mp.4000803.

Abstract

Catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is a major component of the metabolic pathways of neurotransmitters such as dopamine, adrenaline, and noradrenaline. The activity of COMT is known to vary within the population; it exists in common high- and low-activity forms that are determined by a Val --> Met polymorphism at amino acid position 108/158 (in soluble or membrane-bound COMT). Recently, the low-activity allele was reported to contribute to the development of late-onset alcoholism in men. The present study extends this study by utilizing a family-based association approach, and by including individuals with early-onset alcoholism. Although no significant transmission disequilibrium was found in the overall sample of 70 parent/offspring trios (TDT = 1.43, P = 0.23), we observed a preferential transmission of the low-activity allele to patients with an early onset of disease (n = 32, TDT = 4.83, P = 0.028). Our results provide further evidence for an involvement of the COMT low-activity allele in the development of alcoholism and demonstrate the need for further studies in large samples of alcoholic patients.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Age of Onset
  • Alcoholism / genetics*
  • Alleles
  • Brain / enzymology
  • Catechol O-Methyltransferase / genetics*
  • Family Health*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

Substances

  • Catechol O-Methyltransferase