Smoking and hormones in health and endocrine disorders.
Smoking has multiple effects on hormone secretion, some of which are associated with important clinical implications. These effects are mainly mediated by the pharmacological action of nicotine and also by toxins such as thiocyanate. Smoking affects pituitary, thyroid, adrenal, testicular and ovarian function, calcium metabolism and the action of insulin. The major salient clinical effects are the increased risk and severity of Graves' hyperthyroidism and opthalmopathy, osteoporosis and reduced fertility. Smoking also contributes to the development of insulin resistance and hence type 2 diabetes mellitus. An important concern is also the effect of smoking on the foetus and young children. Passive transfer of thiocyanate can cause disturbance of thyroid size and function. Furthermore, maternal smoking causes increased catecholamine production, which may contribute to under perfusion of the foetoplacental unit.
Kapoor
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Centre for Diabetes and Endocrinology, Barnsley District General Hospital, Barnsley, UK.
Jones
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D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000307:Adrenal Gland Diseases; D001842:Bone and Bones; D004700:Endocrine System Diseases; D005260:Female; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D006262:Health; D006728:Hormones; D006801:Humans; D007333:Insulin Resistance; D008297:Male; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone; D010907:Pituitary Hormones; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D013959:Thyroid Diseases
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D012739:Gonadal Steroid Hormones; D006728:Hormones; D010281:Parathyroid Hormone; D010907:Pituitary Hormones