Smokeless Nicotine Research Articles

The Effects of Snuff (Toombak) on Semen Parameters among Sudanese Patients 2022

Background: Men's tobacco usage may be a contributing factor in up to 12% of cases of infertility in couples due to decreased semen parameters. It is the reality that Sudan is home to the greatest number of nicotine snuffers (toombaks) worldwide. Unlike snuff, the detrimental effects of cigarette smoking on sperm parameters are well-documented, even though they apply to other smokeless nicotine products. Aim: To research the influence on semen variables related to toombak snuffing. Methods: A comparative study analyzed 120 subjects, out of which 50 were toombak snuffers (cases), (mean age = 33.9±6.4 years), and 70 were non-snuffers (control), (mean age= 33.5±6.9 years) who attended Hawa Fertility Centre in the period from November 2021 to November 2022. Data regarding demographics, duration of tobacco snuffing, frequency of snuffing per day, diagnosis, and seminal analysis parameters were compared between groups. Results: Among patients in the snuffer group, the majority of them had snuffing duration from 10–20 years (n = 20; 40%) and had snuffing frequency >20 times per day (n = 27; 54%). Compared to the control group, snuffing was a significant predictor of low count (oligospermia and azoospermia) (OR = 3.8; 95% CI: 1.6–9.1; P = 0.002), low motility <42% (OR = 3.6; 95% CI: 1.7–7.9; P = 0.001), low progressive motility <30% (OR = 2.0; 95% CI: 1.3–4.2; P = 0.018), and normal morphs <4% (OR = 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2–5.7; P = 0.009). The snuffing duration above 20 years was a significant risk factor for a low count (oligospermia and azoospermia) (OR = 16.8; 95% CI: 2.6–46.3; P = 0.003), low motility <42% (OR = 11.0; 95% CI: 2.0–60.0; P = 0.006), low progressive motility <30% (OR = 10.8; 95% CI: 1.9–59.8; P = 0.007), and normal morphs <4% (OR = 10.6; 95% CI: 2.1–60.0; P = 0.007). The snuffing frequency above 20 times per day was a significant risk factor for low count (oligospermia and azoospermia) (OR = 7.9; 95% CI: 1.8–34.5; P = 0.008), low motility <42% (OR = 3.4; 95% CI: 1.7–12.1; P = 0.041), low progressive motility <30% (OR = 4.1; 95% CI: 1.1–14.9; P = 0.033), but not normal morphs <4% (P = 0.083). Conclusion: Toombak snuffing had a major detrimental impact on spermatogenesis, which in turn affected sperm motility, measure, and shape. Furthermore, longer duration (>20 years) and intensive toombak snuffing use (>20 times per day) were significantly correlated with low motility, shape, and quantity of sperm.

Effects of smokeless nicotine on blood physiology, biochemical, and histological alterations using Labeo rohita as a model organism.

The present research was conducted to evaluate the negative effects of nicotine powder on the blood physiology, and biochemical and histological alterations of Labeo rohita. Fish were divided into four groups (1-4). Fish groups 2, 3, and 4 were exposed to different concentrations of nicotine, such as 0.75, 1.25, and 1.75 mg/l, while group 1 acted as a control. To find out the long-term impact of nicotine on body physiology, we conducted a 42-day experiment. After the completion of the experiment, hematology, biochemical assays, and histology were done. Results revealed a considerable increase in HGB, red blood cells, WBCs, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume, red cell distribution width -SD, procalcitonin, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, very low-density lipoprotein, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, globulin, thyroid stimulating hormone, BUN, creatinine, and blood glucose levels, whereas mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, RDW, platelet, high-density lipoprotein, albumin, total proteins, and T3 levels were significantly (p ≤ 0.05) decreased in exposed fish as compared to control group fish. Histological alterations showed that exposure to smokeless nicotine causes deleterious and degenerative effects in the liver, kidney, and gills of exposed fish. Nicotine administration in fish results in adverse effects on different biochemical and hematological parameters and causes histological alterations in some vital organs of exposed fish.

