What does the Catechol-O-Methyltransferase V158M Polymorphism test measure?

Why is Catechol-O-Methyltransferase V158M Polymorphism measured?

Met/Met individuals exhibit higher synaptic dopamine and may show enhanced cognitive performance under baseline conditions but reduced stress resilience. Val/Val is associated with faster catecholamine clearance and has been linked to lower pain sensitivity and higher stress tolerance. The variant also influences oestrogen metabolism, with slower COMT activity theoretically favouring accumulation of catechol oestrogens, though clinical significance for breast or endometrial disease is unproven. Genotype is explored in functional psychiatry and pain medicine but is not a standalone diagnostic or treatment determinant.

Reference ranges

Standard reference

Wild-type (GG, Val/Val), heterozygous (AG, Val/Met), variant (AA, Met/Met)

Functional medicine optimal

Not applicable (categorical genotype). Biochemical impact is context-dependent and modified by diet, stress, and other methylation-pathway variants.

Units

genotype

Reference ranges vary by laboratory and assay platform. Interpret in context of the issuing laboratory's stated range.