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Biological pathways, candidate genes, and molecular markers associated with quality-of-life domains: an update.

Authors :
Sprangers MA
Thong MS
Bartels M
Barsevick A
Ordoñana J
Shi Q
Wang XS
Klepstad P
Wierenga EA
Singh JA
Sloan JA
Source :
Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation [Qual Life Res] 2014 Sep; Vol. 23 (7), pp. 1997-2013. Date of Electronic Publication: 2014 Mar 07.
Publication Year :
2014

Abstract

Background: There is compelling evidence of a genetic foundation of patient-reported quality of life (QOL). Given the rapid development of substantial scientific advances in this area of research, the current paper updates and extends reviews published in 2010.<br />Objectives: The objective was to provide an updated overview of the biological pathways, candidate genes, and molecular markers involved in fatigue, pain, negative (depressed mood) and positive (well-being/happiness) emotional functioning, social functioning, and overall QOL.<br />Methods: We followed a purposeful search algorithm of existing literature to capture empirical papers investigating the relationship between biological pathways and molecular markers and the identified QOL domains.<br />Results: Multiple major pathways are involved in each QOL domain. The inflammatory pathway has the strongest evidence as a controlling mechanism underlying fatigue. Inflammation and neurotransmission are key processes involved in pain perception, and the catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) gene is associated with multiple sorts of pain. The neurotransmitter and neuroplasticity theories have the strongest evidence for their relationship with depression. Oxytocin-related genes and genes involved in the serotonergic and dopaminergic pathways play a role in social functioning. Inflammatory pathways, via cytokines, also play an important role in overall QOL.<br />Conclusions: Whereas the current findings need future experiments and replication efforts, they will provide researchers supportive background information when embarking on studies relating candidate genes and/or molecular markers to QOL domains. The ultimate goal of this area of research is to enhance patients' QOL.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
1573-2649
Volume :
23
Issue :
7
Database :
MEDLINE
Journal :
Quality of life research : an international journal of quality of life aspects of treatment, care and rehabilitation
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
24604075
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1007/s11136-014-0656-1