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Association Between Genetic Polymorphisms and Pain Sensitivity in Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis
Author(s) -
Olesen Anne E.,
Nielsen Lecia M.,
Feddersen Søren,
Erlenwein Joachim,
Petzke Frank,
Przemeck Michael,
Christrup Lona L.,
Drewes Asbjørn M.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
pain practice
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.899
H-Index - 58
eISSN - 1533-2500
pISSN - 1530-7085
DOI - 10.1111/papr.12648
Subject(s) - osteoarthritis , medicine , nociception , chronic pain , allele , physical therapy , gene , pathology , genetics , receptor , alternative medicine , biology
Abstract Background Factors such as age, gender, and genetic polymorphisms may explain individual differences in pain phenotype. Genetic associations with pain sensitivity have previously been investigated in osteoarthritis patients, with a focus on the P2X7, TRPV 1, and TACR 1 genes. However, other genes may play a role as well. Osteoarthritis is a common joint disease, and many patients suffering from this disease are thought to have increased sensitivity to noxious stimuli resulting from sensitization in the nociceptive system. The aim of this study was to investigate if genetic variants of mu, kappa, and delta opioid receptor genes ( OPRM 1, OPRK 1, and OPRD 1 ) and the catechol‐ O ‐methyltransferase gene ( COMT ) influenced the pain phenotype in patients with osteoarthritis. Methods The frequencies of 17 polymorphisms were examined. Pain sensitivity was assessed preoperatively by (1) hip rotation, (2) contact heat stimulation, (3) conditioned pain modulation effect, and (4) pressure stimulation at the tibia in both the affected and the unaffected leg. Results Ninety‐two patients (mean age 66 years) with unilateral hip osteoarthritis were included in the study. Carriage of the OPRM 1 rs589046T allele was found to be associated with increased pain ratings during hip rotation ( P = 0.04) and increased conditioned pain modulation ( P = 0.049). Carriage of the OPRD 1 rs2234918C allele was found to be associated with an increased pain detection threshold to contact heat stimulation ( P = 0.001). No other associations were found (all P > 0.05). Conclusion Results from the present study suggest that, in patients with hip osteoarthritis, genetic variants in OPRM 1 and OPRD 1 may contribute to the pain phenotype.