Nicotine is a potent extracellular polysaccharide inducer in Fusobacterium nucleatum biofilms

The purpose of this in vitro study was to analyze the influence of nicotine on the extracellular polysaccharides in Fusobacterium nucleatum biofilm. Methods: F. nucleatum (ATCC 10953) biofilms supplemented with different concentrations of nicotine (0, 0.5, 1, 2, 4, and 8 mg/mL) were grown in two different BHI broth conditions [no sucrose and 1% sucrose]. Extracellular polysaccharides assay, pH measurements, and a spectrophotometric assay were performed. Data were submitted for ANOVA and Tukey honestly significant difference analyses (HSD) tests (α =.05). Results: Extracellular polysaccharides synthesis was influenced by an interaction between nicotine concentrations and growth medium solution containing sucrose (P<.05). The pH values declined in the sucrose-exposed biofilm were greater than in the group exposed only to nicotine (P<.05). The biofilm exposed to sucrose and nicotine had a higher total biofilm growth (P<.05) than the nicotine-treated biofilm without sucrose. Conclusions: Regardless of sucrose exposure, biofilms exposed to different nicotine concentrations influenced the amount of extracellular polysaccharides

O Papel bidirecional da nicotina na tarefa Go/No-go: um ensaio clínico piloto / The bidirectional role of nicotine in a Go/No-go task: a pilot clinical trial / El papel bidireccional de la nicotina en la tarea Go/no-go: un ensayo clínico piloto

Estudos mostram que o tabagismo é responsável por afetar algumas funções cognitivas. No entanto, a nicotina é apenas um dos componentes existentes no cigarro e existem evidências de que pode servir como agente neuroprotetivo e causar melhoras em algumas funções cognitivas. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar como a nicotina interage com algumas funções cognitivas. Um ensaio clínico piloto com administração de gomas de nicotina contendo 2-mg ou 4-mg, ou gomas placebo contendo a mesma textura, sabor e aparência, foi realizado. Quarenta e dois participantes participaram da pesquisa e os resultados indicaram que a relação entre nicotina e o desempenho na tarefa Go/No-Go podem ser bidirecionais. Os resultados indicaram que participantes do grupo que utilizaram 4-mg de nicotina apresentaram menor desempenho, enquanto os participantes que fizeram uso de 2-mg de nicotina tiveram melhor desempenho do que os demais. Esta pesquisa tem aplicações biopsicossociais e podem ajudar na compreensão da relação entre tabagismo e nicotina, além de contribuir para estratégias que possam ajudar no abandono do cigarro ou na melhora de condições que afetem a cognição (AU).

Past findings in the literature indicated that smoking could affect given cognitive functions. However, nicotine is only one of the components in cigarettes and there is evidence that it may act as a neuroprotective agent and improve some cognitive functions. The purpose of this research was to investigate how nicotine interacts with certain cognitive functions. We conducted a pilot clinical trial using nicotine gum containing 2-mg or 4-mg, or placebo gum with the same texture, flavor, and appearance. Forty-two healthy nonsmokers were enrolled in this research. Our findings indicated that the relationship between nicotine and performance on the Go/No-Go task might be opposite. The results showed that participants in the 4-mg group performed worse, while participants who used 2-mg of nicotine performed better than the others. This research supports biopsychosocial applications and can help interpret the relationship between smoking and nicotine, and contribute to strategies that may support smoking cessation, or improve conditions that affect cognition (AU).

Estudios demuestran que el tabaquismo es responsable de afectar a algunas funciones cognitivas. Sin embargo, la nicotina es solo uno de los componentes de los cigarrillos, y existen evidencias de que la nicotina puede actuar como un agente neuroprotector y mejorar algunas funciones cognitivas. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar cómo la nicotina interactúa con algunas funciones cognitivas. Se realizó un ensayo clínico piloto con la administración de chicles de nicotina de 2 mg o 4 mg, o chicles de placebo con la misma textura, sabor y apariencia. Cuarenta y dos participantes participaron en la investigación y los resultados indicaron que la relación entre la nicotina y el rendimiento en la tarea Go/No-go puede ser bidireccional. Los resultados indicaron que los participantes del grupo de 4 mg obtuvieron un menor rendimiento en las variables del Go/No-Go, mientras que los participantes que utilizaron 2 mg de nicotina obtuvieron un mejor rendimiento que los demás. Esta investigación respalda las aplicaciones biopsicosociales y puede ayudar a interpretar la relación entre el tabaquismo y la nicotina, además de contribuir a las estrategias que pueden ayudar a dejar de fumar o mejorar las condiciones que afectan la cognición (AU).

