What is MAO and COMT?

MAO-B and COMT are both enzymes involved in dopamine breakdown and metabolism. Inhibitors of these enzymes are used in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

Is COMT and MAO inhibitors used in PD?

Because COMT inhibitors and non-selective MAO-B (monoamine oxidase-B) inhibitors work in similar ways, they should not be taken at the same time. COMT inhibitors may be used along with selective MAO-B inhibitors, such as: Safinamide (Xadago®)

Is COMT a monoamine?

Two major enzymes are responsible for catecholamine catabolism in the brain: catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) and monoamine oxidase A (MAOA).

What is the role of COMT and MAO in the breakdown of catecholamines and other amino acids?

While reuptake of catecholamines plays an important role in regulating their synaptic levels, metabolism also contributes significantly to the termination of catecholamine neurotransmission. Either monoamine oxidase A (MAO) or catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) can catalyze the first step in catecholamine catabolism.

Which drug is COMT resistant?

COMT Inhibitors

What is MAO activity?

Several lines of evidence indicate that monoamine oxidase (MAO) activity can regulate levels of biogenic amines and neuronal activity in the nervous system. MAO activity can also be measured in peripheral tissues: MAO-A in cultured skin fibroblasts and placenta, and MAO-B in platelets and lymphocytes.

What does COMT stand for?

Catechol-O-methyl-transferase (COMT) is an enzyme responsible for the degradation of catecholamines, such as dopamine and norepinephrine.

What does COMT do in the body?

What is the role of COMT?

COMT is involved in catabolizing catecholamines such as dopamine. These neurotransmitters appear to be involved in regulating mood which can contribute to aggression. The most common gene variant studied in the COMT gene is the Valine (Val) to Methionine (Met) substitution at codon 158.

What is the function of COMT?

What are the 4 monoamines?

Monoamines refer to the particular neurotransmitters dopamine, noradrenaline and serotonin. Dopamine and noradrenaline are sometimes also referred to as catecholamines.

Is Xanax a MAO inhibitor?

Lexapro is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) drug while Xanax is a benzodiazepine….Drug interactions of Lexapro vs. Xanax.

Is there a link between MAOB and COMT?

The results of the study suggest that patients with COMT(L/L) genotype and possibly MAOB genotype A may benefit from more efficient and safer levodopa therapy. The results of the study suggest that patients with COMT(L/L) genotype and possibly MAOB genotype A may benefit from more efficient and safer levodopa therapy.

How does COMT work in relation to dopamine?

COMT will alter L-dopa by adding a methyl group, which effectively prevents it from ever becoming dopamine. COMT can also be utilized in combination with monoamine oxidase (MAO), another enzyme, to degrade dopamine through a different pathway.

Can you take same and malate for COMT + +?

For those with a COMT ++ (someone with a double allele defect) who are experiencing anxiety and insomnia – If you take a small amount of SAMe and increased magnesium (malate or glycinate) they may see a drastic improvement, however don’t do this without consulting with Dr. Conners.

Is the COMT v158m polymorphism a homozygous polymorphism?

A 2015 study published in Sleep Medicine Reviews highlights the fact that that 30% of people are homozygous (+/+) and 50% are heterozygous (+/-) for the COMT V158M allele. Amazingly, the same research article also revealed that the COMT V158M polymorphism slows down the COMT system by 300%!