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Biological pathways, candidate genes, and molecular markers associated with quality-of-life domains: an update.
- 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.
- Subjects :
- Biomarkers metabolism
Depression metabolism
Fatigue metabolism
Genetic Markers
Genetic Predisposition to Disease genetics
Humans
Inflammation genetics
Inflammation psychology
Pain psychology
Affect physiology
Depression genetics
Fatigue genetics
Genetic Predisposition to Disease psychology
Happiness
Pain genetics
Quality of Life
Subjects
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