Contribution of the Candidate Genes for Primary Lymphedema to Secondary Lymphedema and Chronic Pain in Post-mastectomy Patients
Year: 2015
Type: dissertation
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: Secondary lymphedema is a common complication after surgical treatment, particularly after breast surgery, in which very little is understood about possible determinants. Multiple studies have been conducted to identify specific genes contributing to inherited primary lymphedema. Some of these causative genetic factors may also play a role in the development of secondary lymphedema. Among them, the GJC2 and MET genes have been identified as being associated with primary lymphedema. Further investigation using common SNP analysis of the GJC2 and MET genes was performed in patients post breast surgery, with and without secondary lymphedema to determine whether variants of either gene could be a determining factor for developing secondary lymphedema after surgical treatment. Survey data analysis addressing various psychosocial and bio-behavioral factors was also analyzed to indicate whether these candidate genes affect chronic pain and psychosocial traits in patients with secondary lymphedema compared to matched controls. Variants at rs11800309 of the GJC2 gene and patients’ Pain Catastrophizing Scores were significant (ά=.1) for predicting lymphedema. Variants of rs41737 of the MET gene was observed to have an effect on brief pain inventory, perceived stress scores, and depression scores. Variants at rs7539762 and rs11800309 of the GJC2 gene were observed to effect anxiety levels. Age was observed to be inversely proportional to all psychosocial phenotype scores. This current study has public health significance because it can help identify women who may be at an increased risk for developing secondary lymphedema after breast surgery.
Author: Stephanie R. Nunziato-Virga
Language: English
Subfield: Oncology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W1262571031