Lack of Association of OPRM1 Genotype and Smoking Cessation

Introduction: Previous studies have reported an association between mu-opioid receptor (OPRM1) genotype and smoking cessation, with some evidence that the strength of this association depends on dose of nicotine replacement therapy (NRT). We examined whether a single-nucleotide polymorphism in the OPRM1 gene is associated with cessation and whether this variant moderates the effects of higher doses of NRT on abstinence.

Methods: Participants were recruited from the practices of primary care physicians in the United Kingdom. Patients smoking an average of at least 10 cigarettes a day, who wanted to quit and were 18 years or older were eligible for inclusion. A total of N = 633 participants were recruited into the original trial, of whom complete data for pharmacogenetic analyses were available on n = 598. Logistic regression was used to test for the effects of OPRM1 genotype and NRT dose, including the genotype x dose interaction term, on smoking status at 4-week, and 26-week follow-up. Analyses were adjusted for potential confounders.

Results: There was no evidence of a genotype effect at either follow-up, and no evidence of a genotype x dose interaction effect.

Conclusions: OPRM1 genotype may not affect the likelihood of smoking cessation, and it may not influence response to high-versus low-dose NRT. OPRM1 may have at most only a modest role in explaining cigarette smoking and cessation.