pain

SCN10A

A Crucial Gene in Pain Perception (SCN10A)

Written by Aleksa Ristic, MS (Pharmacy) on August 28th, 2020

The SCN10A gene encodes a crucial protein for pain perception. Read this post to learn how variants in this gene influence pain sensitivity.

The SCN10A Gene in Pain Signaling

The SCN10A gene encodes one part of a sodium channel, NaV1.8, which enables nerves to conduct pain signals. At the same time, this channel helps maintain a normal heart rhythm [R].

Not surprisingly, changes in SCN10A expression can impact pain sensitivity. Mutations that enhance this gene’s function are present in some people with chronic nerve pain [R, R].

**How SCN10A Variants Influence Pain Sensitivity**

A team of Chinese researchers has identified two SNPs, rs6795970 and rs6801957, associated with sensitivity to mechanical pain. Their minor alleles seem to reduce the NaV1.8 channel’s activity, resulting in lower pain sensitivity [R, R].

So far, the research on pain sensitivity is limited to Chinese people, and it’s not sure whether the SCN10A variants would have the same effects in other populations.

Rs6795970 may also play a role in “hypoalgesic IBD,” a form of IBD in which the patients don’t feel abdominal pain [R].

In line with the roles of SCN10A, different SNPs in this gene correlate with heart function and related disorders [R, R].

Two SCN10A variants, rs6795970 and rs6801957, have been associated with lower sensitivity to mechanical pain. So far, the research is limited to Chinese people.

Your SCN10A Results for Pain Sensitivity

SNP Table

variant	genotype	frequency	risk allele
rs6795970
rs6801957

SNP Summary

Primary SNPs:

SNC10A rs6795970

‘G’ = not associated with pain sensitivity
‘A’ = associated with reduced pain sensitivity

SNC10A rs6801957

‘C’ = not associated with pain sensitivity
‘T’ = associated with reduced pain sensitivity

Recommendations

Supplements

Peppermint Oil/Menthol

Menthol is an age-old ingredient in countless topical painkillers. It produces a cooling sensation by activating the TRPM8 receptors, but it can also reduce pain by blocking the NaV1.8 channels [R, R].

One review yielded 31 reports supporting the use of topical menthol for pain relief [R].

Menthol is the active ingredient of peppermint oil, which successfully relieved headaches in two clinical trials of 73 people [R, R].

Rubbing a 10% peppermint oil solution is one of the standard treatments for tension headaches in Europe [R].

Topical menthol and peppermint oil are time-tested natural painkillers. They reduce pain in part by blocking the NaV1.8 channels.

Clove

Eugenol, the active ingredient in clove, acts as a local anesthetic by blocking the NaV1.7 and NaV1.8 channels [R, R].

In 73 healthy volunteers, a topical gel with clove essential oil applied on the mouth was as effective anesthetic as lidocaine [R]. Similarly, a topical gel with clove and papaya prevented the pain caused by injection in a trial of 60 children [R].

Multi-ingredient formulations with the essential oils of clove and other herbs reduced pain from ear infections and muscle strain in two small studies [R, R].

Clove is a natural local anesthetic that may lessen the impact of your SCN10A gene.

Aleksa Ristic

MS (Pharmacy)

Aleksa received his MS in Pharmacy from the University of Belgrade, his master thesis focusing on protein sources in plant-based diets.

Aleksa is passionate about herbal pharmacy, nutrition, and functional medicine. He found a way to merge his two biggest passions—writing and health—and use them for noble purposes. His mission is to bridge the gap between science and everyday life, helping readers improve their health and feel better.

Disclaimer

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other official medical body. This information is presented for educational purposes only, and may not be used to diagnose or treat any illness or disease.

Also keep in mind that the “Risk Score” presented in this post is based only on a select number of SNPs, and therefore only represents a small portion of your total risk as an individual. Furthermore, these analyses are based primarily on associational studies, which do not necessarily imply causation. Finally, many other (non-genetic) factors can also play a significant role in the development of a disease or health condition — therefore, carrying any of the risk-associated genotypes discussed in this post does not necessarily mean you are at increased risk of developing a major health condition.

Always consult your doctor before acting on any information or recommendations discussed in this post — especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have been officially diagnosed with a medical condition.

More pain blogs

Can This Gene Worsen GERD Pain? (GNB3) Can This Gene Make You Prone to Chronic Pain (COMT)? The Heat Receptor’s Role in Pain Perception (TRPV1) Can This Gene Influence Your Sensitivity To Pain (COMT)? A Neurological Connection Between Stress and Migraines? (MEF2D) Can This Gene Influence Your Susceptibility To Headaches And Migraines? (BDNF) Is Excess Histamine Causing Your Migraines? (DAO) Can Too Much Nitric Oxide Trigger Migraines? (NOS2, NOS3) What Does the Cold Sensitivity Gene Have to Do With Migraines? (TRPM8) Serotonin Genetics in Migraine Development (HTR2C)

Content

The SCN10A Gene in Pain Signaling Your SCN10A Results for Pain Sensitivity

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