Role of genetic susceptibility in nicotine addiction and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Although cigarette smoking is the major risk factor, only 10-20% of smokers develop COPD. The extent of cigarette smoking (pack-years and smoking duration) accounts for only 15% of the variation in lung function, indicating that differences in susceptibility to COPD must exist. We provide an overview of the complexity of nicotine addiction and COPD, with special attention to the involvement of genetic factors. The following aspects are discussed in the present article: (1) epidemiology in Mexico and (2) a review of the published literature on genetic association studies using the National Center for Biotechnology Information database of the United States as a search tool. COPD is unique among complex genetic diseases where an environmental risk factor is known and the level of exposure can be documented with some precision. The high morbidity and mortality associated with COPD and its chronic and progressive nature has prompted the use of molecular genetic studies to identify susceptibility factors for the disease. Biomedical research has a remarkable set of tools to aid in the discovery of genes and polymorphisms. We present a review of the most relevant genetic associations in nicotine addiction and COPD.

Enhancing smoking cessation in Mexico using an e-Health tool in primary healthcare / Uso de una herramienta electrónica para la cesación del tabaquismo en el primer nivel de atención en México

Abstract: Objective: To evaluate an e-Health tool designed to enhance smoking cessation in Mexico in primary healthcare. Materials and methods: Smokers 18 years of age and older were recruited in the waiting room of two primary healthcare clinics in Mexico City. Participants used an e-Health smoking cessation tool that included smoking-related assessments, education on pharmacotherapy, and motivational videos. A follow-up assessment was conducted at 12 weeks week on smoking status. Logistic regression models were performed to identify factors associated with smoking cessation or consumption reduction. Results: A total of 132 smokers were enrolled in the study. At follow-up, 23.5% of participants self-reported smoking cessation. Among those who did not quit smoking, 65.0% decreased the number of cigarettes. Factors associated significantly with smoking cessation were: being a non-daily smoker, being interested in quitting smoking, having low level of physical dependence, and participating in cessation treatment. Conclusions: The e-Health tool produced a high rate of smoking cessation. Better outcomes are obtained when this tool is used with conventional cessation programs.

Resumen: Objetivo: Evaluar una herramienta electrónica diseñada para promover la cesación tabáquica en México en el primer nivel de atención. Material y métodos: Fumadores de 18 años de edad o más fueron reclutados en el área de espera de dos unidades de atención primaria en la Ciudad de México. Los participantes utilizaron una herramienta interactiva para dejar de fumar que incluía cuestionarios relacionados con el tabaquismo, educación sobre tratamientos farmacológicos y videos motivacionales. Una evaluación de seguimiento acerca de consumo de tabaco se realizó a las 12 semanas. Se realizaron modelos de regresión logística para identificar los factores asociados con cesación tabáquica o reducción de consumo. Resultados: Un total de 132 fumadores se inscribieron al estudio. Al seguimiento, 23.5% de los participantes autorreportaron cesación tabáquica. Entre quienes no cesaron, 65.0% redujo su consumo de cigarros al día. Los factores asociados significativamente con cesación tabáquica fueron ser un fumador ocasional, estar interesado en cesar, tener un bajo nivel de dependencia física y participar en tra tamientos de cesación. Conclusión: La herramienta electrónica produjo una alta tasa de cesación. Mejores resultados se obtienen cuando la herramienta se utiliza con programas de cesación convencionales.