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Genetic risks to nicotine dependence predict negative mood and affect in current non-smokers
Xiangning Chen1, Steven H Aggen2, Jingchun Chen2
11] Virginia Institute for Psychiatric and Behavioral Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University [2] Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, Virginia Commonwealth University.
Scientific Reports
|April 1, 2015
Summary
Nicotine significantly impacts psychological responses, influencing mood and cognition. Genetic variations associated with nicotine dependence also predict acute psychological reactions to nicotine.
Area of Science:
- Psychopharmacology
- Behavioral Genetics
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Nicotine dependence is a significant public health issue.
- The psychological effects of nicotine and their genetic underpinnings are not fully understood.
- Genetic studies have largely overlooked nicotine's direct impact on human psychology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causal effects of nicotine on psychological responses in non-smokers.
- To explore the relationship between genetic risk factors for nicotine dependence and acute psychological reactions.
- To assess the influence of varying nicotine doses on psychological measures.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of 208 current non-smokers.
- Administration of three different nicotine doses.
- Utilized POMS, PANAS, and DEN questionnaires with psychometric analyses (factor analysis, measurement invariance testing).
- Employed structural models to analyze nicotine's effects and genetic associations.
Main Results:
- Nicotine administration caused measurable changes in psychological constructs and factor means, demonstrating a causal link.
- Specific genotypes (rs588765, rs16969968) were significantly associated with psychological factors like confusion, dizziness, and nervousness.
- Genetic risk for nicotine dependence correlated with immediate psychological responses to nicotine.
Conclusions:
- Acute psychological responses to nicotine are influenced by genetic predispositions to nicotine dependence.
- Integrating psychometric analysis with dose-response studies offers a robust methodology for genetic research into nicotine dependence.
- This study highlights the interplay between genetics and acute nicotine effects on psychological states.
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