Catechol-O-Methyltransferase Effects on Smoking: A Review and Proof of Concept of Sex-Sensitive Effects.

ABSTRACT:

Purpose of review

This article reviews recent research on how catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT) may impact cigarette smoking behavior, and how effects may be sex-sensitive. Preliminary data are presented on sex-sensitive effects of COMT on response to short-term abstinence in individuals who smoke.

Recent findings

Although research is mixed, functional variants in the COMT gene have been linked with smoking behavior, cessation outcomes and nicotine abstinence-related symptoms. Our proof-of-concept preliminary data from a human laboratory study of individuals who smoke cigarettes found that those with the high COMT enzyme activity genotype (Val/Val) reported more severe smoking urges and withdrawal symptoms following overnight abstinence than Met carriers. These effe

SUBMITTER: DeVito EE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9838826 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature