Correlation of NAAG level in the bilateral medial prefrontal cortex with nicotine dependence score in adult cigarette smokers

Smoking can cause cancer, heart disease, stroke, lung diseases, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease including emphysema and chronic bronchitis. Our study aims to explore the correlation between neurotransmitter levels in the medial prefrontal cortex of patients with nicotine addiction (NA) using the J-edited 1H MRS technique. Results showed that the N-acetylaspartylglutamate (NAAG) level in medial prefrontal of nicotine addicts was significantly correlated with the score of Fagerstrom Test for Nicotine Dependence, suggesting that the metabolism of NAAG may play a key role in nicotine dependence patients.