Smokeless tobacco abstinence effects and nicotine gum dose

Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors and learning and memory deficits in Neuroinflammatory diseases

Animal survival depends on cognitive abilities such as learning and memory to adapt to environmental changes. Memory functions require an enhanced activity and connectivity of a particular arrangement of engram neurons, supported by the concerted action of neurons, glia, and vascular cells. The deterioration of the cholinergic system is a common occurrence in neurological conditions exacerbated by aging such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Alzheimer's disease (AD), and Parkinson's disease (PD). Cotinine is a cholinergic modulator with neuroprotective, antidepressant, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and memory-enhancing effects. Current evidence suggests Cotinine's beneficial effects on cognition results from the positive modulation of the α7-nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs) and the inhibition of the toll-like receptors (TLRs). The α7nAChR affects brain functions by modulating the function of neurons, glia, endothelial, immune, and dendritic cells and regulates inhibitory and excitatory neurotransmission throughout the GABA interneurons. In addition, Cotinine acting on the α7 nAChRs and TLR reduces neuroinflammation by inhibiting the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines by the immune cells. Also, α7nAChRs stimulate signaling pathways supporting structural, biochemical, electrochemical, and cellular changes in the Central nervous system during the cognitive processes, including Neurogenesis. Here, the mechanisms of memory formation as well as potential mechanisms of action of Cotinine on memory preservation in aging and neurological diseases are discussed.

Intranasal Cotinine Plus Krill Oil Facilitates Fear Extinction, Decreases Depressive-Like Behavior, and Increases Hippocampal Calcineurin A Levels in Mice

Failure in fear extinction is one of the more troublesome characteristics of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Cotinine facilitates fear memory extinction and reduces depressive-like behavior when administered 24 h after fear conditioning in mice. In this study, it was investigated the behavioral and molecular effects of cotinine, and other antidepressant preparations infused intranasally. Intranasal (IN) cotinine, IN krill oil, IN cotinine plus krill oil, and oral sertraline were evaluated on depressive-like behavior and fear retention and extinction after fear conditioning in C57BL/6 mice. Since calcineurin A has been involved in facilitating fear extinction in rodents, we also investigated changes of calcineurin in the hippocampus, a region key on contextual fear extinction. Short-term treatment with cotinine formulations was superior to krill oil and oral sertraline in reducing depressive-like behavior and fear consolidation and enhancing contextual fear memory extinction in mice. IN krill oil slowed the extinction of fear. IN cotinine preparations increased the levels of calcineurin A in the hippocampus of conditioned mice. In the light of the results, the future investigation of the use of IN cotinine preparations for the extinction of contextual fear memory and treatment of treatment-resistant depression (TRD) in PTSD is discussed.

Reduced nicotine content cigarettes and nicotine patch

BACKGROUND

Reduced nicotine content (RNC) cigarettes have led to smoking fewer cigarettes, withdrawal relief, and facilitation of cessation. The aim of this study is to examine the effects RNC cigarettes with and without nicotine patch and patch alone on smoking behavior, toxicant exposure, withdrawal discomfort, and as an exploratory analysis, on long-term abstinence.

METHODS

This study involved a randomized, parallel arm design and six weeks of: (i) 0.05-0.09 mg nicotine yield cigarettes (N = 79); (ii) 21 mg nicotine patch (N = 80), or (iii) 0.05-0.09 nicotine yield cigarettes with 21 mg nicotine patch (N = 76); all groups received six weeks of additional behavioral treatment with follow-ups up to six months.

RESULTS

Combination approach led to lower rates of smoking assigned cigarettes and hence lower carbon monoxide levels than RNC cigarettes alone. In addition, the combination approach was associated with less withdrawal severity when switching from usual brand to assigned product, and less smoking of usual brand cigarettes during treatment, but not after treatment compared with the other approaches.

CONCLUSION

Combining very low nicotine content cigarettes with nicotine patch may improve the acute effects resulting from switching to either of these products alone.

IMPACT

These findings may have implications for smoking cessation treatment or a policy measure to reduce nicotine content in cigarettes.

