A whole host of personal traits are determined in part by your DNA. One of these is your susceptibility to pain and stress. This personal trait is linked to a specific variation in the COMT gene. In addition, a link has been suggested between this gene and the efficacy of opioid painkillers.
Susceptibility to pain and stress and heredity
Genetic variations in the COMT gene can cause the enzyme COMT to function more quickly or more slowly. People with a slow-acting enzyme are often characterised as a ‘worrier’. Such individuals have been found to have increased susceptibility to pain and stress. ‘Warriors’, on the other hand, have a fast-acting enzyme. They supposedly have a higher pain threshold and are more resistant to stress.
Check your genetic susceptibility to pain and stress
Would you like to find out your genetic susceptibility to pain and stress? If you request an iGene Passport, you will have an insight into your own DNA profile within 6 weeks and will be able to check this straight away – as well as your genetic predisposition to various other personal traits, external features and hereditary conditions.
iGene: live a happier life thanks to the latest scientific insights
As well as informing you about various personal traits, an iGene Passport will also provide you with information on all kinds of hereditary conditions. In addition, you will receive targeted information that will help you to reduce the risk of developing them. If you make use of our message service, you will continue to receive information based on the latest scientific insights.