American scientists have discovered that red-haired people are afraid of dental visits stronger than the other, and have found the genetic basis of this fact
Red hair color is caused by certain species of the gene encoding the melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1R), is responsible for pigmentation. Contrary to the existing point of view that this gene is active only in the skin, hair and iris of the eye, recent studies have shown that it also functions in the brain that control pain reactions, anxiety and fear.
To confirm the role of the MC1R gene in the formation of these reactions, researchers from the University of Louisville in Kentucky examined the association of red hair color and the corresponding gene variants with the reaction to dental treatment, according to medportal.ru.
Revealed that of 144 white volunteers greatest anxiety when visiting the dentist showed carriers of the variants of the gene MC1R. They also tried to avoid dental treatment twice as often as the other participants of the experiment.
Carriers studied variants of the gene were 65 of 67 red-haired volunteers. At the same time, one of these options are found only a quarter of the 77 dark-haired participants.
Based on these results a team led by Katherine Binkley recommended a dentist to place more emphasis on psychological preparation of patients for the upcoming red treatment.
Red hair color is caused by certain species of the gene encoding the melanocortin receptor 1 (MC1R), is responsible for pigmentation. Contrary to the existing point of view that this gene is active only in the skin, hair and iris of the eye, recent studies have shown that it also functions in the brain that control pain reactions, anxiety and fear.
To confirm the role of the MC1R gene in the formation of these reactions, researchers from the University of Louisville in Kentucky examined the association of red hair color and the corresponding gene variants with the reaction to dental treatment, according to medportal.ru.
Revealed that of 144 white volunteers greatest anxiety when visiting the dentist showed carriers of the variants of the gene MC1R. They also tried to avoid dental treatment twice as often as the other participants of the experiment.
Carriers studied variants of the gene were 65 of 67 red-haired volunteers. At the same time, one of these options are found only a quarter of the 77 dark-haired participants.
Based on these results a team led by Katherine Binkley recommended a dentist to place more emphasis on psychological preparation of patients for the upcoming red treatment.
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