gch1 Gene for Pain
New research has found an association between pain and a gene encoding the enzyme GTP cyclohydrolase (GCH1). In a a study of people who’ve undergone back surgery to remove a damaged disk:
- Those with one copy of a gch1 variant–30 percent of the total–reported less frequent pain after surgery.
- Three percent of those studied had two copies of the variant and were at even lower risk for chronic pain.
People with one or two copies of the gch1 gene variant associated with less pain were also less sensitive to pinches, heat, and pressure.
I can imagine many people who’d be interested in gene therapy for dampening the effects of genes related to pain. On the other hand, some degree of pain is an important warning system for us to stay away from danger. As the Dalai Lama said,
[Pain] is a remarkable, elegant, and sophisticated biological system that warns us of damage to our body and thus protects us. …it is the feeling of unpleasantness that galvanizes and compels the entire organism to attend and act. It also sears the experience into the memory and serves to protect us in the future.
For a personal perspective on chronic pain, visit Chronic Pain Lifestyle.
Scientific American, October 23, 2006
Technorati Tags: pain, chronic pain, gch1, genetics, genes, dna, diseases, illness, health
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POSTED IN: Genetics of Disease
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1 opinion for gch1 Gene for Pain
Lord Matt
Dec 11, 2006 at 7:01 pm
I learn something new everyday. I had no idea there could be a connection. Cheers.
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