Association of polymorphic variants of serotonin neurotransmitter system genes with the recurrent dorsalgia in adolescents

Objective. To analyze the association between polymorphic variants of genes within the serotonergic system to elucidate their potential candidate role in the development of recurrent dorsalgia among adolescents. Material and methods. The study population consisted of Caucasian adolescents aged 12 to 18 years (n=817; mean age 14.38±1.92 years, boy/girl ratio — 45.4%/54.6%). The characteristics of recurrent dorsalgia were assessed in these adolescents, and saliva samples were collected for subsequent DNA isolation and genotyping of gene polymorphisms. Results. The findings indicate that the G allele of HTR1A rs6295 is protective against the severe pain in adolescents with recurrent dorsalgia. Conversely, the T rs6311 allele of the HTR2A gene and the A rs1799913 allele of the TPH1 gene were associated with an elevated risk of severe pain in this population. Conclusions. The results align with contemporary models of the role of the serotonergic system in mechanisms underlying the perception and tolerance of pain stimuli.