General mechanisms of nicotine-induced fibrogenesis.
Cigarette smoking contributes to the development of cancer, and pathogenesis of other diseases. Many chemicals have been identified in cigarettes that have potent biological properties. Nicotine is especially known for its role in addiction and plays a role in other physiological effects of smoking and tobacco use. Recent studies have provided compelling evidence that, in addition to promoting cancer, nicotine also plays a pathogenic role in systems, such as the lung, kidney, heart, and liver. In many organ systems, nicotine modulates fibrosis by altering the functions of fibroblasts. Understanding the processes modulated by nicotine holds therapeutic potential and may guide future clinical and research decisions. This review discusses the role of nicotine in the general fibrogenic process that governs fibrosis and fibrosis-related diseases, focusing on the cellular mechanisms that have implications in multiple organ systems. Potential research directions for the management of nicotine-induced fibrosis, and potential clinical considerations with regard to nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) are presented.
Division of Gastroenterology, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, 1901 South 1st St., Temple, TX 76504, USA.
Kendal
K
Jensen
Damir
D
Nizamutdinov
Micheleine
M
Guerrier
Syeda
S
Afroze
David
D
Dostal
Shannon
S
Glaser
D004847:Epithelial Cells / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D005355:Fibrosis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism; D005731:Ganglionic Stimulants / Q000506:poisoning*; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008099:Liver / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D008168:Lung / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000378:metabolism; D009538:Nicotine / Q000506:poisoning*; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000378:metabolism
D005731:Ganglionic Stimulants; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D009538:Nicotine