Differentiation of the OPRM1 and COMT genes in populations of the province of Chaco

Abstract

It has been reported that the prevalence of complex phenotypes, including those related to certain pathologies and drug response, are largely determined by the variation of coding regions in the genome, and may vary according to the ancestry and geographical origin of populations. In Argentina, the province of Chaco presents a great population diversity, given by the coexistence of communities of both native and foreign origin, whose genetic basis in relation to complex phenotypes has not been studied in depth. This work contributes to knowing the diversity of Chaco populations of different origin, finding out significant differences for the variation of OPRM1 and COMT genes which modulate the transmission of the painful sensation and the response to analgesics. In the future, such diversity should be taken into account in medical decisions for the treatment and prevention of pain in each patient, as it is the trend in personalized genomic medicine.