Impact of the Val108/158Met nucleotide polymorphism of the COMT gene on executive functions in aging

• DOI: 10.31234/osf.io/ewu54
• Publication Date: 2023-07-02T05:00:34Z
• Authors: Zoltan Apa; Jessica Gilsoul; Vinciane Dideberg; Fabienne Collette
• Keywords: Cognitive Neuroscience; 16. Peace & justice; Neuroscience

Background and objective. 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 Val158Met) is related performance on updating, shifting inhibition tasks. Method. 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 Val allele have comparison Val/Val. Discussion. 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).