There is a genetic variant, registered in the Single Nucleotide Polymorphism database (dbSNP) as rs11558538, found in 10% of the population worldwide, which means that the T allele presents at position 314 of HNMT instead of a usual C allele (c.314C>T). This variant causes the protein to be synthesized with threonine (Thr) replaced with isoleucine (Ile) at position 105 (p.Thr105Ile, T105I). This variant is described as loss-of-function allele reducing HNMT activity, and is associated with diseases such as asthma, allergic rhinitis, and atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis). For individuals with this variant, the intake of HNMT inhibitors, which hamper enzyme activity, and histamine liberators, which release histamine from the granules of mast cells and basophils, could potentially influence their histamine levels. Still, this genetic variant is associated with a reduced risk of Parkinson's disease.
Experiments involving Hnmt-knockout mice have shown that a deficiency in HNMT indeed leads to increased brain histamine concentrations, resulting in heightened aggressive behaviors and disrupted sleep-wake cycles in these mice. In humans, genetic variants that affect HNMT activity have been implicated in various brain disorders, such as Parkinsons disease and attention deficit disorder, but it remains unclear whether these alterations in HNMT are a primary cause or secondary effect of these conditions. Additionally, reduced histamine levels in cerebrospinal fluid have been consistently reported in patients with narcolepsy and other conditions characterized by excessive daytime sleepiness. The association between HNMT polymorphisms and gastrointestinal diseases is still uncertain. While mild polymorphisms can lead to diseases such as asthma and inflammatory bowel disease, they may also reduce the risk of brain disorders like Parkinsons disease. On the other hand, severe mutations in HNMT can result in intellectual disability. Despite these findings, the role of HNMT in human health is not fully understood and continues to be an active area of research.