Background: The COMT gene encodes the enzyme catechol-O-methyltransferase, which is a key modulator of dopaminergic and adrenergic neurotransmission. Hip osteoarthritis is accompanied by reduced mobility and some level of disability. In our study, we analyzed the association between some COMT gene polymorphisms and reduced mobility in patients after total hip replacement (THR).
Methods: The operative procedures were performed on 195 patients with symptomatic and radiologically advanced hip osteoarthritis. In the postoperative follow-up, we assessed hip function with the Harris Hip Score (HHS) and the degree of disability with the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). These procedures were repeated three times at defined intervals (one week, six weeks, and six months) after the total hip replacement. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood. SNPs in the COMT genes rs4680:A>G, rs6269:A>G, rs4633:C>T, and rs4818:C>G were genotyped.
Results: Our findings suggest an association between COMT gene variability and the level of disability measured by the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) in patients after total hip replacement (THR).
Conclusions: A higher number of COMT G alleles (rs4818) is an independent factor in a significant reduction in disability degree at both one week and six months after total hip replacement (THR), regardless of age or gender.
Keywords: COMT gene polymorphism; disability; total hip replacement.