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Differences in smoking-related variables based on phenylthiocarbamide "taster" status.
Sandy M Snedecor1, Cynthia S Pomerleau, Ann M Mehringer
1Nicotine Research Laboratory, University of Michigan Department of Psychiatry, Ann Arbor, MI 48105, USA. bonhomme@umich.edu
Addictive Behaviors
|April 4, 2006
Summary
Smokers who can taste phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) as bitter may have less nicotine dependence. This genetic trait, PTC tasting ability, appears to offer some protection against developing smoking dependence and reinforcement.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Behavioral Science
- Addiction Research
Background:
- Phenylthiocarbamide (PTC) taste perception is a genetically determined trait.
- Individual differences in PTC tasting are linked to various physiological and behavioral factors.
- Understanding genetic influences on smoking behavior can inform prevention and cessation strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate if the ability to taste PTC influences smoking-related variables in current smokers.
- To compare nicotine dependence and reinforcement levels between PTC "tasters" and "non-tasters".
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 464 current smokers was recruited for laboratory experiments and clinical trials.
- Participants were categorized as "tasters" or "non-tasters" based on their perception of PTC test strips.
- Smoking-related variables, including years smoked, nicotine dependence (Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire), and nicotine reinforcement (Michigan-Nicotine Reinforcement Questionnaire), were assessed.
Main Results:
- Significant differences were observed between PTC tasters and non-tasters in total years smoked (p<.05).
- Non-tasters reported higher nicotine dependence scores (Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire, p<.01) and greater positive reinforcement from smoking (Michigan-Nicotine Reinforcement Questionnaire, p<.05).
Conclusions:
- The ability to taste PTC may provide a degree of protection against the development of nicotine dependence.
- Genetic variations in taste perception could play a role in modulating nicotine dependence and the reinforcing effects of smoking.