Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 8, 2025

Using Nicotine in a Silica-Exposed Mouse Model to Promote Lung Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition
Published on: March 3, 2023
Effect of Nicotine on STAT1 Pathway and Oxidative Stress in Rat Lungs
Aida Abdeen Mahmoud1, Hekmat Osman Abdel-Aziz2, Mohamed Elbadr3
1Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Egypt.
Background:
Tobacco use is responsible for millions of preventable deaths due to cancer. Nicotine, an alkaloid chemical found in tobacco was proved to cause chronic inflammation and oxidative stress. The transcription factor STAT1 induces the expression of many proinflammatory genes and has been suggested to be a target for anti-inflammatory therapeutics. The following study investigated the effect of Nicotine on STAT1 pathway and oxidative stress in rat lung tissue.
Methods:
Thirty rats were divided into 3 groups; group I considered as control, group II; its rats were daily injected with Nicotine at a dose of 0.4 mg/100 gm body for 8 successive weeks and group III; its rats were daily injected with Nicotine as group II, but the injection was stopped for another 4 weeks. STAT1α protein was assessed by immunohistochemistry, COX-2 and iNOS genes expression were evaluated by real time PCR and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and total thiols were measured using spectrophotometric methods in the lung tissues of the rats.
Results:
The results of the study revealed that group II rats had the highest expression of STAT1α protein and COX-2 and iNOS genes and oxidative stress in their lung tissues. Nicotine cessation for 4 weeks caused a marked reduction in the expression of STAT1α protein, COX-2 and iNOS genes and oxidative stress.
Conclusion:
Induction of STAT1 pathway and the increase in oxidative stress may be the mechanisms through which Nicotine may induce its harmful effects.
More Related Videos
09:25Methods to Evaluate Cytotoxicity and Immunosuppression of Combustible Tobacco Product Preparations
Published on: January 10, 2015
09:50Impact Assessment of Repeated Exposure of Organotypic 3D Bronchial and Nasal Tissue Culture Models to Whole Cigarette Smoke
Published on: February 12, 2015
Related Concept Videos
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...
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology
Chronic Inflammation
Stimulants
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...