title: The Effect of Waterpipe Tobacco Smoke Exposure on Learning and Memory Functions in the Rat Model.
abstract: Tobacco smoking is a global health hazard that kills about 5 million people annually. Waterpipe smoking is among the most popular methods of tobacco consumption worldwide. In this study, we investigated whether waterpipe smoking impairs learning and memory in the hippocampus, a question of special concern due to the particular popularity of waterpipe use among youth. Additionally, possible molecular targets for expected learning and memory impairment were determined. In this study, rats were exposed to waterpipe smoke (WTS) by whole body exposure 1 h × 5 days/week, for 1 month, and outcomes were compared to a control group exposed only to fresh air. Outcomes included spatial learning and memory using the radial arm water maze (RAWM) and oxidative stress biomarkers (catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), GSH/GSSG ratio). We found that WTS exposure led to impaired short- and long-term memory. This impairment was accompanied by reduced hippocampal activity of catalase, SOD, GPx, GSH, and GSH/GSSG, elevated GSSG, thus marked changes in oxidative stress biomarkers. In conclusion, there is reason for concern that WTS exposure may impair cognitive ability.
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan. khalzoubi@just.edu.jo.
authors.forename: Karem H
authors.initials: KH
authors.lastname: Alzoubi
authors.affiliation: Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan.
authors.forename: Omar F
authors.initials: OF
authors.lastname: Khabour
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
authors.forename: Eman A
authors.initials: EA
authors.lastname: Alharahshah
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, 22110, Jordan.
authors.forename: Farah H
authors.initials: FH
authors.lastname: Alhashimi
authors.affiliation: Mechanical Engineering Department, American University of Beirut, Beirut, Lebanon.|Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
authors.forename: Alan
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Shihadeh
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology and Center for the Study of Tobacco Products, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
authors.forename: Thomas
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Eissenberg
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D006624:Hippocampus / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D057567:Memory, Long-Term; D008570:Memory, Short-Term; D018384:Oxidative Stress; D051381:Rats; D017208:Rats, Wistar; D012907:Smoking / Q000009:adverse effects*; D065853:Spatial Learning; D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution / Q000009:adverse effects*
chemical_list: D014028:Tobacco Smoke Pollution
keywords: Hippocampus; Maze; Memory; Tobacco; Waterpipe