Genetic Test May Predict Drug Addiction
Posted on: Tuesday, 6 March 2007, 21:00 CST
University of Iowa researchers say it is possible to develop tests to determine a person's genetic potential to become dependent on nicotine or marijuana.
The study, published in the American Journal of Medical Genetics, said such tests would not dictate who would become substance-dependent or have behavioral problems, since genes are influenced by other genes and environmental factors.
Our study suggests that analyzing the expression of genes in blood could indicate whether a person is susceptible to having a behavioral disorder, Dr. Robert Philibert of the University of Iowa Roy J. and Lucille A. Carver College of Medicine said in a statement.
Having a particular gene expression change does not by itself predict that a person will act a certain way. However, it can indicate who might have a greater biological basis for engaging in behaviors such as smoking and alcohol or marijuana use, he said.
Source: United Press International
Related Articles
- Smoking After Sex Can Be Deadly
- The Right Treatment For The Right Person
- Hip-Surgery Success May Depend on Genes
- Your Personal Gene Map May Be Coming Soon
- Gentris Targets Gene-Based Approach to Drug Research, Development
- Observer Magazine: Life: Health: These Genes Don't Fit: Not All Human Traits Suggest a Team Effort in Preservation, Says Oliver James
- Smithsonian Exhibit Explores Human Genome
- Health Highlights: March 20, 2003
- Health Highlights: March 19, 2003
- EPA Proposes New Cancer Risk Guidelines
 |
 |
User Comments (0)
RSS Feeds