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(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- A persons reaction to his or her first taste of nicotine is linked to a particular genetic variation, according to a new study. The finding may help explain the path that leads from that first cigarette to lifelong smoking.
Researchers point to an uncommon variation of a gene known as CHARNA5. A pleasurable first smoking experience, an increased likelihood of nicotine addiction and higher risk for lung cancer are all associated with the gene variation.
Ovide Pomerleau, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Michigan Medical School and founder of the U-M Nicotine Research Laboratory led the research team. The study results showed people with the CHARNA5 variation are far more likely to be smokers, and are eight-times as likely to report their first cigarette gave them a pleasurable feeling. Combined with previous research linking the same genetic variation with an increased risk of lung cancer, Pomerleau believes this variant may constitute a triple whammy for smoking related disease.
It appears that for people who have a certain genetic makeup, the initial physical reaction to smoking can play a significant role in determining what happens next, Pomerleau was quoted as saying. If cigarette smoking is sustained, nicotine addiction can occur in a few days to a few months. The finding of a genetic association with pleasurable early smoking experiences may also help explain how people get addicted and keep smoking the rest of their lives.
SOURCE: Addiction, August 2008
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