Personality Traits or Genetic Determinants-Which Strongly Influences E-Cigarette Users?

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Genetics
• Psychology

Background:

• Electronic cigarette use is increasing, offering an alternative to traditional cigarettes for nicotine delivery.
• Dopaminergic signaling is fundamental to motivation, learning, and goal-directed behaviors, playing a role in substance use disorders.
• Understanding the interplay between genetic predispositions and psychological traits in electronic cigarette users is vital.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between dopamine receptor 2 (DRD2) gene polymorphisms (rs1076560, rs1799732, rs1079597), personality traits, and anxiety levels in electronic cigarette users compared to controls.
• To explore potential interactions between genetic factors and psychological characteristics in this population.

Main Methods:

• Genotyping of three DRD2 gene polymorphisms (rs1076560, rs1799732, rs1079597) using the Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method.
• Assessment of personality traits using the Big Five Questionnaire (NEO-FFI).
• Measurement of anxiety using the State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) in 394 participants (144 e-cigarette users, 250 controls).

Main Results:

• E-cigarette users exhibited significantly higher scores in State Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) state and trait scales, and NEO-FFI Neuroticism and Openness scales compared to controls.
• Significant differences in STAI state scores were observed for the DRD2 rs1076560 polymorphism.
• Interactions were found between NEO-FFI Neuroticism and DRD2 rs1076560, and between STAI trait and DRD2 rs1799732 when comparing e-cigarette users and controls.

Conclusions:

• Psychological factors and genetic determinants, particularly involving the DRD2 gene, are significantly associated with electronic cigarette use.
• A holistic approach, simultaneously analyzing psychological and genetic factors, is essential for understanding addiction in e-cigarette users.
• Further research is warranted, especially focusing on younger, experimenting, and addicted user groups due to public health implications.