[Smokeless tobacco]

Use of smokeless tobacco (ST) (chewing tobacco and snuff) can lead to a number of consequences detrimental to health. ST rapidly delivers high doses of nicotine, which can lead to dependence and is also a source of carcinogenic nitrosamines. Changes usually develop in the mouth area where the ST is most often placed. Non-malignant oral lesions include leuko-oedema, hyperkeratotic lesions of the oral mucosa and localised periodontal disease. Oral premalignant lesions are leukoplakia, erythroplakia, submucosal fibrosis and lichen planus. Betel chewing, with or without tobacco, may increase the incidence of oral cancer. There is conflicting evidence with regard to snuff users about the risk of oral and gastro-oesophageal cancer. ST use is a risk factor for pancreatic cancer and may increase the risk of fatal myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. During pregnancy, ST is associated with an increase in pre-eclampsia, preterm delivery and stillbirth. Nicotine replacement therapy and bupropion reduce withdrawal symptoms and tobacco craving during ST cessation. However, they have not been shown to help long-term abstinence. Information concerning the potential hazards of ST products should be incorporated into educational programmes to discourage its use and to help users to quit. Smokeless tobacco is not recommended to help smoking cessation.

[Smokeless tobacco]

The use of snus (smokeless tobacco) can be detrimental to health. Containing carcinogenic nitrosamines (Swedish snus do not contain nitrosamine). Snus delivers rapidly high doses of nicotine which can lead to dependence. It do not induce bronchial carcinoma differently smoked tobacco. Lesions usually develop in the area of the mouth where the snus is placed. Non-malignant oral lesions include leukoedema, hyperkeratotic lesions of the oral mucosa and localised periodontal disease. The most frequently occurring premalignant lesion is leukoplakia. Studies reveal conflicting evidence about the risk of oral and gastroesophageal cancer with regard to snus users. However, the use of snus has proved to be a risk factor in developing pancreatic cancer and increases the risk of fatal myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke. During pregnancy, snus is associated with an increased risk of pre-eclampsia and premature delivery. Nicotine substitution therapy and bupropion and varenicline reduce withdrawal symptoms and tobacco craving during snus cessation. However, they have not been shown to assist in long-term abstinence. Information concerning potential hazards of using snus products must be incorporated into health educational programmes in order to discourage its use. Snus is not a recommended product to help in stopping to smoke.

Effect of oral snus and medicinal nicotine in smokers on toxicant exposure and withdrawal symptoms: a feasibility study

BACKGROUND

Smokeless, spitless tobacco products are being introduced and marketed as cigarette substitutes. Data are needed regarding how smokers interested in cessation would use these products, the levels of resultant toxicant exposure, and the feasibility of using these products as aids for tobacco cessation.

METHODS

Smokers were randomized to receive Camel Snus (n = 51), Taboka (n = 52), or medicinal nicotine (n = 27) and required to quit smoking for 4 weeks. Measures of toxicant exposure and symptoms of craving and withdrawal were assessed prior to and during product use.

RESULTS

Concentrations of exhaled carbon monoxide, urinary cotinine, urinary 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanol and its glucuronides (total NNAL), and urinary N'-nitrosonornicotine and its glucuronide (total NNN) were significantly (P values <0.05) lower at the end of treatment in each group except for total NNN in those receiving Camel Snus (P = 0.066). A significant group × time effect was observed for total NNAL concentrations (P = 0.002) with the decrease greatest in the medicinal nicotine group and smallest decrease in the Camel Snus group. No significant differences between groups were found in craving and withdrawal symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

Enrolling smokers into a cessation study utilizing newer smokeless tobacco products is feasible. Camel Snus and Taboka use was not found to be superior to medicinal nicotine in reducing withdrawal symptoms but decreases in NNAL were smaller in users of Camel Snus.

IMPACT

This study demonstrates the feasibility of conducting a smoking cessation study utilizing these newer tobacco products. An appropriately powered study is needed to assess smoking cessation rates using these newer products compared with established, safer products such as medicinal nicotine.

Effects of sensory and behavioral substitutes following an experimentally induced stressor among abstinent smokeless tobacco users

Despite the well-known health risks associated with smokeless tobacco use, much is unresolved with respect to effective treatment for use of this substance. The present study examined the impact of a nicotine-free smokeless tobacco substitute and confectionary chewing gum on craving, withdrawal, and anxiety among 24 smokeless tobacco users following 24 hours of nicotine abstinence and a laboratory stressor. Although chewing gum did not impact withdrawal, craving, or anxiety compared to a no-product control condition, smokeless tobacco substitute administration resulted in a reduction of withdrawal and craving levels compared to the control condition following 24 hours of abstinence. Furthermore, significantly lower levels of craving and withdrawal were observed in both smokeless tobacco and smokeless tobacco substitute conditions compared to the control condition following the stressor. Results indicate that although general oral stimulation (eg, chewing gum) was not effective in reducing symptoms related to nicotine withdrawal, smokeless tobacco substitute use appears to be helpful in reducing withdrawal levels post-stressor. These data suggest that use of a smokeless tobacco substitute may be an effective aid in helping individuals wishing to quit, especially when managing stressors. (Am J Addict 2010;00:1-8).

