| Publication Abstract Display | | Type: Published Manuscript | | Title: Impact of the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase VAL158Met Polymorphism on executive functioning in the context of HIV-infection and methamphetamine dependence. | | Authors: Bousman CA, Cherner M, Atkinson JH, Grant I, Tsuang MT, Everall IP | | Year: 2010 | | Publication: Neurobehavioral HIV Medicine | | Volume: Issue: Pages: 1-11 | | Abstract:The catechol-O-methyltransferease (COMT) Val allele has been linked to executive
dysfunction among healthy individuals. The nature of this relationship is unknown in the context
of HIV infection and/or methamphetamine (METH) dependence, two conditions that can
alter dopaminergic system functioning. We sought to determine if the putative relationship
between COMT and executive dysfunction could be observed among individuals with and
without HIV-infection and/or METH dependence, and to explore the specificity of this relationship
by examining other cognitive domains. Utilizing an existing cohort of 229 men with
and without HIV infection and/or METH dependence we found that Met/Met carriers within
the HIV-only and control groups, displayed better executive functioning compared to Val/Val
and Val/Met carriers. However, this effect was attenuated in the METH-only and comorbid
(ie, HIV+/METH+) groups. Examination of other neurocognitive domains were not consistent
with effects found for executive functioning. Results support the presumed neuroprotective effect
of Met/Met genotype on executive functioning among HIV-only and control groups. Among
METH-only and comorbid groups, the slower rate of dopamine clearance conferred by the
Met/Met genotype may increase the risk of adverse effects of METH, resulting in comparable
executive dysfunction to that of Val allele carriers. |
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