Genetics Influence Ability to Quit Smoking

Personalized medicine to quit smoking is one step closer, thanks to Duke scientists.

“We identified 221 genes that distinguished successful quitters from those who were unsuccessful,” says Dr. Uhl. “We know the functions of about 187 of these genes, but 34 have functions that are unknown at present. We also found that at least 62 of the genes that we had previously identified as playing roles in dependence to other drugs also contribute to nicotine dependence.”

The scientists noted that some of these genes are known to support new neural connections. That got me thinking -- exercise also encourages new neural connections, and a recent study showed that brisk walking reduced nicotine addiction. Starting with Fred Gage's 1998 study, a number of studies have shown that exercise boosts neurogenesis (the birth of new neurons) in the brain. Maybe there's a connection between growing new neural connections and reducing addiction.

If Uhl and his colleagues can determine the function of each of these genes, they hope to be able to put people on a genetically-matched smoking cessation program.

Genetic Solution to Quit Smoking [PsychCentral]