Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Polymorphism Influences Outcome After Ischemic Stroke: A Prospective Double-Blind Study. (July 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Liepert, Joachim; Heller, Andreas; Behnisch, Gusalija; Schoenfeld, Ariel
• Is Part Of: Neurorehabilitation & neural repair. Volume 27:Number 6(2013)
• Page Start: 491
• Page End: 496
• Publication Date: 2013-07
• Subjects: stroke -- rehabilitation -- genetics -- COMT polymorphism; Nervous system -- Diseases -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Brain damage -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Spinal cord -- Wounds and injuries -- Patients -- Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Nervous system -- Regeneration -- Periodicals; Neuroplasticity -- Periodicals; 616.804305
• DOI: 10.1177/1545968313481282
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1545-9683

Abstract

Background . To explore whether a polymorphism in dopamine metabolism influences the effectiveness of neurological rehabilitation and the outcome after ischemic stroke. Methods . The Barthel Index (BI) and the Rivermead Motor Assessment (RMA) were assessed in 78 moderately affected stroke patients (1) after they had entered a neurological inpatient rehabilitation, (2) after 4 weeks of rehabilitation therapy, and (3) 6 months later. Polymorphisms of the gene encoding catechol- O -methyltransferase (COMT) were determined. BI and RMA results were analyzed with respect to the genetic profiles of COMT. Results . Carriers of COMT Val/Val alleles showed better results in BI and RMA than COMT Met/Met carriers at all 3 time points. Val/Met carriers exhibited results in between the homozygotes, suggesting a gene–dose relationship. Altogether, BI and RMA results were highly correlated. Conclusion . Stroke patients with COMT Val/Val alleles had higher motor functions and abilities of activities of daily living even at the beginning of the rehabilitation period. All patient groups improved during the rehabilitation period to a similar degree, suggesting that physical therapy is comparably effective in all polymorphism subtypes.