[Genetic polymorphisms as tool indicators for individual vulnerability to smoking behaviour]. / Polimorfismos genéticos como indicadores de la vulnerabilidad individual a la adicción al tabaco.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In line with genetic and pharmacological studies suggesting that neurotransmitter pathways play a role in nicotine dependence, research was conducted in connection with 4 genetic polymorphisms OPRM1, TPH1, ADRA2A and HTR1B. This study compares the genotype and allele frequencies in 3 groups (non-smokers, former smokers and smokers) of unrelated individuals (n=490) from Catalonia (north east Spain) in order to find any relationship. MATERIAL AND METHODS: All polymorphisms were genotyped in each population group and statistical analysis was performed. RESULTS: Data obtained show that there is a relationship between sex, age and the TPH1 locus, indicating a trend towards a lower frequency of the AA genotype in former smokers for the TPH1 locus. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that a role is played by the TPH1 polymorphism as an indicator of therapeutic failure in smoking cessation.