Researchers highlight the existence of a genetic variation that could explain the difficulty of saying stop smoking in some smokers.
In most cases, detoxifying from tobacco is a hardship. Smokers who do this often do it more than once. Others, however, seem to encounter less difficulty. A difference sometimes put on the account of motivation, the sacrosanct will. However, researchers have just brought to light another mechanism that could be involved in these differences. And according to their work published in the journal Translational Psychiatry (Nature group) the 1er December 2015, this one would be genetic.
Genetic variation that influences the reward circuit
This genetic variation occurs on the ANKK1 gene, located right next to the DRD2 gene which is known to encode the dopaminergic D2 receptor, and therefore plays a very important role in addictive behavior. Dopaminergic neurons whose role is to regulate the reward circuit (see infographic below).
The analysis of the studies made it possible to determine three types of variations. One of them corresponded to people who reported having quit smoking more easily than others. The authors specify, however, that the assessment of the level of difficulty in detoxing was difficult to define. For them, their work should make it possible to develop weaning treatments adapted to the genetic profile of smokers.
In the meantime, this may be another good reason to be patient with future ex-smokers and their notorious bad mood.
Source : Sciencesetavenir.fr