Plasma Nicotine Pharmacokinetics of Oral Nicotine Pouches Across Varying Flavours and Nicotine Content *

SUMMARY Background In recent years several nicotine products have been introduced that aim to offer smokers an alternative to cigarettes. As well as having fewer toxicants than combustible cigarettes, such nicotine products must be able to deliver nicotine efficiently. The aim of this study was to determine and compare the pharmacokinetics of nicotine absorption from nine oral tobacco-free smokeless nicotine pouches with varying nicotine content and flavours. Methods In a randomised, open-labelled, controlled, crossover clinical study, nicotine pharmacokinetics and product-liking were compared between nine nicotine pouches (Velo, BAT; 4- or 7-mg nicotine per pouch and in eight flavours). During a 10-day confinement period, 42 healthy adult participants, who were current smokers of combustible cigarettes, used a single study product once each day during a 45-min use period following overnight nicotine abstinence. Results Maximum plasma nicotine concentration and area under curve for nicotine concentration versus time 180 min after the start of study product use were significantly greater for the 7-mg than for the 4-mg Velo pouches (p < 0.0001). These values did not differ between flavours among the 7-mg Velo nicotine pouches after adjustment for multiple comparisons (both p > 0.003). The median time to maximum plasma nicotine concentrations and mean product-liking scores were similar regardless of nicotine content and flavour. Conclusions Regardless of flavour, nicotine pouches with the same nicotine content and formulation produce similar pharmacokinetic parameters and can deliver nicotine efficiently. Nicotine pouches could be a satisfying alternative for smokers switching from conventional cigarettes. [Contrib. Tob. Nicotine Res. 32 (2023) 130–139]

E-cigarette aerosol exposure effect on bone biomechanical properties in murine models

Numerous studies have shown the detrimental health effects of tobacco smoking on bone volume and strength in human and animal models. Little is known regarding the impacts of e-cigarettes, a form of smoke-less nicotine intake, despite their growing population of users. This study uses murine models to evaluate the effects of exposure to e-cigarette aerosols (JUUL) on bone structure and strength through micro-CT imaging and mechanical testing. JUUL mice had more trabecular bone in thickness and volume, yet lower ultimate stress and modulus values in the cortical bone than the control mice. These outcomes suggest that, although vaping can result in a higher bone volume, this bone is weaker than average. E-cigarettes should be examined more closely regarding adolescence and long-term consequences on skeletal health.

Quick nic: novel smokeless nicotine products and pediatric trends.

The development and marketing of smokeless nicotine products in recent years have become increasingly popular among adolescents. In addition to well known conventional inhaled nicotine products, noninhaled products, such as nicotine toothpicks, orbs, lozenges, strips, and more, have dangerously captivated a new youth audience. Although smokeless nicotine products may seem to be less threatening than conventional inhaled nicotine products, there are significant risks associated with the use of these products, including addiction and severe health issues. The purpose of this review is to provide up-to-date information about alternative nicotine products currently on the market that may appeal to youth, and the dangers of nicotine use for pediatric populations. Smokeless nicotine products appeal to minors with their varying flavors and discrete packaging. These products may lead to nicotine toxicity as well as severe health problems, such as cancer, issues with reproduction, and heart attacks. Nicotine is extremely dangerous for young children; in fact, using nicotine products before the age of 18 years can lead to addiction and is linked to an increased likelihood of experimenting with stronger nicotine products or illicit drugs. The development of inconspicuous nicotine packaging has led to increasing concerns for accidental nicotine exposure and overdose in youth. Greater knowledge regarding current nicotine products on the market, specifically smokeless nicotine products, will help clinicians be more aware of the dangers associated with these products. Clinicians will be better able to provide their patients and families with proper guidance to avoid nicotine addiction, further drug use, and detrimental health issues. Caregivers and medical professionals must recognize novel and inconspicuous nicotine products commonly used among youth, understand the signs of nicotine abuse and dependence, and take measures to address possible nicotine-related health risks.

