Effect of heritage on happiness, taking pleasure, and addiction
Ensar Demir1, Ali Çimen1, Oytun Erbaş2
1İstanbul Aydın Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Öğrencisi, İstanbul, Türkiye
2Demiroğlu Bilim Üniversitesi Tıp Fakültesi Fizyoloji Anabilim Dalı, İstanbul, Türkiye
Keywords: Happiness, inheritance, kappa opiate receptor, mono amino oxidase gene, mu opiate receptor, pleasure, vesicular monoamine transporter 2
Abstract
Contrary to popular belief, our features that are transferred genetically are not only those that are physical. Our features that determine our mood also have genetic statements. VMAT2 protein affects tendency to positive thinking via the GOD gene. Similarly, the monoamine oxidase A protein affects mood by being responsible for the destruction of monoamine that is present profusely in amygdala and hippocampus. Kappa opioid receptor, which is more common in females, and Mu opioid receptor, which is more common in males, have determinant effects on substance searching behavior and addiction. Therefore, according to the downregulation/ upregulation mechanism, addiction behavior does not only depend on environmental factors, but also depends on genetic factors.