From the Guidelines
Nicotine has been shown to have potential neuronal benefits, particularly in its ability to stimulate the cholinergic anti-inflammatory response and activate the parasympathetic nervous system, which may lead to reduced systemic inflammation and neuroprotection 1. The most recent and highest quality study, published in 2022 in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine, suggests that nicotine may have anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing nuclear factor-κB-dependent transcriptional events, leading to downregulation of cytokine production and an attenuated response to inflammatory triggers 1. Some key points to consider:
- Nicotine acts on macrophages to inhibit the release of proinflammatory but not anti-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines 1.
- Activation of the α7 nAChR has been shown to protect against immune-mediated sepsis, viral disease, including acute lung injury, and brain injury in animal studies 1.
- Nicotine may have the potential to dampen immune responses and reduce tissue injury under conditions similar to those of the initial stages of COVID-19 1. However, it is essential to weigh these potential benefits against the risks associated with nicotine use, including its highly addictive nature and potential cardiovascular side effects, such as increased heart rate and blood pressure 1. The use of nicotine for neuronal benefits should be approached with caution, and individuals considering nicotine for cognitive purposes should consult a healthcare provider first to discuss the potential risks and benefits and determine the best course of treatment 1.
From the Research
Neuronal Benefits of Nicotine
- Nicotine has been shown to have beneficial effects on cognitive function, particularly in individuals with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD) 2, 3, 4.
- In AD, nicotine improves cognitive impairment by enhancing protein kinase B (Akt) activity and stimulating phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Akt signaling, which regulates learning and memory processes 2.
- In PD, nicotine slows the progression of the disease by inhibiting Sirtuin 6, a stress-responsive protein deacetylase, thereby decreasing neuronal apoptosis and improving neuronal survival 2.
- Nicotine may also activate thyroid receptor signaling pathways to improve memory impairment caused by hypothyroidism 2.
- In healthy individuals, nicotine improves memory impairment caused by sleep deprivation by enhancing the phosphorylation of calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II, an essential regulator of cell proliferation and synaptic plasticity 2.
Cognitive Enhancement
- Nicotine has been shown to improve attention, short-term memory, and long-term memory in individuals with various diseases, including AD, PD, and schizophrenia 3.
- Nicotine-derived compounds may be a promising strategy to alleviate neurological disease-associated cognitive deficits 3.
- However, nicotine's detrimental effects on cognition, particularly in the prenatal and adolescent periods, and high-dose nicotine- and withdrawal-induced memory impairment, must be considered 3.
Neurological and Cognitive Actions
- Nicotine's effects on neural and cognitive functioning in an aging population have been studied, with potential benefits for age-related cognitive decline and Alzheimer's disease 5.
- Nicotine has been shown to improve cognitive performance in adults with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), particularly in measures of attention and reaction time 6.