Smoking addiction is higher in women than in men!

A study conducted at the University of Kentucky has revealed that women are more likely to become addicted to cigarettes than men.

According to a report in Sözcü, although the number of male smokers in the US is higher than that of women, the research confirmed the theory that "women are more likely to be addicted."

FINDINGS OF THE STUDY

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 13 out of every 100 adult men and 10 out of every 100 adult women smoke.

According to the new research, the female sex hormone estrogen may cause the brain to become more sensitive to the effects of nicotine, thereby increasing the likelihood of addiction.

Men are more likely to try smoking, which partially explains why the number of male smokers is higher than that of women.

Sally Pauss, a doctoral student in molecular biology at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine, stated, "Research shows that women have a higher tendency to develop nicotine addiction compared to men and are less successful in quitting."

Pauss discovered that estrogen increases the effect of proteins called olfactomedins, which are important for the brain's pleasure response to nicotine. Estrogen activates olfactomedins.

These proteins activate the part of the brain related to addiction and reward, triggering a craving for nicotine in the individual.

Nicotine deficiency causes a decrease in the amount of olfactomedins, as well as estrogen.

RESULTS OF THE STUDY

The study found that sudden spikes in estrogen, such as those during the pre-ovulation period, lead to a corresponding increase in olfactomedins.

Pauss and her team identified this protein by scanning massive genetic databases and searching for genes that are both affected by estrogen and drive brain chemistry.

WHAT DOES THE FUTURE HOLD?

Looking ahead, Pauss said that scientists could help people quit smoking by developing drugs that target these proteins and block their effects.

Pauss finally noted the following:

"If we can confirm that estrogen drives nicotine seeking and consumption through olfactomedins, we can design drugs that could block this effect by targeting the altered pathways. We hope these drugs will make it easier for women to quit nicotine."

News Source: 12punto