The Role of the μ-opioid Receptor Gene in Smoking and Nicotine Dependence
Author Information
Author(s): Zhang Lan, Kendler Kenneth S, Chen Xiangning
Primary Institution: Virginia Commonwealth University
Hypothesis
Does the OPRM1 gene contribute to smoking initiation and nicotine dependence?
Conclusion
The study suggests that the OPRM1 gene may be involved in smoking initiation and nicotine dependence.
Supporting Evidence
- Three SNPs showed nominal significance for smoking initiation.
- One SNP reached significance for nicotine dependence.
- The global test for three-marker haplotypes was significant for smoking initiation.
Takeaway
This study looked at a gene that might affect how people start smoking and how addicted they get to nicotine.
Methodology
The study genotyped 11 SNPs in the OPRM1 gene among 688 Caucasian subjects, comparing non-smokers with regular smokers.
Potential Biases
Potential biases include population stratification and genotyping errors.
Limitations
The study may have false positives due to population stratification and the low frequency of some haplotypes.
Participant Demographics
688 Caucasian subjects, including 244 non-smokers, 215 low nicotine dependence smokers, and 229 high nicotine dependence smokers.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p = 0.0022 for smoking initiation; p = 0.0514 for nicotine dependence.
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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