Smoking: genes control desire

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MunichQuitting smoking is easier said than done for many - years of habit or a lack of discipline often make it very difficult for smokers. Planned smoking cessation fails for a completely different reason: a certain gene mutation apparently increases the desire for nicotine in some, French researchers have shown.

Gene mutation influences the reward system

Using mice, researchers from the Pasteur Institute and the University of Pierre and Marie Curie have shown that the success of quitting smoking is also linked to genetic inheritance. According to this, the sensitivity of the nicotine receptors in the body is disturbed by a common gene mutation, which also occurs in humans. The result: the reward system for smoking is partially inactivated. Carriers of the mutation need more nicotine, so they have to ingest a three times higher dose of tobacco to have the same reward effect. Quitting smoking is correspondingly more difficult for them.

Development of new smoking cessation programs

Around 35 percent of all Europeans and around 90 percent of heavy smokers are affected by this gene mutation. The researchers now hope to be able to develop new treatment options for smoking cessation on the basis of these results.

Smoking only gradually becomes an addiction. However, whoever is addicted to the glow sticks is extremely damaging to his health. The most serious consequences of smoking include chronic bronchitis, COPD, atherosclerosis, and cancer. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), around five million people die every year as a result of smoking. (jb)

Source: Morel C. et al. Nicotine consumption is regulated by a human polymorphism in dopamine neurons. Molecular Psychiatry.

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