People who possess a gene variant related to bitter taste sensation may enjoy some protection from smoking, the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reported Feb. 27.

Some people like the bitter taste of cigarette smoke, while others are repulsed. The key is how people react to the chemical phenylthiocarbamide: some individuals have a gene variant called PAV, which gives them sensitivity to the chemical's bitter taste, while others have the AVI gene, and don't taste the chemical at all.

Those with the AVI gene were more likely to smoke for taste than those with the PAV gene. On the other hand, many people with the PAV gene still smoked, but were motivated by reasons other than taste. And even those who start smoking because they like to taste may continue for other reasons, including nicotine addiction.

Researchers from the University of Wisconsin Medical School noted that people smoke for reasons ranging from relaxation to weight loss. "If a person smokes for taste and not for relief of negative moods, then perhaps they shouldn't be given an antidepressant to help them stop," said study author Timothy Baker.

The study was published in the journal Nicotine and Tobacco Research.