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Associations between phenylthiocarbamide gene polymorphisms and cigarette smoking
Dale S Cannon1, Timothy B Baker, Megan E Piper
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA. dale.cannon@hsc.utah.edu
Summary
Genetic variations in taste sensitivity to phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) influence smoking behavior. Specifically, the AAV haplotype is linked to lower smoking prevalence, while taste perception differences affect smoking motives.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Behavioral Science
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Phenotypic studies suggest that the ability to taste bitter compounds like phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) and 6-n-propylthiouracil (PROP) may offer protection against cigarette smoking.
- Genetic variations in taste receptor genes are implicated in individual differences in taste perception and may influence addictive behaviors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between specific phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) gene haplotypes and the likelihood of being a cigarette smoker.
- To examine the relationship between PTC gene haplotypes and the importance of cigarette taste as a motive for smoking.
Main Methods:
- Genotyping of smokers (n=384) and nonsmokers (n=183) for polymorphisms in the PTC gene affecting taste sensitivity.
- Analysis of PTC gene haplotypes, including PAV (taster), AVI (nontaster), and AAV (intermediate sensitivity), in relation to smoking status and smoking motives.
- Utilizing the Wisconsin Inventory of Smoking Dependence Motives-68 taste/sensory processes scale to measure taste motivation.
Main Results:
- The predicted association between PAV and AVI haplotypes and reduced odds of being a smoker was not supported.
- The AAV haplotype, conferring intermediate PTC/PROP taste sensitivity, was significantly associated with reduced smoker prevalence (49% vs. 70%, p = .001).
- A significant relationship was found between PAV and AVI haplotypes and taste motivation (F(2, 348) = 3.303, p = .038), supporting the hypothesis that taste perception influences smoking motives.
Conclusions:
- While direct associations between specific taster/nontaster haplotypes and smoking odds were not confirmed, the AAV haplotype emerged as a significant factor in reduced smoking prevalence.
- Genetic variations influencing taste perception, particularly intermediate sensitivity to PTC/PROP compounds, play a role in smoking behavior and motivation.
- Further research into the interplay of taste/sensory processes and tobacco dependence is warranted.