Noting a tendency among twins to start smoking and become hooked, the scientists studied 688 twins, finding that a common mutation of the Epac gene was shown to have a modest association with nicotine dependence. And a different mutation appeared to have a weaker association with starting to smoke, the researchers point out in a prepared statement.

Advertisement

The Epac gene, located on chromosome 12, has been shown to become more active in a rat's brain after the animal has been given nicotine, the researchers say.

While past research has found that genes - as well as environmental factors like parents smoking at home - have an influence on whether a person begins smoking and becomes nicotine dependent, no specific gene has been identified that is responsible for an increased tendency to smoke, they add. – (HealthDayNews)

Read more:
Find your way to quit smoking
Low-dose nicotine patches work

 

Print this article

Rate this article Poor 1 2 3 4 5 Excellent