Complex estimation system for smokeless nicotine containing products

Smokeless nicotine containing products are very diverse and offered in flavored tobacco/non tobacco forms, packed in portioned sachets of different mass, dimensions, and colors, with different nicotine content. In RF of chewing tobacco is regulated by Federal law № 268, sucking tobacco (snus) is prohibited for wholesale and retail trade according to FL № 456. Federal law № 303 equates consuming of non tobacco nicotine containing products for chewing and sucking to tobacco consumption. Absence of regulations for nicotine containing products with similar package, but different in composition and physiological effect requires elaboration methods for complex estimation of smokeless products with methods verification in order to their control. Monitoring of studies conducted in various scientific centers on the issue of toxicological assessment of smokeless tobacco / non-tobacco nicotine-containing products has been carried Analysis of consumer’s indicators of smokeless products includes organoleptic testing and measuring nicotine content as toxicity indicator. It is discovered that nicotine content in studied samples varies from 0.3 to 7.6 %. Quantity of absorbed nicotine during cigarette smoking is criterion of sufficient nicotine concentration in smokeless products, extracted through oral mucosa. Base (carrier) for non tobacco products is usually powdered microcrystal cellulose or grinded plant matter (peppermint) of different flavor and color. Structure of smokeless products is defined and their identification features are offered, including extra feature – tobacco presence in product, defined by presence of tobacco specific nitrosamines. As the result of the researches adoption of nicotine content limit of 20 – 30 mg per portion is offered. Complex estimation system for smokeless products is elaborated. It includes: organoleptic testing of consumer’s properties, spectrophotometric method for nicotine content measuring, thermogravimetric determination of the mass fraction of moisture, optical microscopy and luminiscence analysis for defining product structure in order to its identification, gas chromatography for defining humectants and LC-MS for measuring content of tobacco specific nitrosaminescontent.

E-cigarettes in Delaware: An Overview of Concerns of Potential Health Risks & Related Factors.

E-cigarettes and vaporizers (also known as electronic smoking devices or ESDs) are smokeless nicotine products that heat up a propylene glycol or a vegetable glycerin based liquid containing the addictive chemical and various flavenoids to produce a vapor. The devices mimic the effect of true smoking while delivering the nicotine that users crave without causing combustion. These products are comprised of a cartridge, a battery-powered atomizer for heat, and a liquid component (otherwise known as “e-liquid” or “e-juice”). The user presses a button on the device that heats up the atomizer enough to cause the liquid to evaporate without catching fire. The user inhales the vapor through the mouthpiece and delivers the nicotine to their lungs – as well as exhales the visible gas like traditional tobacco products. E-cigarettes are marketed to the public as an alternative to smoking traditional tobacco with the added enjoyment of a wide variety of flavors. The heating components and mechanisms made to release the vapor nor the “e-juice” liquid are regulated by the FDA despite obvious health concerns due to their generally unknown long-term health effects, recent arrival on the market, and skyrocketing popularity in the United States.

Determination of nicotine and nicotine metabolites in urine by hydrophilic interaction chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry: Potential use of smokeless tobacco products by ice hockey players