Prevalencia del consumo de estimulantes por parte de estudiantes universitarios y factores asociados / Prevalence of stimulant use among university students and associated factors / Prevalência de uso de estimulantes por estudantes universitários e fatores associados

RESUMEN Objetivo Identificar la prevalencia de consumo de sustancias estimulantes en la población estudiantil de la Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, sede San Pedro, y algunos factores asociados a estos hábitos. Materiales y Métodos La investigación es un estudio transversal de tipo observacional y analítico en la Universidad Latina de Costa Rica Sede San Pedro. Donde se utilizó como instrumento de recolección de información encuestas dirigidas a estudiantes de las diferentes carreras universitarias. El análisis estadístico se realizó con el software SPSS 19. Resultados La edad promedio de los estudiantes universitarios es de 20,6 años y las sustancias estimulantes de mayor consumo por parte de estos son las bebidas gaseosas y el café. Existe una diferencia significativa entre el consumo productos que contienen nicotina entre hombre y mujeres. Más del 50% de la población universitaria encuestada pertenece a carreras del área de ciencias de la salud. Conclusiones El sexo, el estado civil, el estado laboral, el nivel académico, la facultad en la que se estudia y la provincia de residencia, no son factores que influyan de en el consumo de sustancias estimulantes dentro de la población universitaria de la Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, siendo la única excepción el consumo de nicotina y su relación con el sexo del sujeto.

ABSTRACT Objective To identify the prevalence of stimulant use among the student population at the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, San Pedro Campus, and some factors associated with these habits. Materials and Methods This is an analytical observational cross-sectional study conducted at the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica, San Pedro Campus. Surveys aimed at students of the different university careers were used as an instrument to collect information. The statistical analysis was carried out with SPSS 19 software. Results The average age of university students was 20.6 years, and the most commonly used stimulants were soft drinks and coffee. There is a significant difference among men and women regarding the consumption of nicotine-containing products. More than 50% of the university population surveyed was enrolled in Health Sciences programs. Conclusions Sex, marital status, work status, academic level, the faculty in which the students are enrolled, and the province of residence are not factors that influence the use of stimulants by the university population of the Universidad Latina de Costa Rica. The only exception was nicotine consumption and its relationship to the sex of the individual.

RESUMO: Objetivo Identificar a prevalência do consumo de substâncias estimulantes na população estudantil da Universidade Latina da Costa Rica, campus de San Pedro, e alguns fatores associados a esses hábitos. Materiais e métodos A pesquisa é um estudo transversal observacional e analítico da Universidade Latina da Costa Rica, campus de San Pedro. Onde pesquisas destinadas a estudantes de diferentes carreiras universitárias foram usadas como um instrumento para coletar informações. A análise estatística foi realizada com o software SPSS 19. Resultados A idade média dos estudantes universitários é de 20,6 anos e as substâncias estimulantes mais consumidas por eles são refrigerantes e café. Existe uma diferença significativa entre o consumo de produtos que contêm nicotina entre homens e mulheres. Mais de 50% da população universitária pesquisada pertence a carreiras na área das ciências da saúde. Conclusões Sexo, estado civil, emprego, nível acadêmico, escola em que é estudado e província de residência não são fatores que influenciam o consumo de substâncias estimulantes na população universitária da Universidade Latina de Costa Rica, a única exceção é o consumo de nicotina e sua relação com o sexo do sujeito.(AU)

