Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Gene Polymorphism Is Associated with Skeletal Muscle Properties in Older Women Alone and Together with Physical Activity

2008

COMT Gene Polymorphism and Muscle Properties in Older Women

Sample size: 434 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Ronkainen Paula H. A., Pöllänen Eija, Törmäkangas Timo, Tiainen Kristina, Koskenvuo Markku, Kaprio Jaakko, Rantanen Taina, Sipilä Sarianna, Kovanen Vuokko

Primary Institution: Department of Health Sciences, University of Jyväskylä, Finland

Hypothesis

Are polymorphisms within COMT and ESR1 associated with muscle properties and do they interact with physical activity?

Conclusion

The study suggests that the COMT polymorphism is associated with muscle mass, with sedentary individuals having lower muscle properties but potentially benefiting from physical activity.

Supporting Evidence

COMT Val158Met genotype was associated with larger muscle cross-sectional area.
Sedentary individuals with the HH genotype had lower muscle mass, strength, and power.
Physical activity had a significant main effect on muscle strength and power.

Takeaway

This study looked at how certain genes might affect muscle strength in older women, finding that one gene can influence muscle size, especially if the women are not very active.