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The placebo effect was examined in 104 patients with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Those with a particular version of the COMT gene saw the greatest improvements in their health after placebo acupuncture.
Source: BBC News - Placebo effect may be 'down to genes'
The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene, which determines levels of dopamine in the brain's prefrontal cortex, is linked to differences in reward-seeking and pain perception. People with the high-dopamine version of this COMT gene feel pain more acutely and seek rewards more strongly than those who have the low-dopamine version.
People with the high-dopamine allele of the gene may do well on the placebo with the nurturing treatment because they are generally more attuned to their environments.
Source: Placebo Effect May Be In the Genes | LiveScience
One or more met alleles in the COMT gene acts to increase levels of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex. This study found that the more met alleles you have, the more you respond to the placebo effect:
• Patients who had two copies of the met allele (met/met) in their COMT gene showed the greatest improvements in their IBS symptoms.
• Patients with one copy of the met allele (val/met), had an intermediate response.
• Patients carrying no copies of the met allele, and two copies of the val allele (val/val), showed the least improvements in their IBS symptoms.
Source: Placebo Effect Linked to Dopamine-Clearing Enzyme
Published paper:
Catechol-O-Methyltransferase val158met Polymorphism Predicts Placebo Effect in Irritable Bowel Syndrome
Source: BBC News - Placebo effect may be 'down to genes'
The catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene, which determines levels of dopamine in the brain's prefrontal cortex, is linked to differences in reward-seeking and pain perception. People with the high-dopamine version of this COMT gene feel pain more acutely and seek rewards more strongly than those who have the low-dopamine version.
People with the high-dopamine allele of the gene may do well on the placebo with the nurturing treatment because they are generally more attuned to their environments.
Source: Placebo Effect May Be In the Genes | LiveScience
One or more met alleles in the COMT gene acts to increase levels of dopamine in the prefrontal cortex. This study found that the more met alleles you have, the more you respond to the placebo effect:
• Patients who had two copies of the met allele (met/met) in their COMT gene showed the greatest improvements in their IBS symptoms.
• Patients with one copy of the met allele (val/met), had an intermediate response.
• Patients carrying no copies of the met allele, and two copies of the val allele (val/val), showed the least improvements in their IBS symptoms.
Source: Placebo Effect Linked to Dopamine-Clearing Enzyme
Published paper:
Catechol-O-Methyltransferase val158met Polymorphism Predicts Placebo Effect in Irritable Bowel Syndrome