More than 22% of the entire world population smokes and every year there are more than 9 million deaths related to this practice, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Leaving smoking is one of the fundamental objectives of many smokers, However, the great dependence on nicotine makes it a really difficult task. For this reason, scientists and researchers focus their efforts on achieving new therapeutic options that improve success rates.
One of the last findings carried out by researchers at the Center for Brain Disorders of the Korean Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) has identified A new neuronal mechanism in a specific region of the brain that could interfere with the regulation of nicotine abstinence symptoms. Based on this, a drug used for Parkinson’s disease can effectively relieve symptoms by quitting smoking, increasing its potential for therapeutic use.
The symptoms of abstinence
When the body stops receiving nicotine, certain areas of the brain become hyperactive, producing symptoms such as tremors, irritation, nervousness, difficulty concentrating, insomnia or increased appetite, among others. These Symptoms interfere with people’s daily lives, which makes tobacco retake. According to some studies, 50% of people who stop smoking do so during the first month of abstinence.
The research was developed with mice, identifying the role of striatal cholinergic interneurons – found to connect some neurons with others – through the Selective inhibition of the sodium channel expression of these interneurons to reduce neuronal activity. This action significantly relieved the tremors caused by nicotine deprivation, since the suppression of interneurons completely blocked abnormal changes in neuronal activity.
This intervention also meant a restoration of dopamine levels, which had decreased during the elimination of nicotine. Based on this, Prociclidine, a drug for Parkinson, could be used to combat these symptoms. As a small dose was administered to mice before inducing abstinence to nicotine, reducing tremors by more than 50%. This new approach could improve access to therapies to quit smoking and effectively reduce health problems caused by smoking.
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