Certain Genes Make it Difficult for Some to Stop Smoking [08/26-4]

Excerpts from: Can't give up smoking? Blame your parents

IOL.CO.ZA [08/25/03]

Having a particular gene may make it harder for some people to quit smoking, researchers suggest.

Scientists found that individuals with the abnormality tend not to be heavy smokers, but seem to find it especially difficult to give up the habit. However, the same gene appears to protect against emphysema, a serious illness related to smoking.

The trait, known as CYP2A6del, is a defective version of a gene that assists with the breakdown of nicotine in the body. Previous research had suggested genetic differences related to nicotine metabolism between individuals

A possible explanation was that the mutant gene held back the normal breakdown of nicotine, allowing its addictive effects to last longer. The scientists wrote: "The prolonged presence of nicotine in the circulation may inhibit subjects with this defective allele (gene variant) from withdrawing their dependence on nicotine when they try to quit smoking.

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