%0 Journal Article
%T Catechol-O-Methyl Transferase (COMT) Enzyme Gene Variations in Patients with Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Clinical Chart Review
%A Mark W. Morningstar
%A Megan N. Strauchman
%A Clayton J. Stitzel
%A Brian Dovorany
%A Aatif Siddiqui
%J Open Journal of Genetics
%P 35-41
%@ 2162-4461
%D 2018
%I Scientific Research Publishing
%R 10.4236/ojgen.2018.83004
%X The effects of genomic variations and their
associations with idiopathic scoliosis have been the discussion of many
research trials. Previous investigations into catechol-o-methyl transferase
(COMT) have identified its importance in dopamine and estrogen metabolism.
While many genetic influences on idiopathic scoliosis have been observed, there
has been no report of any relationship between COMT mutations and idiopathic
scoliosis. The present study compared two groups of patients who received COMT
genetic testing. The first group had a history of idiopathic scoliosis, while
the other served as a non-scoliotic control group. The scoliosis group showed a
positive COMT mutation in 33 out of 58 patients, while the control group showed
22/58 (P < 0.05). The homozygous genotype Met/Met occurred significantly
more frequently in the scoliosis group. The increased incidence of COMT defects
in the current scoliosis patient group warrants further study into how COMT
variations may relate to the development or progression of idiopathic
scoliosis.
%K Enzyme
%K Genetics
%K Genomics
%K Neurotransmitters
%K Scoliosis
%U http://www.scirp.org/journal/PaperInformation.aspx?PaperID=85955