+1 (629)348-3199Nicotine is an addictive substance present in cigarette smoke that causes a great number of health effects and is a leading cause of preventable death
Joint Event on 3rd International Conference on Spine and Spine Disorders & International Conference on Addiction Research and Therapy
November 26-27, 2018 | Dubai, UAE
Wasana K Sumanasekera
Sullivan University College of Pharmacy, USA
Scientific Tracks Abstracts : J Neurol Neurorehabil Res
Abstract:
Objective: This article provides information regarding the
addictive nature of nicotine, adverse health effects, current
detection methods, alternative approaches, and smoking
cessation.
Results and Discussion: An average cigarette allows a person
to absorb approximately 1 mg of nicotine, which produces
euphoria and establishes addiction. Nicotine binds to nicotinic
receptors and activates cell signaling cascade leading to
dopamine and other neurotransmitter release resulting in
euphoria and pleasure. After exposure to nicotine for some
time the receptors become unresponsive/desensitized. Later
the receptors become responsive again due to abstinence,
which is believed to play a role in dependence. A process called
neuro adaptation also generates more nicotinic receptors
in response to desensitization. Cigarette smoking produces
harmful effects including cancer, cardiovascular disease,
COPD, and congenital defects. Detection methods for nicotine
include HPLC, HPLC MS/MS, semi-quantitative dipstick, Liquid
Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LCTMS), and
Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (GCMS). Alternative
products/approaches to smoking includes cigars, pipe smoking,
hookah, and e-cigarettes. Currently there is conflicting
evidence comparing cigars, pipe smoking, and cigarettes on
their effect on mortality. Many studies demonstrate modest
efficacy for e-cigarettes as a smoking cessation tool; however,
current guidelines recommend use of other forms of nicotine
replacement, bupropion SR, or Varenicline.
Implications: This article provides an overview of nicotine
addiction through cigarette smoke, their health effects and
detection methods. This article discusses the effects of
alternative tobacco products and e-cigarettes compared to
cigarettes. It also provides current treatment options for
smoking cessation.
Biography:
Wasana K Sumanasekera received her PhD. in Molecular Toxicology from Pennsylvania State University, USA in 2003. Currently she works as an Associate Professor of Pharmaceutical Sciences in College of Pharmacy, Sullivan University. Prior to joining Sullivan University, she has completed American Heart Association postdoctoral fellowship (2003-2006) in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, worked as an adjunct professor in Biology and research associate in Cardiology (2006-2008) at the University of Louisville. She has completed numerous research projects in the areas of cardiology, cell and molecular biology, Biochemistry, substance abuse, and addiction. She has published her research in several peer-reviewed journals. She is a co-author of a U.S. patent, which was awarded in 2012. She is involved in the KY chapter of American Physiological Society (KY-APS) and currently serving as the president of KY chapter of American Physiological Society in USA.
E-mail: wsumanasekera@sullivan.edu
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