Journal of molecular neuroscience : MN
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The nicotine in cigarette smoke can stimulate the dopaminergic reward pathways. The catechol O-methyltransferase gene (COMT) and dopamine receptor 2 gene (DRD2) are dopamine-related genes. Genetic polymorphisms in these two genes are potential candidates in determining an individual's predisposition to cigarette smoking. ⋯ Smoking status was significantly associated with COMT Val (108/158) Met polymorphism, but not associated with DRD2 Taq1B polymorphism. Logistic regression analysis showed that COMT Val (108/158) Met gene polymorphism, educational status, parental smoking, and alcohol consumption had statistically significant impacts on cigarette smoking. The results suggest that COMT Val (108/158) Met genetic polymorphisms, but not DRD2 Taq1B, may influence susceptibility to cigarette smoking among Thai males.
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Central pain syndrome (CPS) is a debilitating state and one of the consequences of spinal cord injury in patients. Many pathophysiological aspects of CPS are not well documented. Spinal glia activation has been identified as a key factor in the sensory component of chronic pain. ⋯ In both histological assessments and Western blotting, Iba1 increased at days 3 and 7 while increased GFAP occurred from day 14 to 28 after lesion. It appears that microglial activation is important in the early stages of pain development and astrocytic activation occurs later. These events may lead to behavioral outcomes especially central neuropathic pain.