To print: Select File and then Print from your browser's menu
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Title: Clusters of Genetic Variants Linked to Distinct Treatment Responses for Smoking Cessation
URL: http://www.pslgroup.com/dg/222D52.htm
Doctor's Guide
June 3, 2008

BETHESDA, Md -- June 3, 2008 -- Scientists have identified distinct clusters of genetic markers associated with the likelihood of success or failure of 2 smoking cessation treatments: nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and the medication, bupropion (Zyban). This study, supported by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the National Cancer Institute, part of the National Institutes of Health, was published in the June issue of the journal, Archives of General Psychiatry.

"We have long known that smoking-cessation treatments that help some people fail to help others," says Nora Volkow, MD, Director, NIDA. "These findings shed light on the genetic variations that underlie these differences in treatment response, and this knowledge may help make it possible to match smokers with the type or intensity of smoking-cessation treatment most likely to benefit them."

Researchers used a technique known as genome-wide association scans to compare DNA extracted from the blood of smokers who were either successful or unsuccessful in quitting using bupropion or various forms of NRT. They identified clusters of gene variants that were present more frequently in the successful quitters. Interestingly, the variants were different in those who were successfully treated with bupropion than in those who were helped by NRT. For example, a cluster of genes which regulates the body's ability to process bupropion was associated with success on bupropion therapy. But these clusters of genes were not associated with NRT.

The roles of other genes identified in this study, including several expressed in brain regions important to learning and memory, are not as well understood. These genes may be new targets for future research into smoking-cessation medications.

The study was led by George R. Uhl, MD, Chief, Molecular Neurobiology Research Branch, NIDA, Baltimore, Maryland. "Our results provide the first genome-wide evidence that the genetics of successful smoking cessation with bupropion are different from the genetics of successful smoking cessation with NRT," says Dr. Uhl. "These findings suggest that we may be able to improve the success rate for smoking cessation by using results of simple DNA tests."


SOURCE: National Institutes of Health

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Copyright © 1999 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of P\S\L content is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of P\S\L. P\S\L shall not be liable for any errors, omissions or delays in this content or any other content on its sites, newsletters or other publications, nor for any decisions or actions taken in reliance on such content.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
This news story was printed from *Doctor's Guide to the Internet*
located at http://www.docguide.com
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Return to News Story Page

This site is maintained by webmaster@pslgroup.com
Please contact us with any comments, problems or bugs.
All contents Copyright (c) 1998 P\S\L Consulting Group Inc.
All rights reserved.