COMT GENE Mutations, Symptoms & Treatment Explained (Catechol o Methyltransferase)

Summary

Dr. Janelle Sinclair discusses the COMT gene mutation's impact on mental health, linking it to conditions like depression, anxiety, and insomnia. She explains how the gene's variants affect dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline levels, and the consequent symptoms. The video offers dietary, lifestyle, and supplement recommendations to support COMT enzyme activity, emphasizing the benefits of being heterozygous for the gene. Tailored advice is provided for individuals with different COMT genotypes, including stress management and the use of supplements like magnesium and adaptogenic herbs.

Takeaways

• 🧬 The COMT gene encodes for an enzyme that breaks down catecholamines (dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline) and the estrogen hormone.
• 🧠 Dopamine is associated with reward and pleasure, while noradrenaline and adrenaline are stress hormones linked to the fight-or-flight response.
• 🔍 Variants in the COMT gene, particularly Val158Met, can be linked to mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and bipolar disorder.
• 🧬 Having two normal copies of the COMT gene can lead to fast breakdown of neurotransmitters, potentially causing low dopamine levels and symptoms like depression and fatigue.
• 🧬 Conversely, having two copies of the 'weak' genetic variant can slow down the breakdown of neurotransmitters, leading to high levels and symptoms like anxiety and insomnia.
• 🥗 For those with fast COMT activity, consuming green tea, coffee, and ensuring adequate protein intake can help balance neurotransmitter levels.
• 🏋️‍♀️ Exercise is recommended to stimulate endorphin and adrenaline production, aiding in balancing neurotransmitter levels.
• 💊 Supplements like EGCG (green tea extract), L-tyrosine, and mucuna can help increase dopamine levels in individuals with fast COMT activity.
• 🧘‍♀️ Stress management techniques such as diaphragm breathing, mindfulness, and maintaining a balanced lifestyle are crucial for those with slow COMT activity.
• 🚫 Reducing exposure to phenols found in cleaning products and certain foods can help support COMT enzyme activity in individuals with slow enzyme activity.

Q & A

What does COMT stand for and what does it do?

COMT stands for catechol-O-methyltransferase, and it is an enzyme encoded by the COMT gene that breaks down catecholamines such as dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline, as well as the estrogen hormone.

Which neurotransmitters are affected by the COMT gene?

The neurotransmitters affected by the COMT gene include dopamine, noradrenaline, and adrenaline.

What are the potential mental health conditions associated with COMT gene mutations?

Mutations in the COMT gene have been linked to conditions such as depression, anxiety, autism, panic disorder, and bipolar disorder.

What is the most well-researched genetic variant of the COMT gene?

The most well-researched genetic variant of the COMT gene is the Val158Met or COMT Val/Met polymorphism.

How does the Val158Met polymorphism affect the COMT enzyme?

The Val158Met polymorphism affects the COMT enzyme's activity. The Val variant results in faster enzyme activity, while the Met variant results in slower enzyme activity.

What are the symptoms of low dopamine levels associated with the COMT gene?

Symptoms of low dopamine levels associated with the COMT gene include a lack of interest in life, decreased motivation, depression, inability to feel pleasure, fatigue, impaired concentration, poor memory, and Parkinson's disease.

What lifestyle changes can help support COMT enzyme activity if you have a genetic weakness?

Lifestyle changes that can support COMT enzyme activity include stress management, avoiding phenols in cleaning products and certain foods, and ensuring a balanced diet with adequate protein intake.

What supplements are suggested for individuals with a genetic weakness in the COMT gene?

Supplements that may help support individuals with a genetic weakness in the COMT gene include green tea extract (EGCG), L-tyrosine, mucuna, magnesium, vitamin C, adaptogenic herbs, and phosphatidylserine.

Why is it important to be cautious with methylation supplements if you have a slow COMT enzyme?

Being cautious with methylation supplements is important because they can increase dopamine levels, which can exacerbate symptoms if you have a slow COMT enzyme and are already struggling with high levels of neurotransmitters.

What is the significance of being heterozygous for the COMT gene?

Being heterozygous for the COMT gene is considered ideal as it provides an intermediate level of dopamine and noradrenaline, which can be beneficial for maintaining a balance between too much or too little neurotransmitter activity.