The COMT gene, or Catechol-O-methyltransferase gene, holds the instructions for creating an enzyme of the same name. This enzyme is a component in the management of specific hormones and brain chemicals that influence our body’s functions. The primary role of the COMT enzyme is to help break down these chemical messengers, ensuring they are maintained at appropriate levels.
The Role of the COMT Enzyme
The COMT enzyme functions as a metabolic regulator, primarily tasked with the breakdown of chemicals known as catecholamines. These chemicals include dopamine, which is associated with reward and focus; norepinephrine, which governs alertness; and epinephrine, also known as adrenaline. The enzyme works by adding a methyl group to these molecules, a process called methylation, which deactivates them. This cleanup process is especially important in the prefrontal cortex, a brain region with fewer dopamine transporters, making COMT a main player in managing dopamine levels there.
Two main forms of the COMT enzyme exist. The longer version, membrane-bound COMT (MB-COMT), is mostly found in the nerve cells of the brain. A shorter, soluble form (S-COMT) is produced in other tissues like the liver and kidneys, where it helps regulate hormone levels. By managing the levels of these neurochemicals, the COMT enzyme helps maintain a balance required for cognitive processes and emotional regulation.
Common COMT Gene Variations
Variations within the COMT gene can alter the efficiency of the enzyme it produces. These genetic differences are often the result of a Single Nucleotide Polymorphism, or SNP, which is a change in a single building block of DNA. The most researched COMT SNP is Val158Met (also known as rs4680), which involves a change from the amino acid valine (Val) to methionine (Met) at position 158 of the enzyme.
This single change gives rise to three distinct genotypes, each with a different rate of enzyme activity. Individuals with the Val/Val genotype possess a “fast” version of the enzyme, breaking down catecholamines efficiently. Those with the Met/Met genotype have a “slow” version, which metabolizes these chemicals about three to four times slower than the fast version.
A third genotype, Val/Met, is the “intermediate” version, with an enzyme activity level that falls between the fast and slow types. These labels refer to the speed at which the COMT enzyme clears catecholamines from the system. It’s estimated that 20-30% of Caucasians of European ancestry have the “slow” Met/Met variation.
Health Conditions Associated with COMT Variations
The speed of the COMT enzyme can create predispositions toward certain health patterns, though it is not a determinant of health outcomes. For individuals with the “slow” Met/Met genotype, the reduced clearance of catecholamines leads to higher baseline levels of dopamine. This can be associated with heightened anxiety, increased sensitivity to stress, and altered pain perception. Because stress hormones are also catecholamines, a slower breakdown can mean that stressful feelings last longer.
The COMT enzyme also plays a role in metabolizing estrogen. Slower COMT function can lead to a buildup of certain estrogen metabolites, which may contribute to conditions related to estrogen dominance, such as hormonal imbalances.
Conversely, individuals with the “fast” Val/Val genotype clear catecholamines rapidly, resulting in lower baseline dopamine levels. This can be associated with a greater need for external stimulation and reward-seeking behaviors. This variation may be linked to challenges with focus, motivation, and in some cases, impulsivity. These genetic tendencies interact with environmental factors and lifestyle, influencing an individual’s overall health profile.
Lifestyle and Dietary Considerations
Lifestyle and dietary choices can help support the body’s processes related to COMT function. For those with a “slow” COMT (Met/Met) genotype, strategies focus on managing stress and supporting the enzyme’s activity. Stress management techniques like mindfulness and meditation can be beneficial, as stress hormones are cleared more slowly.
Ensuring an adequate intake of nutrients that act as cofactors for the COMT enzyme is also supportive. These include:
- Magnesium
- Vitamin B2
- Vitamin B6
- Vitamin B9
- Vitamin B12
Some individuals with slow COMT may be mindful of substances that can inhibit the enzyme’s function, like high-dose catechins from green tea extract or the flavonoid quercetin. Supporting liver health with foods like cruciferous vegetables may help with the clearance of excess estrogen.
For those with a “fast” COMT (Val/Val) genotype, the focus may shift to supporting the production of dopamine. Consuming a diet with adequate protein rich in the amino acid tyrosine, a building block for dopamine, can be helpful. Foods like poultry, fish, and beans are sources of these amino acids. While calming activities like yoga may suit slow COMT types, more intense workouts might help boost dopamine for those with fast COMT.