U.S. HHS: Gene variant found that can help protect against nicotine addiction

0 Comments | M2 Presswire, June, 1998

M2 PRESSWIRE-25 June 1998-U.S. HHS: Gene variant found that can help protect against nicotine addiction (C)1994-98 M2 COMMUNICATIONS LTD RDATE:240698 Some individuals carry a gene variant that may help protect them from becoming addicted to nicotine, according to a new study funded in part by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, National Institutes of Health, and published in the June 25 issue of Nature.

The study found that individuals with a genetic variant in a particular enzyme break down nicotine more slowly than those who do not. They have greater resistance to nicotine addiction and, if they do smoke, they smoke fewer cigarettes than individuals without the impairment. Nicotine, the addictive component in tobacco products, is metabolized or broken down...