Respiratory impact of electronic cigarettes and low-risk tobacco

Abstract Electronic cigarettes, handheld devices that generate an aerosol that may contain nicotine by heating a solution or e-liquid, have been increasingly used especially in the young population. The aerosol's composition is determined by temperature, and by the substances contained in the heated liquid: glycerin, propylene glycol, nicotine in variable concentrations, flavoring agents, and other non-nicotine compounds. >80 compounds (including known toxics, e.g., formaldehyde, acetaldehyde, metallic nanoparticles, and acrolein) have been found in e-liquid and aerosols. Airway irritation, mucus hypersecretion, and inflammatory response, including systemic changes, have been observed after the exposure to e-cigarettes, leading to an increase in respiratory symptoms and changes in respiratory function and the host defense mechanisms. E-cigarette has been linked with an increase of symptoms in individuals with asthma, cystic fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. One of the major concerns in public health is the rise in e-cigarette experimentation among never-smokers, especially children and adolescents, which leads to nicotine addiction and increases the chances of becoming with time a conventional smoker. There is an urgent need to regulate e-cigarettes and electronic nicotine delivery systems, at least with the same restrictions to those applied to tobacco products, and not to consider them as harmless products.

Role of genetic susceptibility in nicotine addiction and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Abstract Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in developed countries. Although cigarette smoking is the major risk factor, only 10-20% of smokers develop COPD. The extent of cigarette smoking (pack-years and smoking duration) accounts for only 15% of the variation in lung function, indicating that differences in susceptibility to COPD must exist. We provide an overview of the complexity of nicotine addiction and COPD, with special attention to the involvement of genetic factors. The following aspects are discussed in the present article: (1) epidemiology in Mexico and (2) a review of the published literature on genetic association studies using the National Center for Biotechnology Information database of the United States as a search tool. COPD is unique among complex genetic diseases where an environmental risk factor is known and the level of exposure can be documented with some precision. The high morbidity and mortality associated with COPD and its chronic and progressive nature has prompted the use of molecular genetic studies to identify susceptibility factors for the disease. Biomedical research has a remarkable set of tools to aid in the discovery of genes and polymorphisms. We present a review of the most relevant genetic associations in nicotine addiction and COPD.

Use of derived adipose stem cells to reduce complications of cutaneous scarring in smokers. An experimental model in rats

Abstract Purpose To evaluate the use of adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC) in reducing the necrosis area in an experimental model of cutaneous ischemic flap in rats submitted to subcutaneous nicotine injection to simulate a smoker patient. Methods In an experimental study, 30 rats were enrolled and divided into two experimental groups of 15 animals all submitted to a subcutaneous nicotine injection to create ischemic cutaneous flaps on their backs. Other 10 animals were used only to obtain adipose tissue derived stem cells (ADSC). The first group (n=15) received ADSC treatment at the end of surgery while the other group, the control (n=15), received no other interventions. After euthanasia, a decal was performed on the whole area of the flap, accurately defining the transition from necrosis to healthy region. Photos of all animals were collected and evaluated by scales standardized by Paint-Autocad- 2015 software to define the area of flap necrosis in each rat. Student T test was performed to compare the groups, considering a p< 0.05 significant. Data were analyzed using SPSS IBM® 18 version. Results Through the analysis of the images by the program Paint-Autocad-2015 and the area of decal obtained by the transparent sheet, we obtained a mean of 46% necrosis of the total area of the flap in the treatment group and 69.4% in the control group. In the descriptive analysis, a mean of 3.7 cm of necrosis CI 95% (3.2 - 4.2) was evident in the treatment group whereas a mean value of 5.56 CI 95% (5.2 - 5.9) was found in control group, with p value <0.001 for this comparison. Conclusion The application of adipose-derived stem cells reduces the percentage of necrosis in an experimental model of randomized cutaneous flap in rats submitted to subcutaneous nicotine injection.

