Association of a single nucleotide polymorphism in neuronal acetylcholine receptor subunit alpha 5 (CHRNA5) with smoking status and with ‘pleasurable buzz’ during early experimentation with smoking

2008

Genetic Factors in Smoking Behavior

Sample size: 435 publication 10 minutes Evidence: moderate

Author Information

Author(s): Richard Sherva, Kirk Wilhelmsen, Cynthia S. Pomerleau, Scott A. Chasse, John P. Rice, Sandy M. Snedecor, Laura J. Bierut, Rosalind J. Neuman, Ovide F. Pomerleau

Primary Institution: Washington University School of Medicine

Hypothesis

The study hypothesizes that variations in the CHRNA5 gene influence smoking behavior and initial smoking experiences.

Conclusion

The study found that a specific genetic variant in the CHRNA5 gene is associated with enhanced pleasurable responses to initial smoking experiences, which may contribute to nicotine dependence.

Supporting Evidence

A SNP in the CHRNA5 gene was associated with smoking status and pleasurable sensations during initial smoking.
Participants who reported pleasurable experiences were more likely to be regular smokers.
The study included a diverse sample, allowing for comparisons between Caucasians and African Americans.

Takeaway

Some people feel more pleasure when they first try smoking because of their genes, which might make them more likely to become regular smokers.

Methodology

The study used a case-control design with a community-based sample, genotyping 25 SNPs and assessing early smoking experiences through questionnaires.