The association of genetic polymorphisms within the dopaminergic system with nicotine dependence: A narrative review
Jingjing Yang,
Hongjuan Wang,
Huan Chen,
Hongwei Hou,
Qingyuan Hu
Affiliations
Jingjing Yang
China National Tobacco Quality Supervision & Test Center, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, 102209, China; Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects and Biosynthesis, Beijing, 102209, China
Hongjuan Wang
China National Tobacco Quality Supervision & Test Center, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, 102209, China; Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects and Biosynthesis, Beijing, 102209, China
Huan Chen
China National Tobacco Quality Supervision & Test Center, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, 102209, China; Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects and Biosynthesis, Beijing, 102209, China
Hongwei Hou
China National Tobacco Quality Supervision & Test Center, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, 102209, China; Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects and Biosynthesis, Beijing, 102209, China; Corresponding author. No.6, Cuizhu Street, Gaoxin District, Zhengzhou City, Henan Province, China, 450001.
Qingyuan Hu
China National Tobacco Quality Supervision & Test Center, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects, Zhengzhou, 450001, China; Beijing Life Science Academy, Beijing, 102209, China; Key Laboratory of Tobacco Biological Effects and Biosynthesis, Beijing, 102209, China
Nicotine, the main compound in cigarettes, leads to smoking addiction. Nicotine acts on the limbic dopamine reward loop in the midbrain by binding to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, promoting the release of dopamine, and resulting in a rewarding effect or satisfaction. This satisfaction is essential for continued and compulsive tobacco use, and therefore dopamine plays a crucial role in nicotine dependence. Numerous studies have identified genetic polymorphisms of dopaminergic pathways which may influence susceptibility to nicotine addiction. Dopamine levels are greatly influenced by synthesis, storage, release, degradation, and reuptake-related genes, including genes encoding tyrosine hydroxylase, dopamine decarboxylase, dopamine transporter, dopamine receptor, dopamine 3-hydroxylase, catechol-O-methyltransferase, and monoamine oxidase. In this paper, we review research progress on the effects of polymorphisms in the above genes on downstream smoking behavior and nicotine dependence, to offer a theoretical basis for the elucidation of the genetic mechanism underlying nicotine dependence and future personalized treatment for smoking cessation.
