DRD2 -related TaqIA polymorphism modulates motivation to smoke

Abstract

Introduction: TaqIA polymorphism, a genetic variant associated with the expression level of dopamine D2 receptors in the brain, has been linked to various aspects of smoking behavior, including smoking prevalence, affective withdrawal symptoms, and smoking cessation outcome. However, its involvement in motivation to smoke cigarettes has not been elucidated. Methods:The present study examined the possible differences in self-reported reasons to smoke and craving for smoking in 160 smokers participating in a clinical trial.Results: Individuals with at least one A1 allele of the TaqIA polymorphism were more likely to report smoking for stimulating effects and to reduce negative affect compared with those lacking an A1 allele. The association of the A1 genotype with a higher probability and stronger motive to smoker to enhance cognitive functioning was evident in female but not in male smokers. Female A1 carriers also expected a greater likelihood of smoking for pleasure than those without an A1 allele. A1 subjects reported stronger craving for cigarettes during early days and the last phase of a 6-week abstinence period. Discussion:These results support the idea that dopaminergic transmission plays an important role in the neurobiological basis of reasons for smoking and that the TaqIA variant is one of the genetic factors underlying individual differences in these aspects. These fi ndings also have implications for improving treatment strategies to help individuals quit smoking by controlling their motivation to continue cigarette consumption.

Negative affect subtypes and craving differentially predict long-term cessation success among smokers achieving initial abstinence

“…More specifically, Piasecki et al (2003b) have presented evidence supporting their view that heightened risk for relapse is related to: symptom trajectory parameters that index more severe and refractory withdrawal symptoms, including: 1) greater average symptom severity, 2) abstinence symptom slopes indicating worsening of or slower reductions of symptoms over time, 3) curvature indicating unusual patterns such as a renewal of symptoms, and 4) volatility (unsystematic symptom scatter). Consistent with their suggestions, trajectory parameters of tobacco abstinence symptoms have been found to be substantially independent predictors of relapse (Javitz et al 2012; Piasecki, 2006; Piasecki et al 2003a, b) and likely reflect different neurobiological, temperamental, and environmental factors (Gilbert et al 2009; Zuo et al 2009). For example, one could hypothesize that volatility could relate to environmental factors, while slope might be expected to relate to neurobiological recovery from chronic nicotine exposure, and mean level may relate to genetically based or trait-like individual differences and/or degree of exposure-related neuroadaptation.…”

Beta-amyloid auto-antibodies are reduced in Alzheimer's disease

“…A1 mutation of ANKK1 gene has been associated with alcoholism, smoking and drug addiction [34,35]. The relationship of this mutation with AD has not been reported.…”

Cigarette Experimentation in Mexican Origin Youth: Psychosocial and Genetic Determinants

“…There are conflicting reports about the association between DRD2 and smoking behavior among both adolescents and adults (49–52). Among adults, we found rs1800497 on DRD2 (which is in perfect LD with rs12422191 for both CEU and Mexican populations) was associated with continuation of smoking.…”