How does COMT affect dopamine?

The catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) enzyme degrades catecholamines, including dopamine. A single nucleotide polymorphism in the human COMT gene (Val158) increases the thermostability of the enzyme—thereby increasing its level of activity compared to the 158Met allele (Chen et al. 2004).

Does COMT degrade dopamine?

Catechol-O-methyl-transferase (COMT) is an enzyme responsible for the degradation of catecholamines, such as dopamine and norepinephrine.

What is the COMT gene and how does it affect your health?

The COMT gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called catechol-O-methyltransferase. An estimated 20-30\% of Caucasians of European ancestry have a COMT gene variation which limits the body’s ability to remove catechols (a specific type of molecule that includes dopamine, norepinephrine, estrogen, etc.)

What are the primary functions of the COMT gene?

Normal Function The COMT gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called catechol-O-methyltransferase. Two versions of this enzyme are made from the gene. The longer form, called membrane-bound catechol-O-methyltransferase (MB-COMT), is chiefly produced by nerve cells in the brain.

What is the role of COMT?

COMT is involved in catabolizing catecholamines such as dopamine. These neurotransmitters appear to be involved in regulating mood which can contribute to aggression. The most common gene variant studied in the COMT gene is the Valine (Val) to Methionine (Met) substitution at codon 158.

How is COMT mutation treated?

If you have the COMT Val/Val variant you may benefit from being treated with stimulants, and by including flavonoids (red wine, berries, apples), and Quercetin (red wine, berries, cherries, leafy veggies) in your diet.

What is a COMT test?

Reason for Medical Referral — The COMT Genetic Test assesses the genotype for six variants that are associated with reduced activity of the encoded enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase.

What do COMT inhibitors do?

The COMT inhibitors, tolcapone and entacapone, are a new class of Parkinson’s medications. By inhibiting the enzyme catechol-o-methyl-transferase (COMT), they prevent peripheral degradation of levodopa, allowing a higher concentration to cross the blood-brain barrier.

Do we all have COMT gene?

How do COMT inhibitors work?

COMT (catechol-o-methyl transferase) inhibitors are a class of medications that doctors use in combination with levodopa to treat the motor symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. COMT inhibitors work by blocking the action of enzymes that break down levodopa, to extend the time of levodopa activity.