Association between executive functions and COMT Val108/158Met polymorphism among healthy younger and older adults: A preliminary study

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0303343
• Publication Date: 2024-05-13T17:31:15Z
• Authors: Zoltan Apa; Jessica Gilsoul; Vinciane Dideberg; Fabienne Collette
• Keywords: Male; Adult; Aging; Genotype; Science; Q; R; Middle Aged; Catechol O-Methyltransferase; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; Executive Function; Young Adult; Medicine; Humans; Female; Alleles; Research Article; Aged

Background and objectives Genetic variability in the dopaminergic system could contribute to age-related impairments executive control. In this study, we examined whether genetic polymorphism for catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT Val 158 Met) is related performance on updating, shifting inhibition tasks. Methods We administered a battery of tasks assessing functions 45 older 55 younger healthy participants, created composite z-scores associated each function. Six groups were based alleles (Val/Val, Val/Met, Met/Met) derived from COMT gene age (younger, older). Age genotype effects assessed with t -test ANOVA (p<0.05). Results A lower was observed group three processes, more particularly inhibition. Moreover, participants homozygous allele have comparison Val/Val. Conclusions These results confirm presence decrease aging. With regard effect, seem disadvantaged when they baseline dopamine level (i.e., Val/Val homozygous) that magnified by aging, measure emphasize need stable representations (as task requiring maintain active instruction not perform an automated process).