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EUROPEAN PARKINSON'S DISEASE ASSOCIATION
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Catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met and the risk of dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease

Catechol-O-methyltransferase Val158Met and the risk of dyskinesias in Parkinson's disease
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Movement Disorders Volume 27 Issue 1

January 2012
de Lau LM, Verbaan D, Marinus J, Heutink P, van Hilten JJ

Background:  The A-allele of the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) Val158Met polymorphism is associated with decreased enzymatic activity and higher dopamine availability.

Methods:  We studied 219 patients with PD who were free of dyskinesias at baseline and underwent thorough annual examinations.

Results:  The A-allele of the COMT Val158Met polymorphism was related to an increased risk of developing dyskinesias during follow-up, in a dose-dependent manner (adjusted hazard ratios for the AG and AA genotypes [compared to GG]: 2.09 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.07–4.06] and 2.81 [CI, 1.43–5.54], respectively).

Conclusions:  This finding suggests that genetic factors may affect susceptibility to dyskinesias in PD.