Research

Nicotine may have more profound impact than previously thought
Researchers from Brown University have found that nicotine might interfere with many more cellular processes that previously thought. The study found interactions in mouse brain tissue between a nicotine receptor (alpha-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, which is also present in the human brain) and 55 proteins. Scientists were previously unaware of many of these interactions. One significant and unexpected reaction was involving the G-alpha protein that is involved in many biochemical and signaling processes throughout the body. These findings suggest that nicotine might affect bodily processes and the actions of other commonly used drugs more than previously thought. Click here to read more. Click here to read an abstract of the study in the Journal of Proteome Research.

Marijuana plus cigarettes boosts lung disease risk
A population-based study suggests that the combined health effects of smoking both marijuana and cigarettes are greater than the effects of either substance alone. Adjusting for age and coexisting health issues, the study found that the combination of cigarette and marijuana smoking increases the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other respiratory problems. Lung damage from cigarette smoking has been well-documented, but research has not identified a substantial lung cancer risk from marijuana smoking alone. This study suggests that marijuana smoking might sensitize the airways making them more vulnerable to the proven adverse effects of tobacco use. Click here to read more. Click here to read an abstract of the study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Panel sees role for smoking in breast cancer
Despite a great deal of research on smoking and breast cancer, the general scientific opinion is that the link between the two is inconclusive. A panel of American and Canadian public health experts has challenged this position by concluding that there is sufficient evidence for a link between smoking and breast cancer. The panel performed a comprehensive review of the research, reporting that eighty to ninety percent of women have been exposed to tobacco smoke, and that both smoking and secondhand smoke increase breast cancer risk. They also noted that smoke exposure is particularly hazardous for young and adolescent girls. The committee recommends further research to better quantify lifetime smoke exposure, estimate breast cancer cases attributable to smoke exposure, and to explore a genetic modifying factor. Click here to read more, or click here to download the full report.

Health Canada advises Canadians not to use electronic cigarettes (Canada)
Health Canada, the Canadian equivalent of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has called for stopping the importation, sale, and advertising of e-cigarettes. Health Canada is advising consumers to not purchase these products due to insufficient safety, quality and efficacy data. Electronic cigarettes, cigars, cigarillos, pipes and cartridges of nicotine solutions are being marketed as safer alternatives to conventional tobacco products and as smoking cessation aids. However, these statements have not been evaluated, and the products could possibly cause nicotine poisoning and addiction. Click here to read more.

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