The effects of subcutaneous injection of nicotine on osseointegration of machined and anodized implants in rabbits

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the influence of subcutaneous injection nicotine in osseointegration process on different implant surfaces. Methods: Twenty-two male rabbits were distributed into two groups according to the subcutaneous injections: (1) nicotine 3 mg/day/kg and (2) 0.9 % NaCI 3 mL/day/kg, three times a day; subgroups were then designated-machined and anodized implants were placed in the right and left tibia bones, respectively. The animals were submitted euthanasia after periods of eight weeks to determine nicotine and cotinine levels, alkaline phosphatase and biomechanical analysis. Results: The plasmatic levels of nicotine and cotinine were 0.5 ± 0.28 ng/mL and 9.5 ± 6.51 ng/mL, respectively. The alkaline phosphatase analyses in blood levels in control group were observed 40.8 ± 11.88 UI/L and 40.75 ± 12.46 UI/L, for the surfaces machined and anodized, respectively. In the test group was observed levels 37.9 ± 4.84 UI/L, for both implant surfaces. No significant differences were observed between control and test groups and between the implant surfaces regarding alkaline phosphatase blood levels. For biomechanics, no significant differences were observed in control group between the machined (25±8.46 Ncm) or anodized (31.2 ± 6.76 Ncm) implants. However, the treatment with nicotine induced higher torque than control in both machined (38.3 ± 13.52 Ncm) and anodized (35.5 ± 14.17 Ncm) implants, with p = 0.0024 and p = 0.0121, respectively. Conclusion: Subcutaneous injection of nicotine following implant insertion didn't have effect on osseointegration, independently from the implant surface.

Effect of acute administration of nicotine and ethanol on tooth movement in rats

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of acute administration of nicotine and ethanol on tooth movement in rats. Two hundred rats were divided into eight groups: S: saline; N: nicotine; E: ethanol; NE: nicotine and ethanol; SM: saline with tooth movement; NM: nicotine with tooth movement; EM: ethanol with tooth movement; and NEM: nicotine and ethanol with tooth movement. All the solutions were applied for 32, 44, or 58 days, according to the subgroup. Orthodontic movement (25 cN) was initiated 30 days after solution administration in the groups with tooth movement. The rats were euthanized 2, 14, or 28 days after initiation of tooth movement. Tooth sections were stained using picrosirius and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP). The data were compared by ANOVA using Tukey's HSD and Games-Howell. On day 28 of tooth movement, the NEM group had a lower percentage of type I collagen compared to the SM group (p = 0.0448), and the S group had a higher number of osteoclasts/μm2 compared to the N group (p = 0.0405). Nicotine and ethanol did not affect the tooth movement rate, regardless of induction of orthodontic movement. Nicotine influenced the number of osteoclasts by decreasing their quantity when dental movement was not induced. When nicotine was associated with ethanol, it interfered in the maturation of collagen fibers during orthodontic movement.

Cigarrillos eléctrónicos: ¿Podemos recomendar su uso? / Electronic cigarettes: can we recommend its use?

Los cigarrillos electrónicos (Cig-e) son dispositivos que contienen un líquido compuesto por un solvente, saborizantes y, en la mayoría de los casos, nicotina. Este liquido, al ser calentado en el dispositivo, se vaporiza, siendo aspirado por el usuario. En los últimos años, el uso de los Cig-e ha aumentado rápidamente, especialmente entre escolares y gente joven, sin existir hasta el día de hoy evidencias ciertas sobre su seguridad y efectos a largo plazo. En este artículo revisamos la evidencia existente en cuanto a los efectos y seguridad de cada uno de los componentes de los Cig-e y analizamos sus potenciales indicaciones en distintos escenarios clínicos.

Electronic cigarettes (Cig-e) are devices that contain a liquid composed of a solvent, flavors and, in most cases, nicotine. This liquid, when heated in the device, vaporizes, being aspirated by the user. In recent years, the use of Cig-e has increased rapidly, especially among schoolchildren and young people, with no clear evidence of safety and long-term effects to date. In this article we review the existing evidence regarding the effects and safety of each of the components of Cig-e and analyze their potential indications in different clinical scenarios.

