Genetic link to giving up smoking

Scientists found that particular versions of 221 genes distinguished successful quitters from unreformed smokers.

The US discovery could lead to smoking cessation treatments tailored to an individual's genetic make-up.

Research leader Dr Jed Rose, director of Duke University's Centre for Nicotine and Smoking Cessation Research in Durham, North Carolina, said: "The long-term hope is that identifying these genetic variables in smokers will help us determine which type of treatment would be most effective.

"Knowing a smoker's genetic make-up could indicate how intensely they need to be treated. People who are having trouble quitting because of their genes might need more treatment to overcome their addiction."

Dr Rose's team screened 520,000 genes taken from blood samples of smokers and non-smokers.

Comparing the genes from both groups revealed 221 variants only present in successful quitters. The function of 187 of the genes is known and scientists are still trying to determine what the others do.

At least 30 genes had previously been shown to play a role in addiction to other drugs besides nicotine.

Other genes played a role in controlling how people responded to stress. One regulated the production of a protein that assists learning processes in the brain.

The scientists now plan further studies to match the genetic findings to the way patients respond to different cessation treatments.

source:www.channel4.com