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Georgakopoulou VE, Sklapani P, Trakas N, Reiter RJ, Spandidos DA. Exploring the association between melatonin and nicotine dependence (Review). Int J Mol Med 2024; 54:82. [PMID: 39092582 PMCID: PMC11315657 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2024.5406] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/19/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Due to the addictive qualities of tobacco products and the compulsive craving and dependence associated with their use, nicotine dependence continues to be a serious public health concern on a global scale. Despite awareness of the associated health risks, nicotine addiction contributes to numerous acute and chronic medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disorders and cancer. The nocturnal secretion of pineal melatonin, known as the 'hormone of darkness', influences circadian rhythms and is implicated in addiction‑related behaviors. Melatonin receptors are found throughout the brain, influencing dopaminergic neurotransmission and potentially attenuating nicotine‑seeking behavior. Additionally, the antioxidant properties of melatonin may mitigate oxidative stress from chronic nicotine exposure, reducing cellular damage and lowering the risk of nicotine‑related health issues. In addition to its effects on circadian rhythmicity, melatonin acting via specific neural receptors influences sleep and mood, and provides neuroprotection. Disruptions in melatonin signaling may contribute to sleep disturbances and mood disorders, highlighting the potential therapeutic role of melatonin in addiction and psychiatric conditions. Melatonin may influence neurotransmitter systems involved in addiction, such as the dopaminergic, glutamatergic, serotonergic and endogenous opioid systems. Preclinical studies suggest the potential of melatonin in modulating reward processing, attenuating drug‑induced hyperactivity and reducing opioid withdrawal symptoms. Chronotherapeutic approaches targeting circadian rhythms and melatonin signaling show promise in smoking cessation interventions. Melatonin supplementation during periods of heightened nicotine cravings may alleviate withdrawal symptoms and reduce the reinforcing effects of nicotine. Further research is required however, to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying the melatonin‑nicotine association and the optimization of therapeutic interventions. Challenges include variability in individual responses to melatonin, optimal dosing regimens and identifying biomarkers of treatment response. Understanding these complexities could lead to personalized treatment strategies and improve smoking cessation outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Pagona Sklapani
- Department of Biochemistry, Sismanogleio Hospital, 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Trakas
- Department of Biochemistry, Sismanogleio Hospital, 15126 Athens, Greece
| | - Russel J. Reiter
- Department of Cell Systems and Anatomy, UT Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, School of Medicine, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
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Georgakopoulou VE, Makrodimitri S, Gkoufa A, Apostolidi E, Provatas S, Papalexis P, Spandidos DA, Lempesis IG, Gamaletsou MN, Sipsas NV. Lung function at three months after hospitalization due to COVID‑19 pneumonia: Comparison of alpha, delta and omicron variant predominance periods. Exp Ther Med 2024; 27:83. [PMID: 38274344 PMCID: PMC10809351 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2024.12372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has already affected millions of individuals, with increasing numbers of survivors. These data suggest that the pulmonary sequelae of the infection may have an effect on a wide range of individuals. The aim of the present study was to evaluate pulmonary function in patients hospitalized due to COVID-19 three months after hospital discharge. A total of 116 patients, 34 females and 82 males, with a mean age of 57.77±11.45 years, who were hospitalized due to COVID-19, underwent pulmonary function testing three months after their hospital discharge. Of these, 83 (71.6%) patients were hospitalized in the period of alpha variant predominance, 16 (13.8%) in the period of delta variant predominance and 17 (14.6%) in the omicron variant predominance period. The mean value of diffusion capacity for carbon monoxide (DLCO)% predicted (pred) was statistically higher in patients affected by the omicron variant (P=0.028). Abnormal values (<80% pred) of DLCO and total lung capacity (TLC) were observed in 28.4 and 20.7% of the patients, respectively. Active smoking was an independent predictor of abnormal values of forced expiratory volume in 1 sec % pred and TLC% pred [P=0.038; odds ratio (OR): 8.574, confidence interval (CI) 1.124-65.424 and P=0.004, OR: 14.733, CI 2.323-93.429, respectively], age was an independent predictor of abnormal values of forced vital capacity % pred and DLCO% pred (P=0.027, OR: 1.124, CI 1.014-1.246 and P=0.011, OR:1.054, CI 1.012-1.098, respectively); and female sex was an independent predictor of abnormal values of DLCO% pred (P=0.009, OR: 1.124, CI 1.014-1.246). Α significant percentage of hospitalized patients due to COVID-19 pneumonia will develop abnormal pulmonary function, regardless of the SARS-CoV-2 variant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Epameinondas Georgakopoulou
- Department of Infectious Diseases and COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Sotiria Makrodimitri
- Department of Infectious Diseases and COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Aikaterini Gkoufa
- Department of Infectious Diseases and COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Eirini Apostolidi
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Sotirios Provatas
- ENT Department, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Petros Papalexis
- Unit of Endocrinology, First Department of Propedeutic and Internal Medicine, Laiko General Hospital, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of West Attica, 12243 Athens, Greece
| | - Demetrios A. Spandidos
- Laboratory of Clinical Virology, Medical School, University of Crete, 71003 Heraklion, Greece
| | - Ioannis G. Lempesis
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Maria N. Gamaletsou
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos V. Sipsas
- Department of Infectious Diseases and COVID-19 Unit, Laiko General Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Department of Pathophysiology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
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