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Harmful effects of nicotine

Aseem Mishra1, Pankaj Chaturvedi1, Sourav Datta1

  • 1Department of Surgical Oncology, Head and Neck Services, Tata Memorial Hospital, Parel, Mumbai, Maharashtra, India.

Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology : Official Journal of Indian Society of Medical & Paediatric Oncology
|March 27, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Nicotine, though marketed as a safer tobacco alternative, poses significant health risks. This review highlights its detrimental effects on multiple organ systems and its potential role in cancer development, advocating for stricter regulation.

Area of Science:

  • Toxicology
  • Pharmacology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Nicotine consumption is increasing with the availability of nicotine replacement therapies.
  • Nicotine is often perceived as a safer alternative to tobacco, and not classified as a carcinogen by IARC.
  • Emerging research suggests potential carcinogenic properties and adverse health effects of nicotine.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To conduct a comprehensive review of the effects of nicotine on various organ systems.
  • To evaluate the evidence regarding nicotine's role in health hazards and cancer development.
  • To assess the impact of nicotine on treatment resistance and overall patient outcomes.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was performed using Medline and PubMed databases.
  • Keywords related to nicotine and its health effects were utilized for the search.
  • Inclusion criteria focused on animal and human studies examining nicotine's isolated effects.

Main Results:

  • Nicotine is associated with increased risks of cardiovascular, respiratory, and gastrointestinal disorders.
  • Adverse effects include decreased immune response and negative impacts on reproductive health.
  • Nicotine influences cell proliferation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and DNA mutation, contributing to cancer and impacting treatment efficacy.

Conclusions:

  • Nicotine presents considerable health hazards across multiple organ systems.
  • Its mechanisms of action suggest a role in carcinogenesis and the development of treatment resistance.
  • Regulation of nicotine products and sales under medical supervision is recommended.
Keywords:
Addictioncancercardiovasculargastrointestinalnicotinerespiratory

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