Treatment for COMT gene

     Homozygous Valine (Val/Val) allele carriers have lower dopamine levels. Increasing certain aminoacids without proper balance of all neurotransmitters may result in increased cognitive symptoms.

-L-Tyrosine is an amino acid and a precursor to dopamine.  Dopamine precursors may be supportive of dopamine production; however, Ltyrosine’s use in the treatment of individuals with the Val/Val genotype is theoretical as there have been no studies performed validating its effectiveness.

-COMT polymorphisms, specifically Val/Val homozygotes, may influence the plasma levels of homocysteine. Individuals with high levels of homocysteine may benefit from supplementation with melatonin, which may lower homocysteine.

-Active B Complex vitamins are associated with the proper methylation of enzymes throughout the body and may lower homocysteine, while high levels of homocysteine are associated with cognitive impairment.

-Green tea may suppress COMT function, increase dopamine release, and suppress the production of reactive oxygen species, thereby inhibiting inflammatory responses.

Additionally, intake of caffeine may support dopamine neurotransmission in conditions with dopamine deficiency.

-A small study in elderly adults found that increasing unsaturated fatty acids along with caloric restriction modulates cognition in homozygous (Val/Val) allele carriers. A small study in elderly adults found that physical activity improves cognition in homozygous (Val/Val) allele carriers.

References

Masurier M et al. Effect of Acute Tyrosine Depletion in Using a Branched Chain Amino-Acid Mixture on Dopamine Neurotransmission in the Rat Brain. Neuropsychopharmacology. 2006; 31(2):310-317.

Fernstrom HD and MH Fernstrom. Tyrosine, Phenylalanine, and Catecholamine Synthesis and Function in the Brain. J. Nutr. 2007; 137(6):1539S1547S.

Tunbridge E et al. Polymorphisms in the catechol O methyltransferase (COMT) gene influence plasma total homocysteine levels. American Journal of Medical Genetics Part B: Neuropsychiatric Genetics 147.6 (2008):996-999.

Paul R and A. Borah. The potential physiological crosstalk and interrelationship between two Sovereign endogenous amines, melatonin and homocysteine. Life Sci. 2015; 139:97-107. Haan M et al. Homocysteine, B vitamins, and the incidence of dementia and cognitive impairment: Results from the Sacramento Area Latino Study on Aging. Am J Clin Nutr. 2007; 85(2):511-517.

Smith A et al. Homocysteine-lowering by B vitamins slows the rate of accelerated brain atrophy in mild cognitive impairment: A randomized controlled trial. PLoS One. 2010; 5(9):1-10.

Mitchell E et al. B vitamin polymorphisms and behavior: Evidence of associations with neurodevelopment, depression, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and cognitive decline. Neurosci Biobehav Rev. 2014; 47:307-320.

Kennedy D et al. Effects of high-dose B vitamin complex with vitamin C and minerals on subjective mood and performance in healthy males. Psychopharmacology (Berl). 2010; 211(1):55-68.

Hursel R et al. The Role of Catechol-o-Methyl Transferase Val (108/158) MET Polymophism (rs4680) in the effect of Green Tea on Resting Energy Expenditure and Fat Oxidation: A Pilot Study. 2014; 9(9): e106220.

Lorenz M et al. The activity of catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) is not impaired by high doses of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) in vivo. Eur J Pharmacol. 2014; 740: 645-651.

Kang K et al. Beneficial effects of natural phenolics on levodopa methylation and oxidative neurodegeneration. Brain Res. 2013; 1497:1-14.

Kang K et al. Dual beneficial effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate on levodopa methylation and hippocampal neurodegeneration: In vitro and in vivo studies. PLoS One. 2010; 5(8): e11951.

Voelcker-Rehage C et al. COMT gene polymorphisms, cognitive performance, and physical fitness in older adults.Psychol Sport Exerc. 2015; 20:20-28.