Related Experiment Video

Updated: Dec 26, 2025

Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System
06:07

Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System

Published on: October 22, 2020

7.3K

Is nicotine exposure linked to cardiopulmonary vulnerability to COVID-19 in the general population?

James L Olds1, Nadine Kabbani2

  • 1SCHAR School of Public Policy, George Mason University, Arlington, VA, USA.

The FEBS Journal
|March 20, 2020
PubMed

Insights

Nicotine exposure may increase the risk of severe COVID-19. Nicotine impacts the ACE2 receptor, potentially causing harmful effects in lung cells.

Area of Science:

  • Virology
  • Epidemiology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • The COVID-19 pandemic presents a global health crisis, overwhelming healthcare systems.
  • While most cases are mild, a significant percentage require hospitalization.
  • Nicotine exposure is a common comorbidity with potential health implications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential impact of prior nicotine exposure on COVID-19 severity.
  • To explore the biological mechanisms linking nicotine and viral infection.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on nicotine's effects on cellular receptors.
  • Analysis of epidemiological data regarding smoking status and COVID-19 outcomes (hypothetical).
  • In vitro studies examining nicotine's interaction with the ACE2 receptor and lung epithelial cells (hypothetical).

Main Results:

  • Nicotine may upregulate or alter the Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor.
  • This alteration could facilitate viral entry and promote inflammatory responses in lung epithelial cells.
  • Individuals with prior nicotine exposure might be at increased risk for severe COVID-19 complications.

Conclusions:

  • Nicotine exposure could exacerbate COVID-19 by priming the ACE2 receptor for viral interaction.
  • Further research is crucial to confirm these findings and understand the clinical implications for smokers.
  • Public health strategies may need to consider nicotine use as a risk factor for severe COVID-19.

Keywords:
addictioninfectious Diseasepandemicpublic Healthtobacco

More Related Videos

Using Nicotine in a Silica-Exposed Mouse Model to Promote Lung Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition06:12

Using Nicotine in a Silica-Exposed Mouse Model to Promote Lung Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition

Published on: March 3, 2023

1.1K
Impact Assessment of Repeated Exposure of Organotypic 3D Bronchial and Nasal Tissue Culture Models to Whole Cigarette Smoke09:50

Impact Assessment of Repeated Exposure of Organotypic 3D Bronchial and Nasal Tissue Culture Models to Whole Cigarette Smoke

Published on: February 12, 2015

11.5K

Related Concept Videos

Stimulants01:29

Stimulants

Stimulants are substances that enhance neural activity and elevate dopamine levels in the brain, leading to their highly addictive nature. These drugs include cocaine, amphetamines, MDMA, caffeine, and nicotine, each with distinct mechanisms of action and varied health implications.
Cocaine can be administered via snorting, injection, or smoking. It primarily functions by blocking the reuptake of dopamine, resulting in a euphoric high characterized by an intense sensation of happiness and...
764
Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease01:27

Psychoneuroimmunology: Cardiovascular Disease

Psychoneuroimmunology (PNI) is a multidisciplinary field that examines how psychological factors, particularly stress, interact with the immune system and impact physical health. Research in PNI has shown that chronic or traumatic stress can disrupt both the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis and the sympathetic nervous system. These disruptions contribute to serious health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases.
A key area of focus in PNI is the relationship between stress and coronary...
281
Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants01:23

Drugs Acting on Autonomic Ganglia: Stimulants


Ganglionic stimulants activate NM nicotinic receptors in autonomic ganglia, falling into two categories: nicotine mimetics [e.g., lobeline, dimethylpiperazine, tetramethylammonium] and muscarinic receptor agonists [e.g., muscarine, methacholine]. The first category's action is rapid and blocked by nicotinic receptor antagonists, while the second category's action is delayed and blocked by atropine-like agents. Nicotine, an alkaloid, affects the heart rate by stimulating...
2.0K
COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features01:20

COPD: Pathogenesis and Clinical Features

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a group of lung conditions that progressively worsen over time, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. This cluster of diseases collectively leads to a gradual and irreversible decline in lung function over time.
The primary cause for the onset of COPD is cigarette smoking and exposure to air pollution. These hazardous factors initiate a chain reaction within the lungs, resulting in chronic inflammation, damage to the airways, and a...
1.7K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-I: Introduction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a long-lasting respiratory condition requiring continuous attention and care. It is a progressive lung disease that leads to breathing challenges due to airflow obstruction. It manifests as persistent respiratory symptoms and restricted airflow resulting from abnormalities in the airways and alveoli, usually due to long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases. COPD mainly consists of two primary conditions: emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
3.4K
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology01:20

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation
4.1K