Posted by linkadge on June 26, 2020, at 18:53:17
In reply to Re: COMT gene, posted by SLS on June 23, 2020, at 12:05:27
Yes, COMT metabolizes (or aids in the metabolism) of norepinephrine and dopamine. Some natural products are COMT inhibitors (i.e. quercetin) and this may be part of their antidepressant effects. I've read reports that COMT inhibitors have antidepressant effects (at least in animal models) but I don't think there have been any serious trials for them in humans. Entacapone (a COMT inhibitor) is used in Parkinson's to increase the effects of L-dopa. I don't know how COMT inhibitors compare to selegiline in terms of their Anti-Parkinsons' effects. I understand that low COMT is associated with more adverse reactions to marihuana (possibly by prolonging the dopamine effects). I've also read that certain variants of the COMT gene is associated with a better response to antidepressants (although I can't recall if it is the high or the low acting variants). Lower COMT is also associated with better prefrontal cortex function (on certain cognitive tests). It is interesting that this major pathways is largely unexplored in the treatment of mental health disorders. Perhaps this is because such inhibitors don't raise serotonin levels. That being said, I have never heard of a COMT inhibitor having abuse potential. I think some variants of COMT are associated with breast cancer risk. I think COMT also metabolizes (or interacts with) certain hormones.
Linkadge
poster:linkadge
thread:1110974
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/20200511/msgs/1111030.html