Pathways & Major Influences
When it comes to COMT and MAO, both influence the neurotransmitter pathways for dopamine and serotonin, albeit to different extents. MAO has a more direct influence on serotonin compared to COMT. Both MAO and COMT affect dopamine and adrenaline pathways.
Serotonin is responsible for well-being, happiness, memory, and appetite. Its levels are influenced by factors beyond just MAO-A, including gender, estrogen fluctuations, chronic stress, antibiotic use, general gut health, COMT function, and serotonin transportation and receptor genes. Low serotonin levels can lead to depression, lack of ambition, and difficulty finding pleasure in life. Dysregulated serotonin can cause IBS, mania, OCD, and drug-induced serotonin syndrome.
Dopamine acts on areas of the brain to provide feelings of pleasure, satisfaction, and motivation. It also plays a role in controlling memory, mood, sleep, learning, concentration, movement, and other body functions. Imbalances in dopamine can lead to various health issues, from serious conditions like Parkinson’s disease to less severe ones.
While serotonin is connected to happiness and mood, dopamine is associated with feelings of reward and motivation. These two neurotransmitters, though similar, work differently. Their balance is crucial as they sometimes collaborate and, at other times, inhibit each other. Low levels of either hormone can contribute to mental health conditions.
Epinephrine (adrenaline), norepinephrine, and dopamine make up a small but significant hormone family called catecholamines. Epinephrine and norepinephrine are key to the “fight-or-flight” response.
Genotypes of Relevance
Having AA alleles on the COMT v158m gene SNP makes individuals more prone to stress, often termed ‘worriers.’ In these individuals, lower COMT levels result in higher dopamine, making stress management difficult. Conversely, those with GG alleles perform better under stress and show more aggression, earning the term ‘warriors.’
For MAO rs6323, the GG genotype reduces expression, referred to as high activity, and is associated with lower levels of brain neurotransmitters like serotonin. This G allele is the ‘non-warrior’ allele, linked to anxiety, low mood, and some mood disorders. The TT genotype increases expression, known as slow activity, associated with higher serotonin levels. This ‘warrior’ allele is linked to increased stress sensitivity and aggression but a lower risk of alcoholism.
Interpretation of Results: Warrior vs. Worrier – How to Use These Results?
While the genotypes for these two genes indicate predispositions, the overall situation depends on current factors like estrogen levels and other influences on serotonin and dopamine levels. For instance, MAO activity can be disrupted by high estrogen levels, constipation, antibiotics, certain medications, and vitamin deficiencies. Cognitive performance in individuals with wild-type COMT can be enhanced if dopamine and adrenaline levels are higher for other reasons.
Nutrients like fiber, B6, B2, and magnesium are crucial for improving the slow activity of MAO. Depending on the intake and levels of these nutrients, the effect of this genotype can vary. The wild-type genotype for COMT is influenced by factors such as catecholamine intake, meditation, balanced blood sugar, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and high-intensity exercise. Therefore, the impact of COMT fast activity can also vary depending on the patient’s current state.
Considering that COMT and MAO can work synergistically and can compensate for each other, it’s important to consider both genetic results and other influencing factors to get a comprehensive picture of the patient’s mental well-being.
