Mental DailyMental Daily
  • Clinical
  • Health
  • I/O
  • Cybernetic
  • Social
  • More
    • Opinion
    • My Bookmarks
Aa
Mental Daily
Aa
  • Clinical
  • Health
  • I/O
  • Cybernetic
  • Social
  • Opinion
Search
  • Clinical
  • Health
  • I/O
  • Cybernetic
  • Social
  • More
    • Opinion
    • My Bookmarks
Follow US
  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Inc. Profile
  • Google Play Store
© 2022 - Mental Daily. All Rights Reserved.
Clinical

Study links diabetes-associated gene to nicotine addiction

Staff Writer
Staff Writer 3 years ago
Updated 2019/10/20 at 12:28 AM
Share
SHARE

Diabetes, a disease commonly affecting over 100 million adults in the U.S., as of 2018, is often correlated with an increased risk for nicotine addiction. Due to its prevalence, new research, funded by the National Institutes of Health, has turned to a diabetes-associated gene known as transcription factor 7-like 2 (Tcf7l2) for any correlation between diabetes and nicotine consumption. The findings appeared in Nature.

According to Paul Kenny, the study’s lead author, Tcf7l2 plays a vital part in the regulation of how the brain responds to nicotine. By examining the medial habenula (mHb) region of the brain in rodents, researchers established how preventing Tcf7l2 signaling in this region of the brain could result in higher intake of nicotine.

As detailed in the findings, Kenny writes: “Here we show that the diabetes-associated gene Tcf7l2 is densely expressed in the medial habenula (mHb) region of the rodent brain, where it regulates the function of nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. Nicotine increases levels of blood glucose by TCF7L2-dependent stimulation of the mHb.”

The correlation between the diabetes-associated gene and nicotine addiction originated by genetically eliminating Tcf7l2 in rodents. During the experiments, researchers noticed an increase in the consumption of nicotine at each dose among the mutant rodents. Upon observing an increase in nicotine consumption while a loss of Tcf7l2 function occurred in the mHb region, they noticed a decrease in blood glucose associated with nicotine use, which subsequently prohibited any abnormal changes in glucose levels linked to diabetes.


“Our findings suggest that TCF7L2 regulates the stimulatory actions of nicotine on a habenula–pancreas axis that links the addictive properties of nicotine to its diabetes-promoting actions,” states Kenny.

Nora Volkow, Director of NIDA, added: “Although addiction is a brain disease, this discovery underscores how the body’s complex functions are exquisitely interconnected, revealing the need for integrated and innovative research.”

You Might Also Like

New study explores test that can detect Alzheimer’s years before diagnosis

Prenatal exposure to pollution may be linked to lower cognitive scores in infants

Researchers unveil new drug candidate to help treat adrenoleukodystrophy

New research finds Alzheimer’s risk factors affect males and females very differently

Study establishes critical role in regulating excessive folding of gyri in brain

TAGGED: Tcf7l2, diabetes, smoking
Staff Writer October 19, 2019
Share this Article
Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Whatsapp Email Print
Previous Article Diabetes is a major risk factor for respiratory infections, research suggests
Next Article Prenatal alcohol exposure on special occasions could still be harmful

Recommended

Clinical

New study explores test that can detect Alzheimer’s years before diagnosis

1 Min Read
Clinical

Prenatal exposure to pollution may be linked to lower cognitive scores in infants

1 Min Read
Clinical

Researchers unveil new drug candidate to help treat adrenoleukodystrophy

1 Min Read
Clinical

New research finds Alzheimer’s risk factors affect males and females very differently

1 Min Read
//

We are a trusted online source for research news and resources on all aspects of the mind and human behavior.

Verticals

  • Clinical
  • Health
  • Social
  • I/O
  • Opinion

Social

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Inc. Profile
  • Google Play Store

Links

  • About
  • Contact
  • The Editor
  • Terms & Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Follow US

© 2022 Mental Daily. All Rights Reserved.

  • Twitter
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Inc. Profile
  • Google Play Store

Removed from reading list

Undo
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Lost your password?