Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the genetic polymorphism in the promoter of the SLC6A4 gene encoding the serotonin transporter (5-HTT) and the sensitivity to noxious stimulation from a clinical perspective. The genotyping of the 217 outpatients with mild epidermal abrasion in lateral crural region was performed by a combination of polymerase chain reaction and digestion. The intensity of pain to medical alcohol treatment was rated on a visual analog scale (VAS). The results suggest that the human triallelic 5-HTT genotypes are related to individual differences in sensitivity to alcoholic sting. According to the VAS ratings, the subjects with the 5-HTT low-expression genotype reported more pain than those with 5-HTT medium- and high-expression genotypes following test stimuli. There is no significant difference between sexes in the same SLC6A4 genotype and between medium and high expressions of 5-HTT subjects. Taken together, our study supports the hypothesis that the transcription rate of the 5-HTT transporter may play an important role in the pain sensitivity and central sensitization.
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Nan, J., Yuan, H., Li, K. et al. 5-HTT SS Genotype is Associated with the Pro-nociceptive Sensation by Alcoholic Sting. Cell Biochem Biophys 68, 629–633 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12013-013-9759-5
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12013-013-9759-5