Reduced nicotine content cigarettes: effects on toxicant exposure, dependence and cessation

AIMS

To examine the effects of reduced nicotine cigarettes on smoking behavior, toxicant exposure, dependence and abstinence.

DESIGN

Randomized, parallel arm, semi-blinded study. Setting University of Minnesota Tobacco Use Research Center.

INTERVENTIONS

Six weeks of: (i) 0.05 mg nicotine yield cigarettes; (ii) 0.3 mg nicotine yield cigarettes; or (iii) 4 mg nicotine lozenge; 6 weeks of follow-up. Measurements Compensatory smoking behavior, biomarkers of exposure, tobacco dependence, tobacco withdrawal and abstinence rate.

FINDINGS

Unlike the 0.3 mg cigarettes, 0.05 mg cigarettes were not associated with compensatory smoking behaviors. Furthermore, the 0.05 mg cigarettes and nicotine lozenge were associated with reduced carcinogen exposure, nicotine dependence and product withdrawal scores. The 0.05 mg cigarette was associated with greater relief of withdrawal from usual brand cigarettes than the nicotine lozenge. The 0.05 mg cigarette led to a significantly higher rate of cessation than the 0.3 mg cigarette and a similar rate as nicotine lozenge.

CONCLUSION

The 0.05 mg nicotine yield cigarettes may be a tobacco product that can facilitate cessation; however, future research is clearly needed to support these preliminary findings.

Waterpipe tobacco and cigarette smoking: direct comparison of toxicant exposure

BACKGROUND

Waterpipe (hookah, shisha) tobacco smoking has spread worldwide. Many waterpipe smokers believe that, relative to cigarettes, waterpipes are associated with lower smoke toxicant levels and fewer health risks. For physicians to address these beliefs credibly, waterpipe use and cigarette smoking must be compared directly.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study is to provide the first controlled, direct laboratory comparison of the toxicant exposure associated with waterpipe tobacco and cigarette smoking.

METHODS

Participants (N=31; M=21.4 years, SD=2.3) reporting monthly waterpipe use (M=5.2 uses/month, SD=4.0) and weekly cigarette smoking (M=9.9 cigarettes/day, SD=6.4) completed a crossover study in which they each smoked a waterpipe for a maximum of 45 minutes, or a single cigarette. Outcome measures included expired-air carbon monoxide (CO) 5 minutes after session's end, and blood carboxyhemoglobin (COHb), plasma nicotine, heart rate, and puff topography. Data were collected in 2008-2009 and analyzed in 2009.

RESULTS

On average, CO increased by 23.9 ppm for waterpipe use (SD=19.8) and 2.7 ppm for cigarette smoking (SD=1.8), while peak waterpipe COHb levels (M=3.9%, SD=2.5) were three times those observed for cigarette smoking (M=1.3%, SD=0.5; p's<0.001). Peak nicotine levels did not differ (waterpipe M=10.2 ng/mL, SD=7.0; cigarette M=10.6 ng/mL, SD=7.7). Significant heart rate increases relative to pre-smoking were observed at 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, and 35 minutes during the cigarette session and at 5-minute intervals during the waterpipe session (p's<0.001). Mean total puff volume was 48.6 L for waterpipe use as compared to 1.0 L for cigarette smoking (p<0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Relative to cigarette smoking, waterpipe use is associated with greater CO, similar nicotine, and dramatically more smoke exposure. Physicians should consider advising their patients that waterpipe tobacco smoking exposes them to some of the same toxicants as cigarette smoking and therefore the two tobacco-smoking methods likely share some of the same health risks.

An Epidemic that Deserves More Attention: Epidemiology, Prevention, and Treatment of Smokeless Tobacco

Smokeless tobacco (ST) use is common, especially in southern and rural areas. It is expected to become more popular with the recent move to sell more ST in areas where indoor smoking is banned. ST use usually starts in adolescence, which places this group at high risk. Nicotine dependence occurs almost exclusively in people who start using ST in their adolescent years, so it is crucial to prevent the introduction of ST to this age group. The debate over whether ST is a gateway to smoking or a bridge to quitting has not been fully answered. ST should not replace smoking where indoor smoking is banned. ST is less harmful than smoking, but nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) is much safer than ST. NRT and bupropion are helpful in the treatment of ST dependence by decreasing withdrawal symptoms and preventing weight gain after cessation.