Cuatro cuestiones axiológicas de la epidemiología social para el monitoreo de la desigualdad en salud / Four axiological considerations in social epidemiology for the monitoring of health inequality

A medida que las agendas contemporáneas más relevantes de la salud pública mundial y regional se van alineando en sus componentes conceptuales y emerge más explícitamente el rol medular de la equidad como su principio constitutivo, va creciendo también el reconocimiento del valor estratégico del monitoreo de desigualdades sociales en salud como el instrumento por excelencia de la inteligencia sanitaria para juzgar objetivamente el progreso hacia la equidad en salud, pero también para dar cuenta de la acción sobre los determinantes sociales de la salud, el avance hacia el alcance progresivo de la universalidad en salud y el éxito de iniciativas intersectoriales con enfoque de salud en todas las políticas. Estas transformaciones acontecen en el marco de una cada vez más evidente transición paradigmática de la salud pública. Este ensayo plantea cuatro consideraciones axiológicas inherentes a-y esenciales para-la conceptualization e instrumentación de la medición y monitoreo de las desigualdades en salud: la ecoepidemiología como era emergente en la salud pública contemporánea, los determinantes de la salud como modelo de causalidad y núcleo del nuevo enfoque paradigmático, la relación entre jerarquía social y salud para entender el gradiente en salud, y la necesidad práctica de una clasificación socioeconómica para capturar la dimensión social de la determinación de la salud. Se plantea que estas cuatro cuestiones valorativas otorgan coherencia y racionalidad epidemiológicas al proceso de medición y monitoreo de las desigualdades en la salud y, por extensión, a la formulación de propuestas de política sanitaria en pro de la equidad.

As the conceptual components of the most important contemporary public health agendas at the global and regional levels are brought into alignment and as it becomes more clearly understood that equity is a constitutive principle of these agendas, there is also a growing awareness of the strategic value of monitoring social inequalities in health. This is the health intelligence tool par excellence, not only for objectively assessing progress towards achieving health equity, but also for reporting action on the social determinants of health, progress towards the attainment of health for all, and the success of intersectoral efforts that take a "health in all policies" approach. These transformations are taking place in the context of an increasingly evident paradigm shift in public health. This essay presents four axiological considerations inherent to-and essential for -conceptualizing and implementing ways to measure and monitor health inequalities: ecoepidemiology as an emerging field in contemporary public health; the determinants of health as the causal model and core of the new paradigm; the relationship between the social hierarchy and health to understand the health gradient; and the practical need for a socioeconomic classification system that captures the social dimension in the determinants of health. The essay argues that these four axiological considerations lend epidemiologic coherence and rationality to the process of measuring and monitoring health inequalities and, by extension, to the development of pro-equity health policy proposals.

Use of Nicotine Mouth Sprays for Tobacco Cessation: A Review.

Smoking is a taboo, and a smoker fails in quitting despite repeated attempts as tobacco in all forms contain a highly addictive chemical nicotine making it difficult for habituated tobacco users to quit. Its addictive potential is considered to be even more than cocaine or heroin. It is due to the dependency caused by the nicotine that smokers become dependent and cause severe withdrawal symptoms. Hence, nicotine replacement therapy came into play to aid in tobacco cessation. There are currently various nicotine replacement therapies, which are available currently for tobacco abstinence. In this article, we shall discuss nicotine nasal spray, mouth spray, and the nicotine inhaler.

Washington y Ginebra llegan a Buenos Aires: notas sobre la historia del hábito de fumar y su medicalización / Washington and Geneva arrive in Buenos Aires: notes on the history of the habit of smoking and its medicalization

Durante gran parte del siglo XX tanto los gobiernos civiles como los militares no encontraron en el tabaquismo un tema prioritario. Recién en la última década del siglo el movimiento internacional contra el cigarrillo, liderado por la Organización Mundial de la Salud, organizaciones norteamericanas y académicos, empezó a tener algún impacto en la escena política argentina. Fue en ese contexto que un nuevo grupo profesional logró impulsar la constitución de un amplio bloque político antitabaco. En ese proceso, el voluntarismo centrado en programas individuales para dejar de fumar que había marcado gran parte de las iniciativas del siglo XX, terminó desplazado por políticas públicas destinadas a producir ambientes libres de humo y a combatir la exposición pasiva al humo de tabaco ajeno.

For much of the twentieth century both the civilian and military governments did not consider smoking a priority concern. It was only in the last decade of the twentieth century that the international movement against cigarettes, led by the World Health Organization, US organizations and academics, began to have some impact on Argentina's political scene. It was in this context that a new professional group managed to foment the creation of a broad anti-smoking political bloc. In this process, voluntarism focused on individual programs to quit smoking that had marked much of the initiatives of the twentieth century, ended up being replaced by public policies designed to ensure smoke free environments and combat passive smoking.

