Research indicates genetic factors cause smoking addiction
Social behavior thought to have been leading factor in addiction; science may prove otherwise
Social behavior thought to have been leading factor in addiction; science may prove otherwise Scientists believe they have honed in on specific genetic variations that increase a smoker's chances of becoming addicted to Cigarettes and developing lung cancer. Researchers conducted multiple studies to determine the specific role of genetics on smoking behavior. They found that smokers who inherit certain genetic variations from both parents have almost a one in four chance of developing lung cancer. This group is about 75 percent More likely to develop lung cancer than smokers without the gene variants, and smoke about two More Cigarettes per day than other smokers. Project researchers hope their findings can shed some light on the phenomenon of nicotine addiction. Risa Robinson, an associate professor of mechanical engineering at the Rochester Institute of Technology, developed a "smoking machine" to track the ill effects of cigarette smoke on specific organs in the body. Robinson explained that different sizes of particles go through a cast and are deposited onto a filter, where they are measured. "We would like to determine if there is a difference in adult smoking and teenage smoking," Robinson said. Robinson hopes the results of the smoking machine will ultimately lead to better treatment. Robert Philibert, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Iowa, is also conducting research in the area. Philibert and his team analyzed every gene in the human genome in both smokers and non-smokers, looking for genes that appeared to be over or under-activated. The researchers attempted to eliminate confounding variables to isolate potential genetic factors associated with smoking. "Both depression and drinking are correlated with smoking," Philibert said. Philibert's research also examined whether or not some factors that affect smoking are partially heritable and also affects areas outside the brain. "We always like to think of behavior as being solely in the brain, but it isn't," Philibert said. "Many of the disorders that cause obesity are in gene pathways outside the brain." Philibert believes findings stemming from his research have the potential to be used as a "clinical tool." "The technologies are coming," Philibert said. Research similar to Philibert's could be useful in determining whether or not an individual is genetically predisposed to becoming hooked on Cigarettes, or even how individuals will respond to certain drugs. According to the American Cancer Society, approximately 45 million adult Americans smoke Cigarettes.