Scientists at the University of Kentucky College of Medicine found that the female sex hormone estrogen stimulates the production of olfactomedins, proteins suppressed by nicotine, in important regions of the brain associated with reward and addiction. This can make it difficult for women to quit smoking. Research results published Discover is on BMB.
Thanks to studies conducted on rats, scientists realized that the sex hormone estrogen triggers the expression of olfactomedins. When exposed to nicotine, these proteins are suppressed in areas of the brain involved in reward and addiction. The researchers then conducted a series of experiments with human and rat cervical cells to better understand the interactions between olfactomedins, estrogen, and nicotine.
Scientists have suggested that when nicotine enters the body, estrogen can intensely stimulate the reward system centers of the brain through the production of olfactomydin. The reward system consists of various brain structures connected by nerve cells that communicate using dopamine. Getting satisfaction from smoking traditional cigarettes or e-cigarettes coordinates different aspects of the mind in a way that makes quitting smoking more difficult.
According to scientists, the results of this study may contribute to the development of new treatments and drugs by increasing the effectiveness of nicotine addiction treatment in women.
previous doctors said about the effect of long-term smoking on the stomach.