Genetic factors TMD does not obviously run in families like a genetic disease. It has been suggested that a genetic predisposition for developing TMD (and chronic pain syndromes generally) could exist. This has been postulated to be explained by variations of the gene which codes for the enzyme catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) which may produce 3 different phenotypes with regards pain sensitivity. COMT (together with monoamine oxidase) is involved in breaking down catecholamines (e.g. dopamine, epinephrine, and norepinephrine). The variation of the COMT gene which produces less of this enzyme is associated with a high sensitivity to pain. Females with this variation, are at 2–3 times greater risk of developing TMD than females without this variant. However this theory is controversial since there is conflicting evidence.
Genetic factors TMD does not obviously run in families like a genetic disease It has been suggested that a genetic predisposition for developing TMD (and chronic pain syndromes generally) could exist This has been postulated to be explained by variations of the gene which codes for the enzyme catechol-O-methyl transferase (COMT) which may produce 3 different phenotypes with regards pain sensitivity COMT (together with monoamine oxidase) is involved in breaking down catecholamines (eg dopamine epinephrine and norepinephrine) The variation of the COMT gene which produces less of this enzyme is associated with a high sensitivity to pain Females with this variation are at 2–3 times greater risk of developing TMD than females without this variant However this theory is controversial since there is conflicting evidence