The electronic cigarette: the new cigarette of the 21st century? / Cigarro eletrônico: o novo cigarro do século 21?

The electronic nicotine delivery system, also known as the electronic cigarette, is generating considerable controversy, not only in the general population but also among health professionals. Smokers the world over have been increasingly using electronic cigarettes as an aid to smoking cessation and as a substitute for conventional cigarettes. There are few available data regarding the safety of electronic cigarettes. There is as yet no evidence that electronic cigarettes are effective in treating nicotine addiction. Some smokers have reported using electronic cigarettes for over a year, often combined with conventional cigarettes, thus prolonging nicotine addiction. In addition, the increasing use of electronic cigarettes by adolescents is a cause for concern. The objective of this study was to describe electronic cigarettes and their components, as well as to review the literature regarding their safety; their impact on smoking initiation and smoking cessation; and regulatory issues related to their use.

O cigarro eletrônico é um sistema eletrônico de liberação de nicotina que está gerando controvérsias, tanto entre a população quanto entre profissionais da saúde. O uso crescente do cigarro eletrônico é observado em tabagistas de diversos países, tanto para auxiliar na cessação do tabagismo quanto como substituto do cigarro convencional. Dados sobre a segurança do uso do cigarro eletrônico são limitados. Do mesmo modo, até o momento, não há evidências de que o cigarro eletrônico seja efetivo para tratar a adição à nicotina. Usuários relataram usar o cigarro eletrônico por mais de um ano, frequentemente combinado com o cigarro convencional, prolongando assim a dependência de nicotina. Ainda, o uso crescente do cigarro eletrônico por adolescentes gera preocupação. Neste artigo é feita uma descrição do cigarro eletrônico e de seus constituintes, assim como são revistos os dados disponíveis sobre segurança, impacto na iniciação e na cessação do tabagismo, e questões relacionadas à regulação do uso do cigarro eletrônico.

Morphometrical analysis of the effect of nicotine administration on brain's prefrontal region in male rat / Análisis morfométrico del efecto de la administración de nicotina sobre la región prefrontal del cerebro en rata macho

Nicotine is the most important alkaloid compound in tobacco. One of the major effects of nicotine is stimulation of mesocorticolimbic system. Prefrontal cortex plays a pivotal role in personality and mental state. It is considered the main cause of addiction as it is located in mesocorticolimbic dopamine system. Twenty four male rats were divided into four groups based on nicotine administration dose (0, 0.5, 1 and 1.5 g/kg). After animals were anesthetized, their brains were fixed using transcardiac method. Tissue processing and Golgi staining were performed and the stained tissue sections were analyzed by optic microscope and Motic software. By increasing the dose, nicotine significantly decreased the number of neuronal processes. In the higher dose, nicotine caused a significant decrease and increase in the size of pericarions and dendritic spines, respectively (p<0.05). Nicotine administration can decrease the size of pericarion and number of dendritic spines in the prefrontal cortex.

La nicotina es el compuesto alcaloide más importante del tabaco. Uno de sus principales efectos es la estimulación del sistema mesocorticolímbico. La corteza prefrontal desempeña un papel fundamental en la personalidad y estado mental. Esta es considerada la principal causa de la adicción, ya que se encuentra en el sistema mesocorticolímbico dopaminérgico. Veinticuatro ratas macho fueron divididas en cuatro grupos basados en la dosis de administración de nicotina (0, 0,5, 1 y 1,5 g/kg). Luego fueron anestesiados y sus cerebros se fijaron mediante perfusión transcardíaca. Se realizó el procesamiento de tejidos y las secciones bajo tinción de Golgi fueron analizadas mediante microscopia óptica y el software Motic. Con el aumento de dosis, la nicotina redujo significativamente el número de procesos neuronales. En la dosis más alta, la nicotina causó una disminución y aumento significativo en el tamaño de pericarion y espinas dendríticas, respectivamente (p<0,05). La administración de nicotina puede disminuir el tamaño del pericarion y el número de espinas dendríticas en la corteza prefrontal.

