The catechol O-methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphism is not associated with broad-based cognitive functioning in schizophrenia.
BACKGROUND
A valine/methionine polymorphism of the catechol O-methyltransferase gene at the nucleotide which encodes amino acid val or met at position 158 in the protein (COMT Val158Met polymorphism) has been associated with deficits in executive functioning in schizophrenia in some studies. The association between the COMT polymorphism and other cognitive domains has been the focus of only limited investigation.


METHODS
We measured COMT Val158Met genotypes in N=364 individuals with schizophrenia. Cognitive functioning was assessed with the Repeatable Battery for the Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (RBANS). We employed univariate and multivariate analyses of variance to determine the association between COMT genotypes and the RBANS index and individual test scores.


RESULTS
There was no significant association between the COMT Val158Met genotypes and any of the RBANS index or individual test scores measured in either univariate or multivariate analyses (all p>.3).


CONCLUSIONS
Based on the results in our sample, the catechol O-methyltransferase Val158Met polymorphism is not associated with broad-based cognitive functioning in schizophrenia.
Dickerson
Faith B
FB
Stanley Research Program at Sheppard Pratt, Sheppard Pratt Health System, Baltimore, MD 21204, USA. fdickerson@sheppardpratt.org
Boronow
John J
JJ
Stallings
Cassie
C
Origoni
Andrea E
AE
Sullens
Anne
A
Yolken
Robert H
RH
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019943:Amino Acid Substitution; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002394:Catechol O-Methyltransferase / Q000235:genetics*; D003071:Cognition / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008715:Methionine; D008875:Middle Aged; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D012559:Schizophrenia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000235:genetics*; D012565:Schizophrenic Psychology; D014633:Valine
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents; D008715:Methionine; D002394:Catechol O-Methyltransferase; D014633:Valine