La evolución del concepto de tabaquismo

El concepto de tabaquismo ha evolucionado mucho en las últimas décadas. De hábito en los años 60, el consumo pasó a ser considerado como dependencia psicológica en los años 70, después como adicción en los 80 y en los años 90 se instauró la clínica del fumador. Para entender el mecanismo del hábito de fumar debemos considerar que fumar representa mucho más que la dependencia física a la nicotina. Con el paso del tiempo el fumador pasa a recibir estímulos sociales, comportamentales o culturales que refuerzan su hábito y probablemente serán los elementos causantes del establecimiento de la dependencia psicológica. Tanto el componente psicológico como el físico de la dependencia al tabaco tienen un papel fundamental en el mantenimiento del hábito.

Treatments for spit tobacco use: a quantitative systematic review

AIMS

Spit tobacco use is prevalent in the United States and is associated with adverse health consequences. Health-care providers have neither evidence summaries nor evidence-based guidelines to assist them in treating patients who use spit tobacco.

DESIGN

We completed a systematic review of the literature to determine the efficacy and safety of pharmacological and behavioral interventions for the treatment of spit tobacco use.

FINDINGS

We found six randomized controlled trials testing pharmacological interventions and eight testing behavioral interventions. Using random-effects meta-analyses,bupropion sustained-release (SR) increased point prevalence tobacco abstinence at 12 weeks [odds ratio (OR) 2.1; 95% confidence interval (CI), 1.0-4.2]. Nicotine replacement therapy with patch or gum increased point prevalence tobacco abstinence at 6 months (OR 1.3; 95% CI, 1.0-1.6). Behavioral interventions increased long-term (6 month)point prevalence tobacco abstinence (OR 1.7; 95% CI, 1.1-2.9). Studies including an oral examination followed by feedback to the patient had the highest treatment effect.

CONCLUSIONS

Behavioral interventions for ST users are effective for increasing ST abstinence rates. Bupropion SR is probably effective and nicotine replacement therapy may be effective. This evidence from randomized controlled trials provides health-care professionals with information necessary to effectively treat spit tobacco use.

Chewing tobacco: who uses and who quits? Findings from NHANES III, 1988-1994. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III

OBJECTIVES

This study identified mutually exclusive groups of men at high and low risk for use of chewing tobacco and for quitting.

METHODS

Analyses used a national sample of 1340 non-Hispanic Black, 1358 Mexican American, and 1673 non-Hispanic White men, aged 25 to 64, who participated in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III from 1988 to 1994. Signal detection analysis was used to delineate high- and low-risk subgroups; survival analysis was used to estimate hazard curves for comparing age at onset for chewing tobacco use with that for smoking.

RESULTS

Rural, lower-income Black and White men had the highest regular use of chewing tobacco (33.3%), followed by rural, higher-income men regardless of race/ethnicity (14.9%). Southern men who began using chewing tobacco during adulthood had the lowest quit rate (22.5%). In sharp contrast to smoking, chewing tobacco showed a continued onset throughout adulthood.

CONCLUSIONS

Because subgroups of men show highly different chewing tobacco use and quit rates and because age at chewing tobacco onset occurs across the life span, prevention and cessation programs should be specific to different risk groups and distinct from smoking programs.

Initial tobacco use episodes in children and adolescents: current knowledge, future directions

Approximately three-quarters of adult tobacco users report that their first tobacco use occurred between ages 11 and 17, while many adults who do not regularly use tobacco report that they experimented with it as adolescents. Surprisingly little is known about the effects of these initial tobacco use episodes and their influence on adult tobacco use patterns. In particular, understanding the role that nicotine plays in these early tobacco use experiences may be important in understanding the development of regular tobacco use and concomitant nicotine dependence. One goal of this review is to summarize current knowledge regarding the effects of initial tobacco use episodes in adolescents and to discuss nicotine exposure in initial tobacco use episodes. Another goal is to outline a research agenda designed to learn more about initial tobacco use episodes and the effects of nicotine in children. An ethical rationale and some potential methods for this research agenda are presented.

Characteristics of smokeless tobacco users seeking treatment

Previous studies have described smokeless tobacco (ST) treatment seekers with minimal detail. In the present study, ST users (N = 402), who enrolled in a ST cessation treatment study, were asked to complete an extensive questionnaire that inquired about their ST use patterns, use of other tobacco products, extent of dependence, previous attempts to quit, situations associated with use and support for quitting. The results showed that this population experiences a high level of nicotine exposure and physical dependence on ST. ST use frequently is associated with negative affect situations and times of hunger. A high frequency of users have smoked cigarettes as well as cigars. A supportive social environment for ST cessation exists for these individuals. These results have implications for ST treatment content.

