Abstract
Presently, a growing popularity of electronic cigarettes may be observed. Used as a means of obtaining nicotine they allow to substitute traditional cigarettes. The origins of substance use disorders are conditioned by dopaminergic signaling which influences motivational processes being elementary factors conditioning the process of learning and exhibiting goal-directed behaviors. The study concentrated on analysis of three polymorphisms located in the dopamine receptor 2 (DRD2) gene—rs1076560, rs1799732 and rs1079597 using the PCR method, personality traits determined with the Big Five Questionnaire, and anxiety measured with the State Trait Anxiety Inventory. The study was conducted on a group of 394 volunteers, consisting e-cigarette users (n = 144) and controls (n = 250). Compared to the controls the case group subjects achieved significantly higher scores in regard to the STAI state and the trait scale, as well as the NEO-FFI Neuroticism and Openness scale. Likewise, in the case of the STAI state for DRD2 rs1076560 significant differences were found. Furthermore, while comparing the groups (e-cigarette users vs. controls) we noticed interactions for the NEO FFI Neuroticism and DRD2 rs1076560. The same was observed in the case of interactions significance while comparing groups (e-cigarette users vs. controls) for the STAI trait/scale and DRD2 rs1799732. Findings from this study demonstrate that psychological factors and genetic determinants should be analyzed simultaneously and comprehensively while considering groups of addicted patients. Since the use, and rapid increase in popularity, of electronic cigarettes has implications for public health, e-cigarette users should be studied holistically, especially younger groups of addicted and experimenting users.
Highlights
A growing popularity of electronic cigarettes (e-cigs) [1,2] may be observed, which may result in serious worries for the society of lawmakers, healthcare providers, and smokers [3].E-cigs may be treated as a special tobacco product since they are smoke-free
The observed dopamine receptor D2 gene (DRD2) polymorphisms frequencies differed from expectations based on the
By examining the genetics of addiction, we have repeatedly proved the impact of selected DRD2 polymorphisms on addiction [58,59,60] whether in alcoholics or patients addicted to psychoactive substances
Summary
E-cigs may be treated as a special tobacco product since they are smoke-free. In the United States e-cigs are treated as a smoke-free tobacco/nicotine alternative used as an aid to smoke cessation and are presented as tobacco “harm reduction” products. They are used more often as another source of nicotine, which may lead to the development and maintenance of nicotine dependence. The studies of experienced e-cig users emphasized that concentration of nicotine in venous blood was comparable to those observed after cigarette smoking [12,13,14] with a rapid delivery to the brain. That fact allows to conclude that a rapid brain uptake promotes a smoking reward
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