An alcohol dehydrogenase 7 gene polymorphism associates with both acute and chronic pain in sickle cell disease.

Introduction

As the most distressing complication of sickle cell disease (SCD), pain is marked by considerable heterogenicity. In this study we explored the potential association of alcohol dehydrogenase 7 gene (ADH7) polymorphism rs971074 with sickle cell pain.

Methods

We analyzed clinical phenotypes and the rs971074 single-nucleotide polymorphism in ADH7 by MassARRAY-iPlex analysis in a cohort of SCD patients.

Results

The synonymous rs971074 was significantly associated with both acute and chronic pain in SCD. Patients with the minor T allele(s) recorded significantly more crisis episodes and severe chronic pain symptoms.

Conclusion

Our study has identified the rs971074 minor T allele as a genetic biomarker potentially influencing acute and chronic pain. These findings may ultimately help inform strategies to develop precision pain therapies in SCD.