If you have a dislike for bitter substances, you will be less likely to become addicted to the nicotine in cigarettes , a new genetic study reveals.
The key is in two receptors, TAS2R16 and TAS2R38 , related to sensitivity to bitter taste. A few years ago, several teams of researchers demonstrated that these receptors are specialized in detecting toxic plant compounds , specifically the so-called glucopyranosides and glucosinolates, present in foods such as almonds, green tea, some kinds of beans, broccoli or cabbage. . Together they form a biological defense mechanism that helps us identify potential poisons . However, they do not work the same for all of us, since there are genetic variants of the receptors that make those who possess them more sensitive to bitter stimuli. And that inherited sensitivity is directly related to the rejection of nicotine.
"We have a tool to predict whether a person is likely to become a smoker, " says Ming Li, a co-author of the study and an expert on additions. The next challenge will be figuring out how to use this knowledge to treat tobacco addiction.