Avaliação do resultado terapêutico de um ambulatório antitabágico multidisciplinar / Assessment of outpatient smoking cessation clinic, in a general hospital

INTRODUÇÃO: O tabagismo é reconhecido, atualmente, como um dos maiores problemas de saúde em todo o mundo. Há uma "epidemia" global de uso de tabaco nos países em desenvolvimento, no século 21. OBJETIVOS: Analisar: as características gerais dos indivíduos matriculados espontaneamente em um ambulatório antitabágico; a eficácia geral do tratamento antitabágico e dos medicamentos; as mudanças nas características dos participantes antes e após a Lei Ambiente Fechado Livre do Cigarro em São Paulo e os níveis de cotinina urinária em fumantes ativos, passivos e controles. CASUÍSTICA E MÉTODOS: Foi realizado um estudo de coorte histórica cujo critério de inclusão foi a matrícula no ambulatório antitabágico do HU USP, no período de 2004 a 2011. Os dados foram coletados por meio de consulta a protocolos padronizados e ao sistema informatizado do serviço. Foram analisados os resultados de dosagens de cotinina e creatinina realizadas em amostras biológicas. RESULTADOS: Dentre os 1736 pacientes atendidos houve predomínio de mulheres (62,1%), brancos (75,3%) e indivíduos com idade entre 41 e 60 anos (63,1%). Aproximadamente 80% iniciaram o tabagismo antes dos 20 anos e 75% apresentaram grau de dependência moderado a grave. Dentre os 620 indivíduos acompanhados a partir de 2009, 34,5% abandonaram o tabagismo. Dentre eles, 21,5% obtiveram êxito até o quarto contato com o ambulatório. O uso de vareniclina e terapia de reposição de nicotina (TRN) aumentaram a probabilidade de sucesso (RRR= 2,73 e 2,78, respectivamente; p < 0,001 para ambas). Quanto maior o número de reuniões frequentadas no ambulatório, maior a probabilidade de sucesso terapêutico (p < 0,001). A análise da dosagem da cotinina urinária mostrou concentrações de cotinina urinária 18,7 vezes maior no grupo de tabagistas ativos comparados aos tabagistas passivos. CONCLUSÃO: O sucesso do ambulatório antitabágico do HU manteve-se em acordo com grande parte dos índices de sucesso terapêutico...

INTRODUCTION: Smoking is recognized today as one of the major health problems worldwide. There is a global "epidemic" of tobacco use in developing countries in the 21st Century. OBJECTIVES: Analyze: the general characteristics of individuals spontaneously enrolled in an outpatient smoking cessation clinic; the overall effectiveness of the smoking cessation treatment and medication; the changes in the characteristics of participants before and after the Smoke-Free Environment Act in São Paulo and the levels of urinary cotinine in active and passive smokers and controls. CASES AND METHODS: A historical cohort study was conducted, of which the inclusion criterion was the registration in the outpatient smoking cessation Clinic in the HU USP, in the period from 2004 to 2011. Data were collected by consultation of standardized protocols and of the computerized service system. The results of cotinine and creatinine measurements performed on biological samples were analyzed. RESULTS: Among the 1736 patients treated, there was a predominance of women (62.1%), whites (75.3%) and individuals aged between 41 and 60 years (63.1%). Approximately 80% began smoking before age 20 and 75% showed moderate to severe degree of dependence. Among the 620 individuals monitored from 2009 on, 34.5% quit smoking. Among them, 21.5% obtained success up to the fourth contact with the clinic. The use of varenicline and nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) increased the probability of success (RRR= 2.73 and 2.78, respectively; p < 0.001 for both). The greater the number of meetings attended at the clinic, greater the probability of treatment success (p < 0.001). The analysis of urinary cotinine dosage showed urinary cotinine concentrations 18.7 times higher in the active smokers group, compared to the passive smokers group. CONCLUSION: The success of the smoking cessation clinic in the HU remained largely in accordance with most therapeutic success rates found...