Consumption of nicotine in the form of smokeless tobacco (snus, snuff, chewing tobacco) or nicotine-containing medication (gum, patch) may benefit sport practice. Indeed, use of snus seems to be a growing trend and investigating nicotine consumption amongst professional athletes is of major interest to sport authorities. Thus, a liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS) method for the detection and quantification of nicotine and its principal metabolites cotinine, trans-3-hydroxycotinine, nicotine- N′-oxide and cotinine- N-oxide in urine was developed. Sample preparation was performed by liquid–liquid extraction followed by hydrophilic interaction chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (HILIC–MS/MS) operated in electrospray positive ionization (ESI) mode with selective reaction monitoring (SRM) data acquisition. The method was validated and calibration curves were linear over the selected concentration ranges of 10–10,000 ng/mL for nicotine, cotinine, trans-3-hydroxycotinine and 10–5000 ng/mL for nicotine- N′-oxide and cotinine- N-oxide, with calculated coefficients of determination ( R 2) greater than 0.95. The total extraction efficiency (%) was concentration dependent and ranged between 70.4 and 100.4%. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) for all analytes was 10 ng/mL. Repeatability and intermediate precision were ≤9.4 and ≤9.9%, respectively. In order to measure the prevalence of nicotine exposure during the 2009 Ice Hockey World Championships, 72 samples were collected and analyzed after the minimum of 3 months storage period and complete removal of identification means as required by the 2009 International Standards for Laboratories (ISL). Nicotine and/or metabolites were detected in every urine sample, while concentration measurements indicated an exposure within the last 3 days for eight specimens out of ten. Concentrations of nicotine, cotinine, trans-3-hydroxycotinine, nicotine- N′-oxide and cotinine- N-oxide were found to range between 11 and 19,750, 13 and 10,475, 10 and 8217, 11 and 3396, and 13 and 1640 ng/mL, respectively. When proposing conservative concentration limits for nicotine consumption prior and/or during the games (50 ng/mL for nicotine, cotinine and trans-3-hydroxycotinine and 25 ng/mL for nicotine- N′-oxide and cotinine- N-oxide), about half of the hockey players were qualified as consumers. These findings significantly support the likelihood of extensive smokeless nicotine consumption. However, since such conclusions can only be hypothesized, the potential use of smokeless tobacco as a doping agent in ice hockey requires further investigation.

Smokeless Nicotine Exposure Has No Lasting Effect on Fasting or Postglucose Circulation Leptin in Young Rats

Nicotine exposure has been associated with weight loss and reduced weight gain. Previously, we have reported that nicotine exposure in rats is associated with reduced weight gain, unless diets are rigidly controlled. Leptin, a hormone released by adipose tissue, is believed to have appetite suppressant effects. We used a smokeless tobacco model to study leptin responses to nicotine or placebo treatment. We studied 6-week-old male and female Sprague-Dawley rats, and implanted 50 mg of nicotine or placebo pellets. Weight gain was controlled by chow restriction in all four groups of rats. Systolic blood pressure was measured noninvasively, and glucose, insulin, free fatty acid, and leptin responses to an oral glucose load were determined at 8.5 weeks of age. Males were generally heavier than females, both before and after nicotine or placebo placement; there was no difference in weight between nicotine and placebo groups for each sex. Blood pressure was slightly, but not significantly, increased by nicotine treatment. Glucose, insulin, free fatty acid, and leptin responses to glucose were essentially unaffected by nicotine treatment. In summary, smokeless nicotine at this dose has no significant effect on fasting or postglucose leptin values in sexually immature male and female rats.

Harm perception of nicotine products in college freshmen

This study examined the association of sociodemographic characteristics and smoking behaviors (i.e., cigarette, cigar, and waterpipe) with nicotine product harm perception in college freshmen. Students were asked to compare the perceived harmfulness of 11 nicotine-delivering products with that of a regular cigarette. Data were from a cross-sectional Internet survey conducted during the spring 2004 semester at a private university (N = 411). Binomial logistic regression was used to determine the association between sociodemographic and behavioral factors with nicotine product harm perception. A statistically significant association was found between nicotine product harm perception and sex, race, income, citizenship, and smoking behavior (p< or =.05). Regarding the three medicinal nicotine replacement therapies, 19.6% of respondents incorrectly perceived the nicotine patch to be as harmful as or more harmful than a regular cigarette; corresponding values were 24.1% for nicotine gum and 52.9% for nicotine inhaler. Respondents incorrectly perceived the following smoked tobacco products to be less harmful than regular cigarettes: ultra-light cigarettes (40.4%), waterpipe (37%), light cigarettes (35.2%), cigarillos (17.4%), and cigars (16.9%). Regarding smokeless nicotine products, 89.3% of respondents incorrectly perceived dip and chew to be as harmful as or more harmful than regular cigarettes; corresponding values were 36.2% for nicotine lollipops and 35.2% for nicotine water. Our findings reveal misperceptions about nicotine product harmfulness and underscore the importance of developing a science base to inform policies and educate consumers about these products.