Symptomatology and energy intake during the menstrual cycle in smoking women

This study extends our understanding of smoking behavior, withdrawal, and premenstrual symptomatology in smoking women, as well as energy intake as a function of cycle phase. Thirty-two women age 18 to 40 years, smoking ad lib, were followed for an average of two menstrual cycles with hormonal verification. Withdrawal and premenstrual symptomatology as well as energy intake were reported during the follicular (F), luteal (L), and late luteal (LL) cycle phases. Both premenstrual symptomatology and withdrawal symptomatology were higher during the LL phase. Subject response on measurements of craving, irritability, restlessness, increased appetite, and depressed mood tended to be higher in the LL phase. Energy intake did not vary as a function of cycle phase. Participants perceived that they smoked more and had increased appetite in the LL phase but related measurements did not confirm this. Premenstrual and withdrawal symptoms are highly correlated and one needs to be cautious in interpreting cycle effects on withdrawal. Overall symptomatology seems to be lower during the F phase, indicating that this may be a more opportune time for women to quit smoking.

Smokeless tobacco use: how it affects the performance of major league baseball players

The authors examined the effect of smokeless tobacco use on the athletic performance of major league baseball players during the 1988 season. They evaluated performance records of 158 players on seven major league teams who played or pitched at least 10 games or innings during the 1988 season. ST use, they concluded, is not related to player performance in major league baseball but does place players at significantly increased risk for mucosal lesions and other oral pathology.

Measuring dependence in smokeless tobacco users

Two scales based on the Fagerstrom Tolerance Questionnaire were developed to measure dependence in smokeless tobacco users. The total score for both scales correlated positively with saliva cotinine levels in subjects, and several individual items produced equally positive correlations. Regression analyses yielded two subsets of three items from each scale that predicted cotinine level. Reports of using smokeless tobacco within 30 min of waking served as a predictor in both models. For the purposes of measuring smokeless tobacco dependence, attention should be given to individual items correlated with saliva cotinine levels that could be used to determine the direction of cessation efforts. Future research should also develop additional items specific to the use of snuff or chewing tobacco and eliminate questions not contributing to the overall scale.

Nicotine withdrawal versus other drug withdrawal syndromes: similarities and dissimilarities

Many of the symptoms of nicotine withdrawal are similar to those of other drug withdrawal syndromes: anxiety, awakening during sleep, depression, difficulty concentrating, impatience, irritability/anger and restlessness. Slowing of the heart rate and weight gain are distinguishing features of tobacco withdrawal. Although nicotine withdrawal may not produce medical consequences, it lasts for several weeks and can be severe in some smokers. Like most other drug withdrawals, nicotine withdrawal is time-limited, occurs in non-humans, is influenced by instructions/expectancy and abates with replacement therapy and gradual reduction. Unlike some other drug withdrawal syndromes, protracted, neonatal or precipitated withdrawal does not occur. Whether nicotine withdrawal is associated with tolerance, acute physical dependence, greater duration and intensity of use, rapid reinstatement, symptom stages, cross-dependence with other nicotine ligands, reduction by non-pharmacological interventions and genetic influences is unclear. Whether nicotine withdrawal plays a major role in relapse to smoking has not been established but this is also true for other drug withdrawal syndromes.

Physical dependence on nicotine gum: effect of duration of use

This study examined whether longer duration on nicotine gum promoted dependence on nicotine gum. Subjects (N = 128) answering an advertisement for smoking cessation research and wanting to quit smoking cigarettes were randomly assigned to 1- or 3-month duration of nicotine gum use. Assessments were made weekly for smoking status (with biochemical verification) and withdrawal symptoms during and at the end of treatment. Follow-up was conducted at 1, 6 and 12 months to provide exploratory data on treatment outcome. The results showed minimal nicotine gum withdrawal symptoms after gum cessation with virtually no difference in gum withdrawal between the 1- and 3-month groups. Withdrawal symptoms from the nicotine gum included difficulty with concentration, increased variability on a reaction time task, and decreased vigor. The results also showed that continuous use of the gum at 1 year was observed in 1.5% of subjects and estimated to be as high as 14%. Finally, the 3-month group experienced a 2-fold increase in abstinence compared to the 1-month group, although this difference was not statistically significant. We conclude that there is minimal physical dependence on nicotine gum.