The effects of nicotine on the incisive teeth and expression of vimentin in rats / Efectos de la nicotina sobre los dientes incisivos y la expresión de vimentina en ratas

Nicotine is an alkaloid toxic effects of oral cavity. In this study,14 adult Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 230-260 mg (+/-10 mg) were used as experimental animal. The rats of experimental group (n=6) were nicotinized systemically with nicotine sulphate, 2mg/kg subcutaneously, daily in period of 28 days. Pulp, alveolar bone tissue, periodontal membrane and gingival epithelial junction were investigated in these regions in incisive teeth longitudinal cross-section. Thinning of the collagen fibers in the pulp tissue, vascular congestion, and inflammatory cell infiltration were observed. Mesenchymal tissues that is stained positive for vimentin lay underneath the epithelium. A strong expression of vimentin can be observed in formed periodontal ligament.

La nicotina es un alcaloide con efectos tóxicos sobre la cavidad oral. En este estudio, se utilizaron como animales de experimentación, 14 ratas Sprague-Dawley adultas con un peso entre 230-260 mg (+/- 10 mg). Las ratas del grupo experimental (n = 6) fueron expuestas a nicotina sistémicamente con sulfato de nicotina, 2mg/kg vía subcutánea al día, durante 28 días. Fueron estudiadas la pulpa, tejido óseo alveolar, membrana periodontal y la unión del epitelio gingival en los dientes incisivos en secciones transversales y longitudinales. Se observó un adelgazamiento de las fibras de colágeno, congestión vascular e infiltración de células inflamatorias en el tejido de la pulpa. Los tejidos mesenquimales que tiñeron positivamente para vimentina se ubicaron debajo del epitelio. Una fuerte expresión de vimentina se pudo observar en el ligamento periodontal.

In vitro evaluation of transdermal nicotine delivery systems commercially available in Brazil

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a method for evaluating the release and skin permeation from transdermal nicotine patches using the vertical diffusion cell (VDC). The VDC is an experimental apparatus employed in research, development, and the pharmaceutical field because it can simulate conditions closest to those established in clinical trials. Two transdermal nicotine delivery systems marketed in Brazil to release 14 mg over 24 hours were evaluated. Release studies were carried out using a regenerated cellulose dialysis membrane and permeation studies were carried out using excised porcine ear skin. The results indicated that nicotine release from both evaluated patches follows Higuchi's release kinetics, while skin permeation studies indicated zero-order release kinetics. Nicotine release rates were different between both evaluated patches, but drug permeation rates were not significantly different. According to validation studies, the method was appropriate for evaluating in vitro performance of nicotine patches. The proposed method can be applied to in vitro comparative studies between different commercial nicotine patches and may be used as an auxiliary tool in the design of new transdermal nicotine delivery systems.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi o desenvolvimento e a validação de metodologia empregando a célula de difusão vertical para avaliação da liberação e permeação cutânea in vitro de nicotina a partir de adesivos transdérmicos. A célula de difusão vertical é considerada um aparato experimental importante em pesquisa e desenvolvimento e pode simular condições in vitro próximas aquelas observadas em ensaios clínicos. Neste trabalho foram avaliados dois dispositivos transdérmicos comercializados no Brasil para liberação controlada de 14 mg de nicotina em um período de 24 horas. Realizaram-se ensaios de liberação, usando membranas de diálise de celulose regenerada, e estudos de permeação cutânea, usando pele de orelha de porcos. Os resultados indicaram que a liberação da nicotina em ambos os dispositivos transdérmicos avaliados seguiu a cinética de Higuchi, enquanto que a permeação cutânea seguiu cinética de ordem zero. As velocidades de liberação foram diferentes para os dispositivos comerciais avaliados, entretanto não foram encontradas diferenças significativas para as velocidades de permeação cutânea. Conforme os estudos de validação, a metodologia mostrou-se apropriada para a avaliação in vitro da liberação e permeação cutânea a partir de adesivos transdérmicos de nicotina. O método proposto foi aplicado em estudos comparativos in vitro entre adesivos transdérmicos comerciais contendo nicotina. Deste modo, o método também pôde ser considerado como ferramenta útil que poderia ser aplicada durante o desenvolvimento de novas formulações transdérmicas para liberação de nicotina.