Smokeless nicotine administration does not result in hypertension or a deterioration in glucose tolerance or insulin sensitivity in juvenile rats

We have previously reported that smokeless nicotine resulted in hypertension, but not a deterioration in glucose tolerance or insulin action in young adult male rats. To evaluate the effect of nicotine in juvenile animals, we studied 6-week-old male and female Sprague-Dawley rats and implanted 25-mg nicotine (N) or placebo (P) pellets. Weight gain was controlled by chow restriction in all 4 groups of rats. Males were generally heavier than females, both before and after N or P placement; there was no difference in weight between N and P groups for each sex. Systolic blood pressure, measured noninvasively, increased modestly, but not significantly, after N placement in both male and female rats. Glucose tolerance and insulin action were assessed by an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Areas under the curve (AUC) were calculated for glucose (AUCGLU), insulin (AUCINS), and free fatty acids (FFA) (AUCFFA). Insulin action was calculated by several indices, which have correlated with more invasive studies. None of these metabolic parameters were significantly impacted by nicotine treatment, consistent with our observations in adult male rats. In summary, smokeless nicotine at this dose has no significant effect on observed cardiovascular or metabolic parameters in sexually immature male and female rats. Copyright 2003, Elsevier Science (USA). All rights reserved.

Nicotine in Psychiatry: Psychopathology and Emerging Therapeutics

Nicotine in Psychiatry: Psychopathology and Emerging Therapeutics

Smokeless nicotinergic stimulation of vasopressin secretion in patients with persisting nocturnal enuresis and controls.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of nicotine stimulation on pituitary release of plasma arginine vasopressin (P(AVP)) in patients with primary monosymptomatic nocturnal enuresis (PMNE) and healthy control subjects. Postpubertal teenagers and adult enuretics as well as control subjects were enrolled into the study and admitted to hospital for measurements of P(AVP) in relation to intake of orally administered nicotine. Sixteen patients with PMNE (9 females, 7 males; aged 15-51 years, mean 23.5) and nine normal subjects (4 females, 5 males; aged 24-31 years, mean 27.3) were studied. The enuretics were characterized prior to investigation as either 1-desamino-8-D-arginine vasopressin (DDAVP) responders (n = 8; 16-51 years, mean 28.9) or DDAVP non-responders (n = 8; 15-24 years, mean 18.1) based on the reduction in the number of wet nights. P(AVP), mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) and heart rate (HR) were measured 0, 5, 10, 15 and 30 min, and plasma osmolality (P(osm)) 0 and 30 min after receiving 4 mg nicotine (Nicorette, Pharmacia & Upjohn) chewing gum. In the compiled material a slight but statistically significant increase was observed in P(AVP) at 30 min compared with baseline levels, concurrent with significant rises in MAP and HR above baseline levels at 15 and 30 min. No difference was seen in P(osm) before and after nicotine administration. No other significant variation over time, assessed by an ANOVA, was detected. No difference was encountered in any measured parameter between controls and enuretics or between DDAVP responders and non-responders. Smokeless nicotine chewing gum induces non-osmotic vasopressin release in humans. The secretory AVP capacity to this stimulation is normal in PMNE.

Smokeless nicotine administration is associated with hypertension but not with a deterioration in glucose tolerance in rats

Cigarette smoking is a major risk factor for coronary heart disease. To further investigate the relationship of nicotine with other cardiac risk factors, we studied the impact of nicotine on blood pressure and glucose tolerance. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to receive nicotine or placebo pellets implanted subcutaneously. Weight gain was controlled by pair-feeding, and was not significantly different between nicotine- and placebo-treated animals. Blood pressure (in mm Hg) increased throughout a 3-week treatment period in nicotine-treated animals and was significantly higher ( P < .05 by two-way ANOVA) than in placebo-treated rats. Blood pressure returned to normal within 1 week following exhaustion of the pellets. Oral glucose tolerance tests performed 2.5 weeks after pellet placement showed similar glucose, insulin, and free fatty acid (FFA) profiles by two-way ANOVA. In summary, smokeless nicotine exposure leads to sustained but reversible hypertension without deterioration in glucose tolerance or insulin action when weight gain is controlled. We conclude that in rats smokeless nicotine adversely affects the coronary risk profile by increasing blood pressure.