In addition, minor alleles at rs16969968 were associated significantly with moderate-to-intense pleasurable rush or buzz in early smoking (OR = 1.6, P = 0.01) in Caucasians; these sensations in turn were associated highly with increased risk of current smoking (OR = 8.2, P < 0.0001). Further, moderate-to-intense pleasurable rush or buzz significantly predicted smoker/never-smoker status in a combined, race-adjusted analysis (OR = 6.2, P < 0.0001). No other initial smoking experience was associated significantly with the rs16969968 genotype.
