Research

Investigation finds that cigarette smoking does not affect everyone in same way
In a recent review article, Canadian researchers examine the proposed mechanisms for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and evaluate the emerging evidence that COPD is an autoimmune condition triggered by smoking. They suggest that differences among smokers in the immune system may affect the mechanism involved in the development of COPD. These differences could explain why smokers develop COPD while others do not. Click here to read a summary of the findings. The research study, titled, “Immunologic Aspects of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease,” appeared in the New England Journal of Medicine in June 2009.

Smokers can’t blow off stress
Despite popular belief that smoking relieves stress, a telephone survey conducted in July 2008 by the Pew Research Center with a nationally representative sample of 2,250 adults found that half of smokers say they “frequently” experience stress compared to 31% of non-smokers. The survey compared self-reported stress levels among three groups: current smokers, former smokers, and nonsmokers. Controlling for basic demographic characteristics, current smokers were more likely to report frequent stress compared to former smokers and nonsmokers. These results raise questions regarding the direction of the relationship between smoking and stress, and about the true effect of smoking on stress. Read more here.

Healthy lifestyles on decline in the U.S.
Despite the well-known positive effects of physical activity, eating healthy, moderate drinking, and not smoking, the number of Americans following a healthy lifestyle is declining. According to a recent study that analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), the proportion of people adhering to all of the five healthy habits studied (maintaining body weight, physical activity, healthy diet, moderate drinking, and not smoking) decreased from 15% to 8% within an 18-year period from 1988 to 2006. It was also found that people with diagnosed chronic health conditions were no more likely to adhere to a healthy lifestyle pattern than those without these health problems. The full research article is available here in the June 2009 issue of The American Journal of Medicine. Click here to read more.

Alcohol, cigarettes and diabetes up colorectal cancer risk
A recent study reviewed over 100 published studies on major and modifiable risk factors for colorectal cancer. The researchers found that beyond the well-known risk factors of diet and obesity, other factors can significantly contribute to an individual’s colorectal cancer risk. Smoking, obesity, and diabetes were each associated with a 20% greater risk of developing colorectal cancer, compared with individuals in the lowest risk categories for each race. The study found that excessive alcohol drinkers increased their risk of cancer by 60% compared to non-drinkers. The data showed that physical activity reduces the risk for cancer, but little evidence was found to indicate that a high intake of fruits and vegetables is protective against colorectal cancer. Read more here, or click here to read the article in the International Journal of Cancer.

Nicotine induces prediabetes, likely contributes to high prevalence of heart disease in smokers
The results from a new study on mice found that nicotine promotes insulin resistance, or prediabetes. Prediabetes and diabetes are known risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Although smoking is associated with weight loss, which should protect against heart disease, researchers believe the results from this study may explain why cigarette smokers have a high cardiovascular death rate. Other studies indicate that nicotine and cigarette smoke induce high levels of cortisol, a stress hormone. Cortisol could be the causal link between smoking and insulin resistance, since an excess of cortisol is also known to induce insulin resistance. Researchers conclude that blocking the effects of nicotine on insulin resistance may reduce the risk of heart disease in smokers. Read more here.

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