Genome-wide association study on pharmacological outcomes of musculoskeletal pain in UK Biobank

Abstract The pharmacological management of musculoskeletal pain starts with NSAIDs, followed by weak or strong opioids until the pain is under control. However, the treatment outcome is usually unsatisfying due to inter-individual differences. To investigate the genetic component of treatment outcome differences, we performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) in ~ 23 000 participants with musculoskeletal pain from the UK Biobank. NSAID vs. opioid users was compared as a reflection of the treatment outcome of NSAIDs. We identified one genome-wide significant hit in chromosome 4 (rs549224715, P = 3.88×10− 8). Suggestive significant (P < 1×10 − 6) loci were mapped to 28 target genes, including eight genes linked to neuropathic pain processes or musculoskeletal development. Pathway and network analyses identified immunity-related processes and a (putative) central role of EGFR. However, this study lacked power and should be viewed as a first step to elucidate the genetic background of musculoskeletal pain treatment.